Location: San Bernardino County, California
The term “knob” is an archaic word for a pronounced geographical land mark by which travelers may guide themselves. The term “gobbler” is more open to interpretation. There were a number of possibilities for early use of this name with reference to someone or something eating in the vicinity. But Rosalie Clyde, the granddaughter of pioneer rancher Almon Clyde (who frequently enjoyed the company of friends Wyatt and Virgil Earp) could not remember this name being used before the 1950’s.
USFS Administrative Officer Gertrude Becker, who has been stationed at Lytle Creek RD. since the early fifties, states that “gobbler” refers to the number of wild Turkey (Meleagris gallapavo) that once roamed the area. Although it strains credulity, she understands that to some, a particular view of this peak near the intersection of what is now the PCT and FS road 3N33 (Slade Canyon), is supposed to provide the faint resemblance of a turkey’s head. This together with the happy campers busily munching in Stockton Flat reputedly led a USPS surveyor to give this name (ca. 1955). Becker adds that her family once spent “what seemed like hours trying to see that turkey but we just couldn’t”.
Name first appears on USFS San Bernardino National Forest map (1960).
Peak was added to the HPS Peak List in 1971.
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