The landscape varies somewhat, with mostly chaparral canyons, arroyos and high desert, but dotted with meadows and oak and conifer forests.

Near water sources, riparian environments and perennial aquatic plants attract native and migratory wildlife, such as at San Diego’s man-made Lake Cuyamaca.

A generally warm and dry, inland-Mediterranean climate prevails over the Forest, with the cooler months producing morning frost and snowfall (in the higher elevations).

The area is administered by the U.S. Forest Service, a government agency within the United States Department of Agriculture, and is locally overseen by the Descanso, Palomar and Trabuco Ranger Districts.

Also updated on Cleveland National Forest’s official site (under ‘Current Conditions’) are road, campground, picnic area, and trail closures.

A wildlife corridor is being created between Cleveland National Forest and Orange County’s wild coastal terrains to ensure that animals can retreat fire safely if needed.