San Bernardino Peak
Peak Name
Elevation
feet
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Region
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Nearby peaks
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Description
San Bernardino Peak has an important place in the history and development of Southern California. What is now called Washington Monument is a large cairn erected in 1852 near the summit by a party lead by Colonel Henry Washington. This monument was the reference point from which all future surveys of Southern California were taken. Baseline Avenue is on the main east-west baseline derived from that. The summit has fabulous views of Big Bear, San Gorgonio and the cities below. The lovely surrounding forest burned in the 2020 El Dorado Fire, but is beginning to regrow slowly. This peak is the 11th highest peak in Southern California.
Route 1, the San Bernardino Divide Trail, is the main route trail to the top of San Bernardino Peak and it makes a beautiful out and back hike. Route 2 comes from San Bernardino Peak East, which can be reach by multiple directions; see the San Bernardino East peak guide for more information. A popular but strenuous loop hike is to hike to San Bernardino Peak East Peak Route 1 from the Forsee Creek Trail (perhaps bagging Anderson and or Shields on the way) then to San Bernardino and down Route 1 with a car shuttle.
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 20 miles to Angelus Oaks.
Here, turn right (east) at the entrance road to the fire station (signed). Turn left immediately and go 0.1 mile to a fork signed “Trail”. Turn right, then immediately half right again.
Continue 0.3 mile to the trailhead. Park here.
Hiking route
From the parking area (5950′), hike up 1W07, past the Washington Monument, 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 just north of the summit.
Follow the trail west down 300′ and 3/4 mile into a saddle at 10,400’+.
Continue as the trail climbs 200′ to bypass the summit.
Just past a short switchback, a use trail goes back to the southeast. Take it to the summit.
Route Notes
From San Bernardino East Peak.
Additional Peak Information
Note: The most popular route is to climb San Bernardino East Peak via the Forsee Creek Trail and continue on to San Bernardino Peak.
Historical note: Part way up the San Bernardino Peak Trail is the Washington Monument. This is a large rock cairn and a metal plaque. This is named for Colonel Herbert Washington who was in charge of the initial USGS survey in this area. This point was the initial point on that survey on November 7, 1852 and marks the “principal meridian” that is the basis for all maps and surveys in this part of the state. Baseline Road follows this meridian, indicating the east-west line of thie meridian.
The peak was named long before Colonel Washington made his famous survey. The name “San Bernardino” dates from May 20, 1810, the feast day of Saint Bernardino of Siena, a Franciscan preacher of the 15th century, when Padres from the Mission San Gabriel set up a temporary chapel in the valley and named the location “San Bernardino”. Just when the name was transferred to the peak is not known.
Special conditions: 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
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