Cleveland National Forest

National Forest System Roads

Follow California Vehicle Code on National Forest System Roads

Forest Truck Trail and Road Closures

North Main Divide, Indian Truck Trail, and Maple Springs road have all been closed due to inclement weather. For additional updated conditions, visit Forest Truck Trail and Road Closures.

Prescribed Fires Begin on the Cleveland

The Cleveland National Forest is planning prescribed fire operations this fall & winter. Work will continue through the spring as weather conditions allow.

Harmful Algal Bloom Caution - Cedar Creek Falls

Caution – Harmful Algae may be present at Cedar Creek Falls Pool.

Fire Use Restrictions

Campfire, charcoal fire restrictions. Smoking area restrictions.

Water Unavailable at Penny Pines Trailhead Spigot

Attention Hikers: There is currently NO WATER available at the Penny Pines Trailhead. The water spigot pump is broken and there is no estimated time of repair at this time. Be prepared to bring or seek out alternative water sources.

Airport Fire Burned Area Closure

The Cleveland NF has closed the Airport Fire burned area perimeter on the Trabuco Ranger District of the Cleveland National Forest. This closure prohibits going into or being upon any National Forest System lands, roads, and trails within the boundaries of the closure.

Camping Stay Limits

This order prohibits extended camping in developed campgrounds, undeveloped areas, and maximum annual camping durations.

Cedar Creek Falls Forest Orders

Forest Order No. 02-23-02 closes the cliffs surrounding the falls, 02-23-03 requires visitors to have a permit to access the falls, 02-23-04 prohibits alcohol along the entirety of the trail system.

Wind Advisory issued December 29 at 7:47PM PST until December 30 at 1:00PM PST by NWS San Diego CA

7:47 PM — December 30th, 6:15 AM

* WHAT...Northeast to east winds 15 to 25 mph with gusts up to 45 mph expected. Isolated gusts to 65 mph possible. * WHERE...San Diego County Mountains and San Diego County Valleys. * WHEN...Until 1 PM PST Tuesday. * IMPACTS...Gusty winds will blow around unsecured objects. Tree limbs could be blown down and a few power outages may result. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Strongest winds will occur along the coastal slopes of the mountains and adjacent foothills and far inland valleys.

Wind Advisory issued December 29 at 7:47PM PST until December 30 at 1:00PM PST by NWS San Diego CA

7:47 PM — December 30th, 6:15 AM

* WHAT...Northeast winds 15 to 30 mph with gusts up to 50 mph expected. Isolated gusts to 65 mph possible below the passes. * WHERE...San Bernardino County Mountains, San Bernardino and Riverside County Valleys-The Inland Empire, San Gorgonio Pass near Banning, and Santa Ana Mountains and Foothills. * WHEN...Until 1 PM PST Tuesday. * IMPACTS...Gusty winds will blow around unsecured objects. Tree limbs could be blown down and a few power outages may result. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Strongest winds will occur through and below the Cajon Pass and adjacent foothills, below the San Gorgonio Pass, and through the canyons of the Santa Ana Mountains.

Overview

Cleveland National Forest is currently open and spans 460,000 acres across San Diego, Orange, and Riverside counties in Southern California. The forest operates under moderate fire restrictions (Forest Order 02-25-07, effective July 1-December 31, 2025). A significant portion of the Trabuco Ranger District remains closed due to the 2024 Airport Fire—the burned area perimeter closure (Forest Order 02-25-04) is in effect until May 23, 2026. However, several roads and trails in the Trabuco District reopened in late May 2025. The Descanso and Palomar Ranger Districts remain fully accessible. Key advisories: No water available at Penny Pines Trailhead (pump broken, no repair ETA); harmful algae may be present at Cedar Creek Falls Pool; Fry Creek Campground experiencing hazardous fuels reduction work September-November 2025. Standard camping limits apply (14 consecutive days max). Dispersed camping available with permit across all three districts. Check current conditions before visiting as closures change frequently based on fire danger and weather.

Campgrounds

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