The Aspen Grove trail, located within the 59,000 acre San Gorgonio Wilderness, offers the Southern California hiker a unique opportunity: visit the only grove of Quaking Aspen (Populus Tremuloides) between the Sierra Nevada and Baja California. The remnant grove follows the banks of Fish Creek, and is a popular destination during Autumn. A typical year sees the leaves reaching their peak golden-yellow color during October, offering a pleasant addition to the dominantly evergreen foliage found at similar elevations throughout Southern California.

Climbers may also use the Aspen Grove trail as a variation of the Fish Creek approach to Mt. San Gorgonio. The trail adds approximately 1.3 miles (one-way) to the ascent via Fish Creek, Mineshaft Saddle, and the Sky High trail.

Getting There

From Los Angeles, follow CA38 through Angelus Oaks and past Jenks Lake Road. Approximately 5 miles past Jenks Lake Road East there is a sign for Heart Bar Campground and turnoff for NF-1N02 on the right hand side. This is the same turn-off for the Fish Creek trailhead.

Topo of Aspen Grove

Continuing up NF-1N02, one arrives at a fork. Turn right. Here, the road may become rough, but there is space to park your car. Bear right at the next fork. The road now heads up steeply, and a view across the Santa Ana River Valley unfolds to the North. Park at the Aspen Grove trailhead (where the road hairpins to the left and continues to the Fish Creek trailhead).

Route Description

Trail Statistics

Waypoint	Elevation (ft)	Distance (mi)
Trailhead	7410	0
Jct Fish Creek Trail	7975	1.3
Fish Creek	8320	4.1
Fish Creek Saddle	9805	6.8
Mineshaft Saddle	9920	8.2
San Gorgonio Peak	11,499	12.7

Vertical rise: 4089ft

Trail Description
From the parking lot, a rocky trail descends to Fish Creek, el. 7100ft. Continue to the left along Fish Creek until reaching a crossing. A San Gorgonio Wilderness sign rests on the opposite bank of Fish Creek, surrounded by the Aspens.

Heading North (descending Fish Creek) takes one through the main part of the grove. The trail passes through what appears to be an experimental controlled burn-area, re-crosses Fish Creek, climbs a ridge, and crosses the Santa Ana River. It is possible to follow dirt roads East to Heart Bar or continue North to CA38.

Turning South at the wilderness sign takes one through the upper portion of the grove. The trail climbs approximately 875ft. in 1.3mi, crossing Fish Creek, passing a meadow, and continuing to the junction with the Fish Creek Trail. Following the Fish Creek trail West leads to Mineshaft Saddle and, eventually, Mt. San Gorgonio. For more information see the Fish Creek Trail description.

Essential Gear

Standard rules for mountain travel apply. Be prepared for summer thunderstorms, and unexpected weather changes during the Fall. Overall, the trail is well graded, well maintained, and more isolated than the South Fork or Vivian Creek approaches. Water is almost always available at Fish Creek. There is little shade above Mineshaft Saddle, so bring sun protection if attempting the summit.

External Links

San Bernardino NF

San Gorgonio Wilderness Association

Permits

CaSIL Topo Maps

Red Tape

The Forest Service requires visitors to obtain a Wilderness Permit. An Adventure Pass or National Parks and Federal Lands pass is required to park in the San Bernardino National Forest.

Images