Second in popularity only to Vivian creek in the San Gorgonio Wilderness, the South Fork Trail has it's fair share of history, beauty, and ample choices of destinations within the wilderness boundary's. The trail starts its way up the North side of the Wilderness, passing through Horse Meadow's in 1.5 miles. A trail crossing for the Lost Creek and Grinnel Ridge trails appear shortly thereafter. Soon you will hit a major trail fork in the Wilderness, the Dry Lake/Dollar Lake fork. A turn left(West) will be another 3 miles to Dry Lake. Go right(South) and you will reach Dollar Lake Saddle in 4 miles. Dollar Lake Saddle is a beautiful, simple saddle with some of the best views over the South-East side of the Wilderness overlooking the Momyer Route and Plumbber Meadows. From the Dollar Lake Saddle you get a wonderfull peakbagging basecamp with Jepson, Alto Diablo, San Gorgonio, Charlton, Little Charlton, and East and West Dobbs all very close to this saddle.

Dry Lake offers alternative hikes and routes around San Gorgonio, as well as access to Lake Peak, Zahniser Peak, and the Ten-Thousand-Foot Ridge.

Directions and Permits

Park your car (with a National Forest Adventure Pass)at the South Fork Trailhead on Highway 38 off Jenks Lake road. A permit is also required if you plan summiting or even going on into the wilderness perimeter.

Route Description

Depending on recent weather, it's a Basic Hike with some scrambling near the summits.

Essential Gear

Water, Good Boots, Map, Compass, A rangers advice(Mill Creek Station), and strong self determination for any summit dreams to come true on a one day trip. All the peaks are out there in the Wilderness and will require a decently long approach, unless you hike in and camp. And then of course, a Camping list of Essential Gear will be need.

Red Tape

Make sure to get a wilderness permit from the Mill Creek Ranger Station on Hwy 38 on your way up. They are required in the wilderness boundary.

Extra Info

This trail, even in winter is pretty easy to follow and is very popular.You will take the trail up past Horse Meadows, around the Poopout Hill loop, make a right at South Fork Meadows trail crossings going to Dollar/Dry Lake.To get to Jepson and other Southernly peaks in the area, Pass Dollar Lake saddle and you will gain the summit from the south heading north. The summit scramble is fairly easy. A trace trail will appear on the left about 3 miles after Dollar Lake Saddle. Little Charlton and Charlton are easily snagged from the saddle as well by continuing East on the Sky High trail going in the direction of San Gorgonio.

This is a wonderful area to hike and camp in all year long. Winter ascents and snowshoeing is popular on this trail in Winter.