Galena Peak
Peak Name
Elevation
feet
Status
Region
Range
Nearby peaks
Location
Description
Galena, named for the lead-bearing ore that can be found here, is one of the most challenging of the HPS peaks, and a real test piece for hikers trying to complete the list. It has interesting views of Dobbs and San Gorgonio to the north, Mill Creek Canyon and its infamous jumpoff below, and portions of the Yucaipa Ridge, to which it is connected by an exposed third class ridge that has become increasingly dangerous to traverse over time.
During the winter of 2023 severe storms resulted in severe rockfall into the canyon and unstable conditions on the headwall, making conditions very slow and more dangerous. Route 1 was withdrawn in July 2024 and Route 2 added, though the directions for Route 1 have been retained.
Route 1 has been officially withdrawn because of high rock fall risk that makes it too dangerous for large groups on official outings. Individuals who choose to hike this route should be aware of the increased risk. The route starts at the Falls Trailhead in Forest Falls alongside the Vivian Creek Trail but continues up the canyon over increasingly steep terrain until reaching the intimidating headwall. A hike up the headwall is never the same twice, as conditions change from year to year. One thing that never changes however, is the risk of dislodging loose rocks, and climbing helmets are recommended. The written hiking directions describe the classic route, but the map and gpx follow a more recent variation; thoughtful route finding is indicated. An easier variation to exit the headwall to the top of the jumpoff is also shown.
Route 2 starts from the Vivian Creek Trail and follows it until 1.3 miles past High Camp before going over the ridge and descending steeply cross country to the Mill Creek Jumpoff. It then continues up to the peak along its steep north ridge like the original Route 1. This very strenuous route might best be done as a backpack for many people.
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 for 8 miles to Mill Creek Ranger Station, a standard rendezvous spot.
Continue past the Ranger Station another 5 miles to a junction with the Valley of the Falls Road on the right. Turn right.
Drive up this paved road for 5 miles to the parking lot at the end of the road.
Hiking route
This route has been withdrawn because the high risk of rock fall makes it unsafe to conduct official outings with groups. Those hiking individually should be aware of the high risk of rock fall.
From the parking lot (6080′), hike east up the road past a locked gate to its end.
Keeping on the right side of the canyon continue east a short distance on a use trail to a point where it drops into the wash.
Continue up the canyon, passing a class 3 waterfall on its right side.
Continue to the top of the Mill Creek Jumpoff headwall at 8456′. Note: Conditions in the canyon change after heavy rainfall.
The best route up the headwall is to ascend the gray-colored dirt up the center then, near the top, contour to the left on steep slopes to a break in the vegetation (see map) to join the saddle. Avoid starting up the left side (in the tan dirt), as the ascent is not viable, becoming very steep and loose, and it is very difficult to traverse to the right from there. WARNING: the wall is concave in shape, so gets steeper with elevation. This is not apparent from below, so the tan dirt can seem to be superior. Do not fall into this trap!
Beware of loose rock! The boulders in the canyon are unstable.
Continue south up the ridge, following a faint use trail, which finally bears around to the right to a saddle. Turn left and go up to the summit. A peak to the west is higher but is not the official summit.
Note: HPS policy requires the possession and use of a climbing helmet where the hazard of rockfall is present.
Permits are not required for this route.
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 4.25 miles to the Big Falls parking area at the end of the road. Park here.
Hiking route
- From the parking area (6080′), hike past the locked gate on the initially paved road east for 1/2 mile to where the trail descends into the wash.
- Cross the wash and pick up the trail again on the north side.
- Continue up the Vivian Creek Trail 5.6 miles to High Camp.
- From High Camp, continue 1.3 miles to the bottom of the last switchback at 9780’ before the ridge that includes bump 10131, without continuing to 10131.
- Proceed south over the ridge to descend the steep SSE ridge toward the Mill Creek Jumpoff, which will now be in view.
- Traverse the jumpoff, staying below its top to the east to avoid brush.
- Continue south up the ridge to the peak, following a faint use trail, which finally bears around to the right to a saddle. Turn left and go up to the summit. A peak to the west is higher but is not the official summit.
Route Notes
Wilderness permits are required for all routes. They are issued at Mill Creek Ranger Station, 9 miles from Redlands on SR 38. Day use permits are self-issue on the day of the hike or by mail. Overnight permits must be acquired in person or by mail.
Mill Creek Ranger Station
Route 1, Box 264
Mentone, CA 92359
(909) 794-1123
Additional Peak Information
Note: HPS policy requires the possession and use of a climbing helmet on Class 3 terrain or where the hazard of rockfall is present.
Special conditions: Near the beginning of the hiking route, you may see a sign stating that Wilderness permits are required. This is intended for hikers of the Vivian Creek Trail. This trail crosses the wash and enters the San Gorgonio Wilderness. The route to Galena Peak does not enter this Wilderness. A permit is not required.
Alternate routes: The summit has been reached by hiking a third class route over the ridge from Little San Gorgonio and from Snow Peak, which is to the southeast. Continuing north from the top of the headwall (Mill Creek Jumpoff) leads, through dense brush, to the Vivian Creek Trail.
The peak and area around it are part of the Galena Peak Wilderness Reserve, managed by the Wildlands Conservancy. No permission or permits are required to hike there at the present time.
External Links
Nearby Peaks
External Links
Peakbagger.com
Nearest ranger station
NOAA Forecast
Google Earth
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