San Gorgonio Mountain
Peak Name
Elevation
feet
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Nearby peaks
Location
Description
As the highest peak in Southern California, Mount San Gorgonio, affectionately referred to as “Old Greyback” for its characteristic shape, is considered an iconic “must do” for serious hikers. San Gorgonio is visible from Mount Whitney 190 miles away, and has the longest recorded line of sight in the contiguous US. It can also be backpacked, with campsites at Halfway and High Creek; water is usually present year around there but not always in dry years. There are a variety of cross country routes to nearby HPS peaks that make for interesting and challenging combinations. Experienced mountaineers sometimes do winter or spring ascents but the steep trails can be treacherous for the inexperienced. Permits are required for all peaks in the area, and can be obtained in advance online through the San Gorgonio Wilderness Association at swga.org.
The most popular route is Route 1, the Vivian Creek Trail, but there are outstanding though strenuous hikes from the South Fork trailhead; Route 2 leaves the South Fork Trail for the Dollar Lake Trail then continues past Charlton and Jepson Peaks, allowing for an interesting but demanding combination, to the summit. Route 3 starts from the South Fork Trail as well then continues past Dry Lake to Mineshaft Saddle before winding around the back and switchbacking up to the summit. One can leave the trail at Mineshaft Saddle and make a steep ridge ascent directly to the peak, gaining a humbling 1600′ in 1 mile, but cutting off more than 3 miles. One can also come in from the Fish Creek Trail; see the directions for Lake Peak. All of these trails are beautiful and offer access to a variety of combinations with adjacent peaks.
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).
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 Vivian Creek 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.
Hike up the trail to where it intersects the San Bernardino Peak Trail (1W07) at 11,240′.
Turn right and hike 1/4 mile to the junction with the Sky High Trail on the right.
Keep left and follow the trail up to the summit.
SPECIAL CONDITIONS: Wilderness permits for day or overnight use are required for all routes. They can be obtained online at sgwa.org or at the Mill Creek Ranger Station, 9 miles from Redlands on SR 38. Mill Creek Ranger Station, Route 1, Box 264, Mentone, CA 92359, (909) 794-1123
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).
Continue to the signed South Fork Trailhead parking lot on the left. Park here.
Hiking route
From the parking area (6850′), hike the South Fork Trail (1E04) past the old Poopout Hill trailhead to South Fork at Slushy Meadows where the Dry Lake Trail forks left (8200′).
Keep right on the South Fork Trail and continue to the fork to Dollar Lake (9520′).
Keep right again and continue to Dollar Lake Saddle (9960′), at a junction with the San Bernardino Peak Trail (1W07).
Turn left on 1W07 and follow it south and east past the turnoffs for Charlton Peak, Jepson Peak, and Dobbs Peak and on to the junction with the Vivian Creek Trail.
Continue east about 1/4 mile to the junction with the Sky High Trail on the right.
Keep left and follow the trail up to the summit.
Route Notes
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).
Continue to the signed South Fork Trailhead parking lot on the left. Park here.
Hiking route
From the parking area (6850′), hike the South Fork Trail (1E04) past the old Poopout Hill trailhead to South Fork at Slushy Meadows where the Dry Lake Trail forks left (8200′).
Turn left (southeast) follow this trail 1 1/2 miles to Dry Lake where there is another trail fork.
Go right and hike 2 miles more to Mineshaft Saddle (9936′) and another fork.
Go right (southeast) and follow the Sky High Trail to its junction with the San Bernardino Peak Divide Trail at 11,360′.
Turn right and hike east up to the summit.
Additional Peak Information
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.
Historical note: San Gorgonio Mountain, the highest peak in Southern California, is surrounded by nine peaks over 10,000′ in elevation. It lies in the San Gorgonio Wilderness Area (34,718 acres). Created in 1931, the Wilderness designation will preserve this area in its unspoiled state as long as it remains protected.
External Links
Nearby Peaks
External Links
Peakbagger.com
Nearest ranger station
NOAA Forecast
Google Earth
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