We have finally located where you need to go to get a permit to use the Stowe Trail. Permits are only good for one year and everyone over the age of 10 must have one for walking, hiking, horseback riding, and biking.
Stowe Trail Permit will take you to the webpage set up by the Marines.
Here are some Q&A’s regarding the use of the trail.
Q1. What is the age required to obtain a permit?
A1. All U.S. citizens, 10 years of age and older, must obtain a permit in order to access Stowe Trail. Approval of permits will depend on the results of background checks for adults and the completion of appropriate paperwork by all applicants. Permit holders under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult permit holder. Children under the age of 10 may access Stowe Trail with a permit-holding parent or legal guardian provided that the permit holder has a signed liability waiver on file for each child.
Q2. What will occur if someone accesses the trail without a permit?
A2. Persons who access Stowe Trail without a permit may be subject to citations, fines, and any other punitive measure as determined by the U.S. District Court. Specifically, these persons may be subject to a $500 fine and confiscation of property.
Q3. What are the ramifications of going off the trail?
A3. Persons who trespass onto trails other than Stowe Trail, and all persons who lack a permit, may be subject to citations and any other punitive measure as determined by the U.S. District Court. These persons may be subject to a $500 fine, confiscation of property, and loss of permit.
Q4. How do I know the boundaries of the trail?
A4. There are signs along the trail to ensure permit holders stay within the boundaries of the trail.
Q5. What is the helmet policy?
A5. Helmets are required while riding a bicycle aboard all U.S. Marine Corps installations.
Q6. Am I allowed to ride a motorized vehicle on the trail?
A6. No, motorized vehicles are prohibited from using Stowe Trail.
Q7. What forms of transportation are authorized on the trail?
A7. Activity while on the trail is restricted to recreational bicycling, hiking, and horseback riding; no intentional delay or other unauthorized activity is permitted.
Q8. Are there canine restrictions?
A8. Full or mixed breeds of Pit Bulls, Rottweilers, canid/wolf hybrids, and any other canine breed with dominant traits of aggression, present an unreasonable risk to the health and safety of personnel on Marine Corps installations and are prohibited.
Q9. Can my permit be revoked?
A9. Any disruptive, disorderly or illegal conduct may result in the permanent revocation of trail privileges and be subject to enforcement by law enforcement officials and prosecution under U.S. code.
Q10. Are items prohibited from being on the trail?
A10. Prohibited items include firearms, knives, replica or toy weapons, pepper spray, mace, stun guns, martial arts weapons, or other weapons of any kind (regardless of permit); alcoholic beverages; drones (i.e. quad or hex copters); lasers or laser pointers; and federally-banned substances such as illicit narcotics and marijuana. State laws regarding medical and recreational marijuana are NOT recognized aboard MCAS Miramar, including Stowe Trail.
Q11. Are trail improvements and maintenance allowed?
A11. Any modification or other “improvement” of the trail is strictly prohibited unless specifically authorized by the commanding officer of MCAS Miramar.