At 11,500 feet, the summit of San Gorgonio is the highest point in Southern California. The most direct trail route to the top is up Vivian Creek Trail. Most people now do this as a very strenuous day hike. A more enjoyable way is as an overnight backpack, camping at High Creek or one of the lower camps along the trail. Another option is to plan an overnight camp on the summit. Whether day hiking or planning a summit camp be forewarned that the weather can be extreme and often changes drastically in minutes. Once above tree line you will be exposed to the heat of the day and afternoon thunderstorms are common in summer. A hot clear day can rapidly transform into wind driven rain, hail and plummeting temperatures. Carry plenty of water and warm clothing, not cotton. Be prepared to turnaround on the way up and/or leave the summit at the first sign of threatening weather conditions. You do not want to be caught above tree line in a thunderstorm.

This hike is 16 miles roundtrip, with 5400 feet of elevation gain and loss.

Permits are required for all hiking in the San Bernardino National Forest. San Gorgonio Wilderness camping regulation - All camping within 200 feet of meadows, springs, streams, trails or other occupied camps is prohibited.

Contact - Mill Creek Ranger Station
34701 Mill Creek Road
Mentone, Ca. 92359
(909) 382-2882

Park at the trailhead at the end of Valley of The Falls Blvd past Forest Falls. An Adventure Parking Pass is required. Walk the dirt road that parallels Mill Creek east, upstream for about half a mile to the trailhead, elevation 6080 feet. At this point you cross the bolder and rock strewn Mill Creek riverbed. Watch your footing and the creek crossing. Pickup the trail on the opposite bank.

Shortly after entering the trail you will begin a steep section of switchbacks. At 1.2 miles you reach Vivian Creek Camp, elevation 7160. This is an ideal first stop to replenish your water and take a break. Another 1.3 miles further on is Halfway Camp, elevation 8000 feet. Halfway is also along the creek with ready access to water. Bring bug repellant, as mosquitoes are often plentiful along these lower sections of trail. High Creek Camp is then 2.3 miles further up at an elevation of 9230 feet. High Creek is the final access to water. If camping here, be sure to pick a site that is well up away from the creek. This is not only to protect the creek. I have seen the entire area turned into a river of mud and rocks about twenty minutes into an afternoon thunderstorm in late July.

From High Creek you have 2.4 miles to the summit. Above High Creek the trail quickly switchbacks up a steep section that tops out nearly at tree line and on a clear day affords the first panoramic view with San Jacinto Mountain in the distance to the east. Continue following the trail up passing above tree line and then contouring northeast up a scree slope to intersect with the trail from Dollar Lake Saddle. You are now half a mile from the top. Turn right, east and follow the signed trail to the summit.

On the way down retrace your path, being careful not to take the Mine Shaft Saddle trail which is past on the way up from the Vivian Creek trail intersection.

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