OverviewMt. San Gorgonio, also known as "Old Greyback", is the highest mountain in Southern California. It is a very popular mountain with several trails that lead to the summit. The Fish Creek trail is probably the least used and is aprox. 9.1 miles one-way. The South Fork Trail is over 10 miles one-way. The shortest way to the summit, and the most popular, is the Vivian Creek Trail. It's 7.8 miles (Gary Suttle's book lists it as 8.4 miles) with almost 5,500 feet in elevation gain. Summertime tends to be the most crowded but it is a great mountain to climb anythime of year. I've climbed it many times during winter and have found myself to be the only soul on the mountain. Hard to believe being so close to the Los Angeles/Southern California area.
Regarding San Gorgonio's elevation:
In keeping with the standard (USGS) for determining US elevations, I have posted the height at 11,490 feet. The source is here. The TOPOZONE MAP states an elevation of 11,499 feet shown at the trail's end at the higher summit. The USGS benchmark on the summit reads 11,501.6 feet and is dated 1989. Some publications list the elevation as 11,502 feet.
Getting ThereTo the Vivian Creek trailhead: From interstate 10 at Redlands take Highway 38 exit (Orange Street or University Avenue) north several blocks to Hwy 38 and turn right. Drive northeast for about 14 miles to the intersection with Valley of the Falls Road. Go right and continue for 4.5 miles to the Falls Recreation Area, past the town of Forest Falls. Drive to the parking area at the end of the road and walk uphill through the pinic area on the dirt road to reach the trailhead.
There are several other trailheads all of which are located along Highway 38.
Red TapeFor day use a permit is required on any of the trails in the San Gorgonio Wilderness. These are free and self-issued. If camping overnite anywhere within the San Gorgonio Wilderness a permit is required. The permits can be obtained at the Ranger Station in Mentone, 34701 Mill Creek Rd. You can also request via fax at (909) 794-1125. The Barton Flats Visitor Center on Hywy 38 and the Fawnskin Ranger Station in Big Bear also can issue these permits. New phone # 909-382-2882
If you want a permit for Vivian for a dayhike on the weekend in the summertime, you must get it 3-4 weeks in advance. South Fork camps such as Dry and Dollar Lakes are also filling several weeks in advance.
If you want to hike during the week, you have a better chance of getting a permit.
Self-issue permits aren't always available - they oftentimes run out, or get stolen. So we recommend getting your permit in advance! Please allow at least 72 hours for processing of permits.
And as a reminder, self-issue permits are only good for that day.
In addition to the wilderness permits an Adventure Pass is required for each vehicle; fees are $5.00 a day or $30.00 for an annual pass. These can be obtained from any of the ranger stations or from many of the local merchants.
When To ClimbYear round. Summer months are the most popular for hikers. Great snowshoeing in the Winter.
CampingCaming is allowed. There are several campgrounds in and around the area and at several of the trailheads. Camping on the mountain or anywhere within the San Gorgonio Wilderness requires a permit that can be obtained from the San Gorgonio Ranger District at 34701 Mill Creek Road in Mentone, CA. Phone is 909-382-2882 or you can request a permit via fax at (909) 794-1125.
Mountain Conditionscontact San Bernardino National Forest, San Gorgonio Ranger District, 34701 Mill Creek Rd., Mentone, CA 92359 909-382-2882 or fax (909) 794-1125.
Current Trail Conditions
External Links Other InfoPer "Tarol" 6-21-2011
The Vivian Creek route is the most popular, South Fork is #2
If you want a permit for Vivian for a dayhike on the weekend in the summertime, you must get it 3-4 weeks in advance. South Fork camps such as Dry and Dollar Lakes are also filling several weeks in advance.
If you want to hike during the week, you have a better chance of getting a permit.
Self-issue permits aren't always available - they oftentimes run out, or get stolen. So we recommend getting your permit in advance! Please allow at least 72 hours for processing of permits.
And as a reminder, self-issue permits are only good for that day.
Also, Mill Creek RS phone number is now 909-382-2882 and they are closed Tues/Wed. Images
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San Bernardino Mountains
