We look forward to hosting you for an epic glamping experience. We strive to create the most safe and comfortable outdoor experience possible. Upon booking with Alter Experiences LLC, you're entering into an agreement for an outdoor hospitality experience at one of our nature retreats. 

Our glamping retreats are being offered at various affiliate destinations in some of the most pristine and remote destinations on this planet. Some of these destinations include; San Diego Backcountry, Baja California - Mexico, Catalina Island and the Red Sea.

We currently manage several sites in Cleveland National Forest (Laguna Mountain), Julian & near Lake Cuyamaca & the Cuyamaca Ranch State Park. The San Diego Backcountry is our headquarters. Our primary sites are within the Cleveland National Forest, within the general vicinity of Cuyamaca - Julian - Laguna Mountain area. We offer various accommodation styles depending on location. Our Tentsile tree tents are definitely the most popular - a lightweight treehouse that uses 3 anchor points to create a "living space" suspended between trees. Your glamping site comes complete with sleeping bag, standard amenities, lounge area, & outdoor kitchen. We also offer we plush canvas tents and all of our sites come with amenities you can expect at a hotel. 

Each one of our sites has been handpicked with various factors taken into consideration, the first obviously being the proper tree configuration for our tree tents. It can get tricky with bigger groups when we need a greater density of trees available to set up site. Some sites are only available seasonally & we also try to rotate as much as possible to minimize the stress on our trees. This also gives an opportunity for return guest to always experience a new site. Facilities & amenities are standard across our multiple sites, but the locations will vary depending on the season & availability. Many factors come into play for us to deliver this one of a kind outdoor experience. 

Our tree tents and stout canvas tents are currently available at the Laguna Campground & Burnt Rancheria Campground in the Cleveland National Forest. You'll have your own private site with fire pit and bench table, as well as 2 assigned parking spots. Each site can hold a maximum of 8 people. We can usually accommodate a group of up to 16 people in two adjoining sites.

The campground is a shared recreational facility and other campers will be present at the other available sites. Our sites are permanently consigned to us year-round. Restrooms are communal areas. Please be aware that we're an independent entity from the Cleveland National Forest and operate under permission of the U.S Forestry Service - Department of Agriculture. USDA is an equal opportunity employer.

As an outfitter, we help provide planning, logistical support & equipment rental throughout your stay with us.

It's your responsibility to know & abide by State & Federal Park rules during your stay with us. We'll give you a briefing upon arrival & you'll be required to sign a liability release at that time.

You must abide with all fire restrictions in place at the campground. NEVER leave a fire unattended. Fires must be put out completely with water only. Quiet time after 10pm. NO LITTERING. No music. Never feed and keep a safe distance from all wildlife. 10 MPH speed limit when in the campground. Pets must be on a leash at all times. Pets not allowed in accommodations.

These items are included as part of your stay with Alter Experiences LLC:

 - We prepare the site prior to your arrival and make it a comfortable setting for your group. 

 - Parking for up to 2 vehicles. Additional vehicles are $10 per vehicle per night. 

 - Tree Tent comes with a sleeping bag, liner and pillow per person. 

 - Bell tent features therapeutic mattress, plush interior and propane heater

 - Drinking water dispenser & First Aid kit is provided.

 - Fire pit or alternatively propane fire pit, lounge area & camping chairs chairs are provided

 - Soap / shampoo and towel per person provided

 - You'll be provided with an outdoor kitchen including; table, propane cooker, pots/pans, kettle, kitchen utensils. All you need to bring is your food and cooler with ice.

What you need to bring:

 - Bring a cooler with plenty of ice for your food

 - Toothbrush and toothpaste 

 - Charcoal if you plan on barbecuing (designated pit only)

 - Cash for wood ($6 per bundle) and quarters for shower ($2 for 5 minutes)

 - Extra layer of clothes and blanket help for the cold winter nights 

 - Refillable water bottle

What else you should know

1. We have no control over the weather and if conditions are not suitable for your trip, we'll let you know with at least 24 hours of anticipation. Rain and snow storms do occur throughout the year especially in the winter months. Santa Ana winds may also create dangerous situations. Southern California generally has beautiful weather year round, but things are different in the mountains. You'll probably want to bring some heavy blankets in the winter months from November to February to use on top of your sleeping bag. Temperatures can drop down to the 30's and the weather is on average 10-15 degrees colder than the city due to the altitude. Beanie, gloves, and scarf are a good idea to bring. Bring your thermals and heavy socks. You'll be going through a lot more firewood in the winter - up to 5 bundles per night. You can buy bundled wood at the site for $6 per bundle. They only accept cash so have enough on you. Fire restrictions may be in effect. Check the weather forecast before coming. 

2. Make sure to have a full tank of gas. The only gas station in the area is in Julian about 30 minutes away from either campground.

3. As an outdoor experience, we are sharing space with nature. As such, an insect may get inside your tent. Our tents are kept very clean, but this is part of the great outdoors.

4. Is is your responsibility to follow all state/federal laws while visiting the state park and/or national forest.

5. Food is not allowed in your tent. Food is only allowed in designated areas and must be stored safely overnight. This is very important to keep animals out of your tent. Animals can smell food long after it has been cleaned up and we do not want you to have any unwanted visitors. 

Please abide by the following

 - When using the accommodation, it is assumed that all the guests are familiar with the rules and that they agree with the terms and conditions.

 - Guests who intentionally or accidentally damage the property or equipment, will have to reimburse the the full amount of the occurred damage. A credit card will be asked for on the day of arrival (for large groups).

 - The guests are obliged to take care of their personal valuables left in the accommodation. Neither Alter Experience LLCs, the State or Federal Parks will be responsible in the case of any disappearance of personal items.

 - No smoking is permitted within the vicinity of the tents. Please be very mindful of the surroundings and of others if you are a smoker. Proper disposal of cigarette ends is essential. A fire risk should be considered at all times when using any items that produce heat or naked flame.

 - Noise awareness – Please be mindful of those that may be staying in the other tents. Noise levels especially late at night must be kept to a minimum. Anyone causing a disturbance to other guest will be asked to leave without a refund.

 - Composting toilets are in place in certain sites; they must be used as it states. They are checked morning, night and throughout the day, but we ask that if you need help to please ask.

 - Only environmentally friendly products should be used including soaps, shampoos, shower gels…

 - Alter Expereiences LLC reserves the right to cancel a booking on short notice in the event of extreme weather or in the unlikely event that we cannot provide safe accommodation in one of the tents.

 - Parents are responsible for the supervision of children during your trip The site is natural with uneven ground when wondering from the paths. We have made every attempt to make all areas as safe as possible and child friendly.

 - Any use of canoes, bicycles or other facilities/equipment is at the users own risk and we accept no liability. Please take necessary safety measures at all times.

 - It is not allowed to bring any weapon, inflammable or explosive substance on to the accommodation or the State/Federal Parks.

 - In the case of any complaint about the quality of the accommodation we advise guests to contact the owners directly This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Booking and Deposit

- You can book directly with us on-line or through our affiliates such as Airbnb, Hipcamp or Glampinghub. Bookings must be secured by a non-refundable deposit. You can book & pay on-line or you can pay over the phone. Numbers for large parties must be confirmed within 7 days of making a provisional booking. Once a deposit is paid, If numbers decrease the original number booked for and quoted for will remain the balance due.

- Payment remainder must be paid in full 1 day prior to arrival. (For larger groups of 9+ remainder must be made 1 weeks prior to arrival)

- Arrival to your tent is after 3pm

- Departure and check out must be by 11am

Cancellation Fees

For a full refund of accommodation fees, cancellation must be made within 48 hours of booking and at least 14 full days prior to listing’s local check-in time (or 3:00 PM if not specified) on the day of check-in.

For a 50% refund of accommodation fees, cancellation must be made 7 full days prior to listing’s local check in time (or 3:00 PM if not specified) on the day of check in, otherwise no refund. For example, if check-in is on Friday, cancel by Friday of the previous week before check in time.

If the guest cancels less than 7 days in advance or decides to leave early after check-in, the nights not spent are not refunded.

Pets

Pets are allowed in certain sites but must be leashed at all times. Please tell us if you decide to bring a pet. Guests are responsible for any damage caused by their pets and have to clean the excrements left. PETS are NOT ALLOWED in any accommodation units. You must provide an enclosure for your pet.

Indemnification

Activities available at Alter Experiences LLC destinations include hiking, swimming, climbing and many other activities that provide opportunities for fun, improved physical fitness, rigorous healthful exercise, wholesome recreation, and other benefits ("Activities"), but many of the Activities are INHERENTLY DANGEROUS. The Activities and the required exertion levels can range from moderate to very vigorous depending upon your desires. The Activities are suitable for those with experience and skill, as well as for those without no experience who use sufficient caution. Alter Experiences LLC regards your safety and the safety of others as a top priority and we take care to reduce the traditional risks associated with the Activities and the use of our facilities, including but not limited to cabins, camp sites, trails, stairs, bridges, lodges, event locations, bathrooms, and showers. However, regardless of the care taken to avoid injuries, some risks are inherent in the Activities and cannot be totally eliminated. These inherent risks include but are not limited to trips, falls, collisions with other participants and inanimate objects, and even slipping in the bathrooms or showers. Inherent risks also include unexpected equipment failures, unknown facility hazards, careless behavior by you or other participants, errors in judgment by Alter Experiences LLC employees, and injuries caused by negligence on the part of Alter Experiences LLC or its employees, you or other participants.

Alter Experiences LLC WANTS YOU TO UNDERSTAND THAT INJURIES MAY OCCUR. Possible injuries include everything from minor muscle soreness, bruises, sprains, abrasions, and lacerations, to more serious injuries such as sprained ankles, broken bones, knee injuries, shoulder injuries, back sprains, neck sprains, and chipped or broken teeth, as well as catastrophic injuries such as permanent disabilities, spinal injuries, paralysis, and even death.

ASSUMPTION OF INHERENT RISKS. In booking with Alter Experiences LLC, you acknowledge the inherent risks of the Activities at Alter Experiences LLC and that many of those activities involve dangers regardless of the care taken by Alter Experiences LLC. You acknowledge that the Activities require some degree of skill, coordination, and physical fitness. You have read the previous paragraph and understand the nature of the Activities, understand the demands of the Activities relative to my physical condition and skill level, and appreciate the types of injuries that can occur as a result of such activities.

You hereby assert that, and if applicable, your child's or ward's participation in the Activities is voluntary and that you knowingly assume all inherent risks of the Activities on behalf of yourself and, if applicable, your child or ward.

LIABILITY WAIVER. In consideration of permission to use the Alter Experiences LLC facilities today and on all future dates, on behalf of yourself, child or ward, spouse, heirs, personal representatives, estate, parents and assigns ("Releasing Parties") do hereby waive, release, discharge, and covenant not to sue Alter Experiences LLC and their respective owners, directors, officers, employees, volunteers, equipment suppliers, independent contractors, agents, affiliates, successors, and assigns ("Protected Parties") and hold them harmless from liability for any and all claims arising from participation in the Activities and use of the Alter Experiences LLC facilities by Releasing Parties, including any injury resulting from the ordinary negligence of Protected Parties.

INDEMNIFICATION. Releasing Parties further agree to hold harmless defend and indemnify Protected Parties (that is, defend Protected Parties and pay any judgment and costs, including investigation costs, attorneys' fees, expert fees, and related expenses) from any and all claims of the Releasing Parties and/or third parties, including other Alter Experiences LLC participants, rescuers, and persons on neighboring properties, arising from Releasing Parties' conduct, participation in the Activities, and their use of the Alter Experiences LLC facilities, including any injury or loss due to the ordinary negligence of Protected Parties.

GENERAL. Releasing Parties confirm that these rules, liability waiver, and indemnification provisions supersede any and all previous oral or written promises or agreements regarding the subject matter hereof and understand that this is the entire agreement between Releasing Parties and Protected Parties as to the subject matter hereof and cannot be modified or changed in any way except in a writing signed by Alter Experiences LLC. Releasing Parties expressly agree that the foregoing rules, liability waiver, and indemnification provisions are intended to be as broad and inclusive as is permitted by the laws of the State of California and that if a portion thereof is held invalid, it is agreed that the balance shall, notwithstanding, continue in full legal force and effect. If legal action is brought, the appropriate trial court in San Diego County shall have the sole and exclusive jurisdiction, and only the substantive laws of the State of California shall apply.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS AND AGREEMENTS. I, on behalf of myself and, if applicable, my child or ward (each a "Participant"), acknowledge and/or agree as follows:

1. Participant possesses sufficient physical fitness and coordination to enable safe participation in the Activities.

2. Participant assumes the risk of all medical conditions of Participant (e.g. asthma, diabetes, anaphylaxis, epilepsy, heart disease, or high blood pressure).

3. Alter Experiences LLC encourages each Participant to get medical clearance prior to participation.

4. Participant will cease activity if there is discomfort such as faintness, shortness of breath, high anxiety, or chest pains.

5. Participant authorizes Alter Experiences LLC to administer emergency first aid, CPR, use an AED, and secure emergency medical care or transportation (i.e. EMS) if deemed necessary by Alter Experiences 

6. Participant assumes all costs of emergency medical care and transportation.

7. Participant agrees to abide by all safety-related rules while participating in Activities and to attempt only Activities Participant feels capable of performing safely.

8. Participant agrees to inform Alter Experiences LLC immediately if Participant sees conduct or a condition that endangers others.

9. Participant understands the importance of safety rules and equipment and agrees to comply with Alter Experiences LLC rules and use appropriate safety equipment when engaging in Activities.

10. Participant acknowledges that Alter Experiences LLC has the authority to terminate participation if it is deemed a danger to Participant or others.

You acknowledge that you've read this Liability Waiver and Indemnification and fully understand is terms. If applicable, you assert that you understand the risks of the Activities, and the conditions of their participation, to your child.You acknowledge that you're giving up substantial rights, including your rights, the rights of your child or ward, if applicable, and the rights of other Releasing Parties to sue for damages in the event of death, injury, or loss. You further acknowledge, on behalf of yourself and, if applicable, your child or ward, are signing this Liability Waiver and Indemnification freely and voluntarily and intend my signature to be a complete and unconditional release of all liability, including that due to the inherent risks of the Activities or ordinary negligence by the Protected Parties, to the greatest extent allowed by the law of the State of California.

Web-site Disclaimer

No Warranties

This website is provided “as is” without any representations or warranties, express or implied. Alter Experiences LLC make no representations or warranties in relation to this website or the information and materials provided on this website.

Without prejudice to the generality of the foregoing paragraph, Alter Experiences LLC does not warrant that:

 - this website will be constantly available, or available at all; or

 - the information on this website is complete, true or accurate

Nothing on this website constitutes, or is meant to constitute, advice of any kind. [If you require advice in relation to any [legal, financial or medical] matter you should consult an appropriate professional.]

Limitations of Liability

Alter Experiences LLC will not be liable to you (whether under the law of contact or otherwise) in relation to the contents of, or use of, or otherwise in connection with, this website:

 - to the extent that the website is provided free-of-charge, for any direct loss;]

 - or any indirect, special or consequential loss; or for any business losses, loss of revenue, income, profits or anticipated savings, loss of contracts or business relationships, loss of reputation or goodwill, or loss or corruption of information or data.

These limitations of liability apply even if Alter Experiences LLC has been expressly advised of the potential loss.

Exceptions

Nothing in this website disclaimer will exclude or limit any warranty implied by law that it would be unlawful to exclude or limit; and nothing in this website disclaimer will exclude or limit Alter Experiences LLC liability in respect of any:

Death or personal injury caused by Alter Experiences LLC negligence; fraud or fraudulent misrepresentation on the part of Alter Experiences LLC; or matter which it would be illegal or unlawful for Alter Experiences LLC to exclude or limit, or to attempt or purport to exclude or limit, its liability.

Reasonableness

By using this website, you agree that the exclusions and limitations of liability set out in this website disclaimer are reasonable.

If you do not think they are reasonable, you must not use this website.

Other parties

[You accept that, as a limited liability entity, Alter Experiences LLC has an interest in limiting the personal liability of its officers and employees. You agree that you will not bring any claim personally against Alter Experiences LLC officers or employees in respect of any losses you suffer in connection with the website.]

[Without prejudice to the foregoing paragraph,] you agree that the limitations of warranties and liability set out in this website disclaimer will protect Alter Experiences LLC officers, employees, agents, subsidiaries, successors, assigns and sub-contractors as well as Alter Experiences LLC.

Unenforceable provisions

If any provision of this website disclaimer is, or is found to be, unenforceable under applicable law, that will not affect the enforceability of the other provisions of this website disclaimer.

Copyright

In all publications, Alter Experiences LLC endeavours to comply with applicable copyright laws. If, in spite of this, an infringement of copyright should occur, Alter Experiences LLC will (after notification) remove the relevant object from its publication or indicate the appropriate copyright. All brand names and trademarks mentioned within the Internet offering that are possibly protected by third parties are without limitation subject to the provisions of the law on trademarks and related signs and the property rights of the registered owners. The mere fact that they have been mentioned should not be taken to mean that trademarks are not protected by third-party rights.

Alter Experiences LLC holds sole copyright to Alter Experiences LLC own content at the domain alterexperiences.com Reproduction of graphics or texts in other electronic or printed publications is not permitted without Alter Experiences LLC express consent.

Privacy Policy

We collect information from you when you register on our site, make a booking, subscribe to our newsletter, or respond to a survey or fill out a form.

When booking or registering on our site, you may be asked to enter your: name, e-mail address, mailing address, phone number, credit card information. You may, however, visit our site anonymously. Any of the information we collect from you may be used in one of the following ways:

- to personalize your experience - to improve our website - to improve customer service - to process transactions

Your information, whether public or private, will not be sold, exchanged, transferred, or given to any other company for any reason whatsoever, without your consent, other than for the express purpose of delivering the purchased product or service requested.

- to administer a contest, promotion, survey or other site feature - to send periodic emails

The email address you provide for order processing, may be used to send you information and updates pertaining to your order, in addition to receiving occasional company news, updates, related product or service information, etc.

How do we protect your information?

We implement a variety of security measures to maintain the safety of your personal information when you place an order or enter, submit, or access your personal information.

We offer the use of a secure server. All supplied sensitive/credit information is transmitted via Secure Socket Layer (SSL) technology and then encrypted into our Payment gateway providers database only to be accessible by those authorized with special access rights to such systems, and are required to keep the information confidential.

After a transaction, your private information (credit cards, social security numbers, financials, etc.) will not be kept on file for more than 60 days.

Do we use cookies?

We use cookies to understand and save your preferences for future visits, keep track of advertisements and compile aggregate data about site traffic and site interaction so that we can offer better site experiences and tools in the future. We may contract with third-party service providers to assist us in better understanding our site visitors. These service providers are not permitted to use the information collected on our behalf except to help us conduct and improve our business.

If you prefer, you can choose to have your computer warn you each time a cookie is being sent, or you can choose to turn off all cookies via your browser settings. Like most websites, if you turn your cookies off, some of our services may not function properly. However, you can still place orders over the telephone or by contacting customer service.

We do not sell, trade, or otherwise transfer to outside parties your personally identifiable information. This does not include trusted third parties who assist us in operating our website, conducting our business, or servicing you, so long as those parties agree to keep this information confidential. We may also release your information when we believe release is appropriate to comply with the law, enforce our site policies, or protect ours or others rights, property, or safety. However, non-personally identifiable visitor information may be provided to other parties for marketing, advertising, or other uses.

Third party links

Occasionally, at our discretion, we may include or offer third party products or services on our website. These third party sites have separate and independent privacy policies. We therefore have no responsibility or liability for the content and activities of these linked sites. Nonetheless, we seek to protect the integrity of our site and welcome any feedback about these sites.

California Online Privacy Protection Act Compliance

Because we value your privacy we have taken the necessary precautions to be in compliance with the California Online Privacy Protection Act. We therefore will not distribute your personal information to outside parties without your consent.

Your Consent

By using our site, you consent to our websites privacy policy.
 

Visiting your National Forest backcountry can be the experience of a lifetime. The beauty and tranquility of these areas may bring you back again and again. But whether you're an experienced user or a novice, a few simple precautions can ensure a safe and pleasurable trip.

A Message About Fire

As you travel in the Cleveland National Forest, "Remember, Only You Can Prevent Forest Fires" To protect public safety and forest health in this very flammable environment, wildfire prevention measures are necessary. The greatest fire danger occurs in the summer and fall, but large fires have burned in every month of the year. Hot, easterly winds, known as Santa Anas, blow with great intensity each year, usually in the fall, but sometimes during the winter and spring months as well. These winds create extremely dangerous fire conditions.

Because of the potential danger from human-caused fires, fire regulations are in effect in the forest all year long. Campfires are permitted only within grills and fire rings provided in developed campgrounds and picnic areas. All wood and charcoal fires are forbidden outside of these sites. With a permit, liquid fuel stoves may be used in the center of a 10-foot circle cleared to bare soil - contact any Forest Office for more information. Smoking is permitted only within areas cleared 3 feet in diameter to bare soil, and is never permitted while traveling on foot or horseback.

Plan Your Trip

• Plan your trip from start to finish at home. Use a forest recreation map, topographic maps and trail guides. Get advice from experienced backcountry travelers.
• Allow plenty of time for driving mountain roads and hiking over rugged terrain.
• Before leaving home, leave your itinerary with a relative or friend. Write a full account of who is going, where you are going, when you will be back, and where you plan to stay each night.
• A good rule of thumb is: a hiker walks 2 miles per hour on level ground, 3 miles per hour downhill, and 1 mile per hour uphill.
• Buddy Up. If you are hiking, backpacking, or exploring at any time of year, take someone with you and make sure someone else knows your travel plans.

Abandoned Mine Safety

The Forest Service manages a large part of the Federal lands across the United States. Much of this land, especially that of the western states, was used historically for mining of metals such as gold, copper, lead, and zinc. Abandoned mines pose a safety risk to the public, increasing the need to make all aware of the dangers of entrance into these areas.

Abandoned mines are hazardous and should be left alone. For your own safety and the safety of other, do not try to enter abandoned mines. Protect yourself and your loved ones - stay out of abandoned mines.

Check Local Conditions

Sudden storms are common in the summer, especially in the afternoon and evening. During lightening storms, stay off ridges, and away from open meadows and isolated trees. To find out about known hazards such as flash flood warnings, slippery roads or high fire danger please visit our Alerts & Notices page or call/stop by the Ranger Station (Open 8:00am to 4:30pm - Monday through Friday) for the area you plan to visit. Sudden weather changes are common in the backcountry. Be prepared! Consider taking raingear, a hat, and wearing sturdy shoes or hiking boots.

Think Before You Drink

It may be tempting to drink water from a cold stream, but a microscopic organism called Giardia lamblia caused by human or animal feces may be present in the water and could cause an intestinal disorder called Giardiasis (gee-ar-dye-a-sis). All surface water on the Cleveland should be considered unsafe to drink without treatment. Chemical disinfectants are available, or carry bottled water. Always carry plenty of water.

Dehydration and Heat

High temperatures are common in the summer, but can occur throughout the year. Heat exhaustion and heat stroke can result from continued exposure to high temperatures and inadequate or unbalanced replacement of fluids. Adults require two quarts of water per day and four quarts or more for strenuous activity at high elevations. To maintain a high energy level and avoid dehydration:

• Drink 8 to 16 ounces of water before hiking.
• Drink frequently when on the trail.
• Drink as much water as possible during lunch and throughout the evening.
• Limit caffeine drinks such as coffee or cola.
• Avoid alcoholic drinks.
• Plan ahead for drinking water. Don't allow water to run out before resupplying.
• Take breaks in the shade.
• Prevent sunburn by wearing lightweight, light colored, and loose fitting clothing that allows air to circulate and sweat to evaporate while offering protection from direct sun. Bare skin absorbs the sun's radiant heat and raises body temperature. Understand the signs and symptoms of heat disorders including heat cramps, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke.

Hypothermia

Hypothermia is a potentially fatal condition caused by a progressive loss of body temperature. When a person experiences chilling at a rate greater than their body's ability to generate heat, their body functions will slow or diminish. Hypothermia can become a problem in relatively mild conditions. Any time wind chill temperatures drop below 50 degrees Fahrenheit (10 degrees Celsius) and especially if a person becomes wet from precipitation or perspiration, conditions are ripe for the development of hypothermia. Since prevention is more effective than any cure, the traveler should keep the following in mind:

• Keep your skin and clothing dry and drink a lot of water.
• Avoid alcohol and smoking as they impair your body's ability to regulate blood flow.
• Symptoms include fits of shivering, vague and slurred speech, memory lapses, fumbling hands, a lurching walk, drowsiness and exhaustion, and an apparent lack of concern about physical discomfort.
• Hypothermia victims must be removed from wind and wetness. Remove all wet clothing and place the person in a dry sleeping bag with another person to transfer and restore body heat. Give the victim warm drinks, but not coffee or alcohol. When you are ready to resume traveling, make sure no one becomes wet or chilled again.

If You Get Lost

If you get lost, stay calm and don't panic. Stop and try to figure out where you are. Look for peaks or landmarks. Use your head and not your legs! Three of anything such as shouts, whistle blasts, or reflected light from a mirror or a flash light is a sign of distress. Carry a rescue whistle for emergency use.

Snakes

Rattlesnakes are frequently encountered on the Cleveland National Forest, especially during the warm summer months. Snakes are defensive and rarely attack unless provoked. When going through thick underbrush be alert, walk slowly and give snakes ample time to move out of the way. Use a hiking stick and wear high top hiking shoes. Stay on clear paths as much as possible. Be careful where you place your feet and hands at all times.

Lions

Mountain lions inhabit about half of California generally in areas where deer are plentiful. As their population recovers and increases, so have their contacts with humans who venture into their territory. Following are a few tips from the California Department of Fish and Game:

• Always keep children close. Don't let them run off.
• Never approach a lion.
• Never run from a lion. It might chase you. Stand, face the animal, and make eye contact.
• Pick up small children without bending or turning away from the lion.
• Try to look big. Raise your arms, open your jacket. Make noise.

For more information about mountain lions contact the California Department of Fish and Game.

Rodents and their Burrows

Avoid setting up camp near rodent burrows. (Look for holes in the ground, and near rocks and tree stumps.) Fleas from rodents can carry bubonic plague.

Leaves of Three--Let It Be

Poison oak is found up to 5,000 feet elevation. Learn to identify and avoid it. Poison oak has waxy-looking leaves that grow in lobes of three and change from green to red or maroon in fall.

Driving on Forest Roads

Passenger Cars - Improved surface roads, identified on the Forest visitor map, are suitable for passenger cars, but may not be as smooth or as well maintained as County Roads. Vehicles that are not licensed for use on the street and highways may not be operated on these roads except when specifically authorized.

High Clearance Vehicles & Pickup Trucks - Most national forest roads are one-lane dirt roads with turnouts for passing oncoming traffic and are not maintained for passenger cars. Unsurfaced or Native dirt roads receive only minimal maintenance but may be used by high clearance SUV’s and pickup trucks. These roads are not suited for passenger car travel. If you choose to travel minimally maintained roads, you may find rocks, downed trees, road washouts, and brush encroaching on the roadway. Drive slowly and carry equipment such as an axe, shovel, gloves, and fuel.

Many of these roads are closed during wet weather. Even where they are not closed, please DO NOT drive these roads in wet weather because you will leave tire ruts. Some route markers may be missing, so watch for changes in road conditions. Check with the local Forest Service Office for specific travel information

Closed Roads

Many roads are on private land and not available for public use. Please respect the rights of property owners. Forest roads are sometimes closed for a variety of reasons:

• during wet weather and in the winter to prevent the rutting of soft roadbeds
• to reduce disturbances to wildlife during nesting season and other critical periods
• to ensure public safety or because of high fire danger.
• Road use may also be restricted because of maintenance work and other administrative tasks that are being done.

Rules of the Road - Safe driving requires alertness. The forest road system is different from streets and highways. Road conditions vary dramatically and roads are used by a variety of travelers. Licensed high clearance vehicles, recreational vehicles, horseback riders, mountain bikes and hikers are common sights on the back roads of the forest. Most national forest roads are one-lane dirt roads with turnouts for passing oncoming traffic and are not maintained for passenger cars. Use these descriptions to plan an enjoyable trip best suited for your vehicle and driving experience.

Winter Vehicle Travel - Snow conditions result in closure of some Forest Service Roads and state highways over mountain passes. Tire chains may be required. Winter travelers should carry tire chains at all times and be prepared to spend long periods of time in the car. Carry blankets or sleeping bags, a shovel, water, food and other necessities, and travel with a full tank of gas.

Tread Lightly

Tread lightly is a practice that allows you to enjoy the National Forest without changing or damaging it. It is a willingness to assume responsibility to care for the land and respect the rights of those you meet along the way and those who follow you. The five basic principles of the "Tread Lightly" program are to:

• Travel only where permitted
• Respect the right s of others
• Educate yourself
• Avoid streams, meadows, and wildlife
• Drive and travel responsibly

Information provided here is courtesy of USDA Forest Service. For more info about the Cleveland National Forest, please visit their web-site.