San Bernardino Peak

Overview

San Bernardino Peak, together with its twin peak, San Gorgonio Mountain, just five miles away and 900 feet higher, anchors the western-most end of the San Bernardino Mountains. At 10,649 feet (3246 meters), San Bernardino Peak is quite a landmark.

The standard route is via the San Bernardino Peak Trail starting at the Angelus Oaks trailhead. From Angelus Oaks trailhead (5,960') to the summit of San Bernardino Peak is 7.9 miles with 4700 feet of elevation gain. This trail takes you from deep pine forest to exposed manzanita slopes and visits the old Washington Monument survey point at 10,290 feet. In 1852, Colonel Henry Washington and his Army survey party were directed to erect a monument atop San Bernardino Peak. The monument was to be an east-west reference point from which all future surveys of Southern California would be taken.

The higher slopes of San Bernardino Peak are beautiful and rugged subalpine terrain. A number of trail camps along the way offer spring water and rest. The Angelus Oaks "San Bernardino Peak" trailhead is less visited than others at the edge of the San Gorgonio Wilderness, but still it receives a lot of use especially during summer weekends.

Getting There

Angelus Oaks trailhead: Drive east on I-10 to Redlands, exiting on University Street. Turn right (east) onto Lugonia Avenue, which is Hwy 38. Follow Hwy 38 for about 20 miles northeast to the small mountain village of Angelus Oaks. Turn right (onto Manzanita St) at a sign that reads San Bernardino Peak Trail. Follow the dirt road (1W07) 1/4 mile to the large parking area. The signed trailhead is at the north end of the lot.

The Hike (via Angelus Oaks trailhead)

The San Bernardino Peak Trail from the Angelus Oaks trailhead (5,960') begins ascending through a mixed forest of pine, fir and oak, switchbacking up the wooded slope. You mount a ridge, walk along its crest for a brief distance, then continue climbing. You're welcomed into the San Gorgonio Wilderness by a wooden sign, 2 miles from the trailhead at about 7,000 feet. A bit beyond the wilderness boundary sign, the grade grows less steep.

As you climb above 8,000 feet, the Jeffrey pine becomes widely spaced. Shortly, the trail penetrates a manzanita-covered slope. Soon you'll arrive at the Manzanita Springs trail junction (at 8,240' and 4.3 miles from the trailhead), with trails coming from Johns Meadow and Columbine Springs. Columbine Springs (8,000') is 0.7 miles from the junction. After the junction, the trail ascends over slopes covered with manzanita and homely chinquapin. In 1.4 miles from the junction, it reaches Limber Pine Bench (at 9,360' and 5.7 miles from the trailhead). Another 1/4 mile up the trail is Limber Pine Springs, usually a dependable source of water.

Then, the trail begins a long traverse south, switchbacking up to Camp Washington, a trail camp with plenty of views but nothing to drink. One-hundred yards from the trail is Washington Monument (10,290'), which looks like little more than a pile of rock rubble. Finally, the trail climbs another 1/2 mile, where it intersects a brief side trail that takes you to the summit of San Bernardino Peak (10,649').

Red Tape

For 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 also required. These permits can be obtained at the San Bernardino National Forest Mill Creek Ranger Station in Mentone, 34701 Mill Creek Road. You can also request via fax at (909) 794-1125. The Barton Flats Visitor Center on Hwy 38 and the Fawnskin Ranger Station in Big Bear can also issue these permits.

In addition to the wilderness permits a National Forest Adventure Pass is required for each vehicle that is parked at any trailhead. 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 Climb

Year round. However, the typical hiking season is from May through November.

Camping

Camping 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 Mill Creek Ranger Station at 34701 Mill Creek Road, Mentone, CA. Phone is (909) 794-1123 or you can request a permit via fax at (909) 794-1125.

Mountain Conditions

Contact the San Bernardino National Forest, San Gorgonio Ranger District, 34701 Mill Creek Rd., Mentone, CA 92359 (909) 794-1123 or fax (909) 794-1125.

Current Trail Conditions
Current Weather Conditions

Additions and CorrectionsPost an Addition or Correction

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thebeave7 - May 13, 2006 3:46 am - Hasn't voted

Trail Head Maintenance

The fire department and logging companies are currently deforesting the trail head area. Because of this the dirt portion of the road(1/4 mile) has been badly torn up and would not be easily passable to a low clearance vehicle. Also of note, the fire department plans on executing a control burn in the area in 2007.

tarol - Oct 11, 2007 9:59 am - Voted 5/10

phone number is wrong and broken link

Phone number for Mill Creek Ranger Station has changed... It's now (909) 382-2882 The adventure pass link is broken... You might want to use this one instead http://www.fs.fed.us/r5/sanbernardino/ap/

tarol - Apr 6, 2013 9:17 am - Voted 5/10

Adventure Pass

...no longer required at this trailhead. (South Fork, Momyer, and Vivian are the only three SG Trailheads that still require it)

T. White - Feb 25, 2021 2:46 pm - Hasn't voted

Trail currently closed

Due to the El Dorado fire sparked by a "gender reveal" party...

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