Little San Gorgonio Peak (HPS 25F) is a 9133ft summit located on the isolated and seldom-climbed Yucaipa Ridge. The peak is approximately 5mi to the southwest of San Gorgonio and 2.5mi to the West of the highest summit on the Yucaipa Ridge, Galena Peak.

There are no easy routes to the summit, and the shortest involves scrambling up steep and loose drainages. A longer route ascends the Yucaipa ridge from the west, involving 13mi of cross-country travel and a 4100ft vertical rise. Either way, you should possess strong navigation skills and, in the case of the Camp Creek route, be comfortable with difficult class 2 climbing.

Getting There

Take interstate 10 to the city of Redlands, and exit at the sign for CA38 (just past the exit for CA30). Turn left (north) on Orange St, crossing under interstate 10. After traveling five blocks on Orange St., turn right (east) on CA38. Follow CA38 14mi to an intersection with Valley of the Falls Dr. Bearing right, follow Valley of the Falls Dr. for 3mi to the Vivian Creek Trailhead.

Route Descriptions

There are two routes described below. Both require good navigation skills. In addition, the Camp Creek route follows a rocky and loose drainage, some of which is steeper than the angle of repose. In addition, I recommend following Camp Creek only during the dry season, as wet rock makes the route more dangerous.

Camp Creek

The route from Camp Creek begins at the Vivian Creek trailhead above the town of Forest Falls. Although it is only 2mi to the crest of Yucaipa Ridge, the vertical rise is 3000ft. Doing the math, that's an average grade of 18%. Although technical climbing is avoidable, you should be comfortable with difficult class 2 travel.

Begin at the Vivian Creek trailhead. Follow a dirt road through an area of cabins. Another dirt road branches to the South, passing by several more cabins. Take this road to its end and then ascend a small drainage. After a few hundred feet, the bed of Camp Creek becomes visible to the hiker's left. Descend into Camp Creek and head uphill.

The first 0.5mi in the streambed is easy and dry. Although several tributaries descend into Camp Creek, its main bed remains the most obvious and easiest route. After approximately 0.5mi, the canyon narrows, steepens, and the first waterfall is encountered. Depending on the flow, it may be possible to ascend the 15ft chimney (class 3-4) to its left. However, it is also possible to climb its western slope and traverse above the main drop.

The climbing becomes easy above the first waterfall until a second waterfall is encountered approximately 1mi from Vivian. Ascending the second falls is possible but is at least class 3 climbing; the rock is also loose! Instead of climbing the falls, I left Camp Creek and ascended small drainage to the SW. The drainage climbs 600ft to a ridge overlooking the Camp Creek canyon. Little San Gorgonio Peak is now visible across the canyon to the SE. Continue another 0.4mi and 800 vertical feet to the crest of Yucaipa Ridge. A radio tower is visible to the west and Little San Gorgonio Peak is 0.4mi and 100 vertical feet to the east. The "pack trail" is little used and fades out frequently.

The trickiest part of the decent is finding the drainage that leads to the second waterfall. When in doubt, hike along the rim of Camp Creek's canyon and head directly north toward San Bernardino Peak (across Mill Creek). The rocky streambed of Camp Creek, visible far below, is also obvious.

Yucaipa Ridge
The Yucaipa Ridge "pack trail" is little used and not obvious. According to the Sierra Club's description this route is 13mi (one way) with 4100 feet of gain. Instead of heading to the Vivian Creek trailhead, park at the turnoff for Valley of the Falls Dr. and hike across Mill Creek on forest service road S108. This trail crosses private property, and you need the appropriate permissions. See the link for more detail.

Red Tape

An adventure pass is required to park in the San Bernardino National Forest.

This route is NOT in the San Gorgonio Wilderness, so a wilderness permit is NOT required!

Special Equipment and Precautions

Your partners will knock rocks loose, so a helmet is advisable. There is also a plant resembling Stinging Nettle prevalent throughout the streambed. Touching its thorns feels like sticking a needle in your skin and may give a mild allergic reaction. Long pants are needed. Gloves and a long shirt are optional but may be helpful. Bring a topo map and compass.

In comparison with the routes across the valley to San Gorgonio, the Yucaipa Ridge is seldom traveled. Climb with a partner and/or leave detailed plans. Beware of thunderstorms - they will turn this creek into a torrent.

External Links

San Bernardino National Forest
HPS Climbing Archives

Images