Anderson Peak
Peak Name
Elevation
feet
Status
Region
Range
Nearby peaks
Location
Description
Anderson Peak is the 5th highest peak in SoCal and a big accomplishment as a single destination or as part of a multi-peak hike. Part of the beautiful San Bernardino Divide Trail, most hikers will summit this peak via the Forsee Creek trail mentioned in Route 1. The four pack of peaks at the top of this ridge are often strung together for an epic multi-peak hike. Much of the lovely surrounding forest burned in the massive 2020 El Dorado Fire, but is beginning to slowly regrow.
Route 1 is the main route that follows the Forsee Creek Trail to the top. Route 2 begins at San Bernardino East Peak, reached by its various routes. Route 3 starts at Shields Peak for those coming from that direction. Route 4 follows the Momyer Creek Trail for the most strenuous option to the top.
Maps generated from CalTopo.com, reproduced with permission
Downloadable Maps, Files, and Guides
Driving route
Take I-10 east past San Bernardino to the Orange Street exit (SR 38).
Go one block east, then go north (left) 0.5 mile to Lugonia Avenue. Turn right on SR 38 (east).
Continue east on SR 38 about 26 miles to Jenks Lake Road on the right. Turn right (south).
Drive 0.3 mile to a fork at a sign “Forsee Creek Trail”. Turn right (southwest).
Keep left at an immediate fork. Drive 0.5 mile farther to a parking lot at a sign “Forsee Creek Trail”. Park here.
Hiking route
From the parking area (6720′), hike up the Forsee Creek Trail (1E06).
At about 1/4 mile you will pass a Wilderness Area sign. About 200 yards farther the trail forks. Go left (signed “Jackstraw Springs”).
Proceed 5 1/2 miles to Trail Fork Springs at 10,400′.
Leave the trail here and hike south up the slope crossing the San Bernardino Peak Trail and on up to the summit.
Driving route
See the San Bernardino East Peak guide.
Hiking route
From the summit of San Bernardino East Peak, return to the trail and take it east past the junction with the Momyer Trail to the junction with the Forsee Creek Trail.
Leave the trail on the right and hike east up the slope to the summit.
Route Notes
From San Bernardino East Peak.
Driving route
See the Shields Peak guide.
Hiking route
From the summit of Shields Peak, go west along the ridge, picking up the San Bernardino Peak Trail, and on to where a trail goes down on the right towards Trail Fork Springs.
Keep left and after about 200′, leave the San Bernardino Peak Trail on the left and hike southwest up to the summit.
From Shields Peak.
Driving route
Take I-10 east past San Bernardino to the Orange Street exit (SR 38).
Go one block east, then go north (left) 0.5 mile to Lugonia Avenue. Turn right on SR 38 (east).
Go 8.0 miles to the Mill Creek Ranger Station.
Continue east on SR 38 about 5 miles to the Valley of the Falls Road on the right. Turn right.
Drive 2.9 miles to a parking area on the left. Park here.
Hiking route
From the parking area (5520′), hike up the Momyer Creek Trail (1E06) to its junction with the San Bernardino Peak Trail (1W07) in a saddle.
Turn right and follow the trail east about 1/4 mile to a fork.
Leave the trail here and hike east up the slope to the summit.
Route Notes
Driving route
See driving instructions for Route One.
Hiking route
From the parking area (6720′), hike up the Forsee Creek Trail (1E06).
At about 1/4 mile you will pass a Wilderness Area sign. About 200 yards farther the trail forks. Go left (signed “Jackstraw Springs”).
Proceed ½ mile to large and obvious switchback at 7100′.
Leave the trail here hike east, down into the wash. Head easterly approximately 200 yards, crossing the west fork of Barton Creek, to the prominent ridge starting on hiker’s right.
Head south-southeasterly approximately ½ mile to elevation 8500′ From here the ridge heads due south approximately 1 ¼ miles to Anderson Flat at elevation 10,500′.
Heading southwesterly, cross the San Bernardino Peak Trail and on up to the summit of Anderson.
From Shields Peak.
Additional Peak Information
Special conditions: If backpacking in the area, there is water at springs along the Forsee Creek Trail.
Permits for day or overnight use are required for all routes and have a limit of 12. Permits can be obtained online from the San Gorgonio Wilderness Association at swga.org up to 90 days in advance or at the Mill Creek Ranger Station, 9 miles from Redlands on SR 38.
External Links
Nearby Peaks
External Links
Peakbagger.com
Nearest ranger station
NOAA Forecast
Google Earth
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