Wheelbarrow - Mar 20, 2024 2:50 am Date Climbed: Jul 17, 2018
52 mile loop over 2 days
Heart Bar Campground > Sugarloaf Mountain > Sugarlump > Seven Oaks > Forsee Creek TH > San Gorgonio > Heart Bar
Sleeping on trail never felt so good.
Snowslogger - Dec 7, 2023 1:52 pm Date Climbed: Jun 20, 1987
Socal Highpoint
Had a nice hike up. Met some guys on top and had a glass of wine - kind of nice.
JRaphaelson - Oct 25, 2022 10:05 pm Date Climbed: Oct 25, 2022
Vivian
Great climb, but a long slog on seemingly unnecessary switchbacks.
Domtron - Oct 12, 2022 6:49 pm Date Climbed: Apr 23, 2022
Tough Scramble
Fairly easy going until you get to the final rise. Took the middle route up a scramble at 11,000' and that was a leg breaker. One sided wind will chill you to the bone. However, you can glissade down the peak at certain points.
Headed up around 7:30am, made it back to the car a tad before dark. Saw 2 people on the way up. Saw one guy at the summit who came up from Fish Creek Trail. Then saw two more hikers as I descended.
Weather was just about perfect--sunny and around 55. No snow to speak of. Long day. Glad to get this one checked off the list.
McCannster - Oct 30, 2019 6:28 am Date Climbed: Oct 28, 2019
San Gorgonio
6 hrs 10 mins car to car with a nice break on top. 31st CA county highpoint.
huskertriguy - Oct 29, 2019 8:34 pm Date Climbed: Oct 23, 2019
Vivian Creek Trailhead, Beautiful Day
This was part of a trip that involved Santiago Peak, San Gorgonio Mountain, and Mt. San Antonio. I had just about 48 hours to get in as much as possible before spending a couple days with a couple friends to meet their new baby, and I decided to make the most of it.
After dropping in on Wicks Brewing & Ritual Brewing on the way from Santiago Peak -- both worth visiting -- I slept at the Vivian Creek trailhead. There was nowhere to fill out a permit, so I risked sleeping in the back of the Nissan Rogue rental, which for what it is worth, slept by tall and large frame pretty nicely with the seats down.
Only two vehicles were at the trailhead when I bedded down, but by the time I woke up around 7, several more had moved in (I parked a bit farther off). With still no legal option to get a permit, I planned on hitting the general store on my way out. As I downed some breakfast and laced up my boots, another vehicle pulled in, a trail runner from Quebec. We visited for a bit before I took off.
The first 1/2 mile or so is along a road before crossing a dry, yet very wide stream bed, which from the looks of topo maps likely is only rushes at peak snowmelt. After I was moving about 20 minutes, I stopped to shed a layer, which is when the trail runner ran past me after exchanging greetings.
In the first 4.5 miles, I only encountered 2 overnighters and 1 day hiker heading down. The latter had that dead look in his eyes, so I am not sure whether his start occurred about the time I pulled in the night prior or whether he was just turning around in the middle of a bad day. In any case, the rest of the ascent to this point was uneventful. The autumn colors were fully showcasing themselves in the morning light, which was fantastic to behold.
At High Creek Camp I noticed a tent, and by the looks of their scattered gear, it seemed breakfast was a recent occurrence and the owner(s) had to be nearby, though I did not see them.
Finally at 10,300' the trees cleared, and the views expanded beyond the peekaboo teases previously offered. Between 10,300' and 10,600' I encountered 4 more folks descending, including the Québécois fellow. I can only assume he had been walking portions of the trail, because it is not like I was breaking any records, and I met him such a short distance beneath the summit.
Above 11,000 feet I saw a woman and her German shepherd, as well as one last guy 1/4-mile below the summit. By the time I reached the summit, I had it entirely to myself. I wandered over to the bivy spots before returning to the register where I enjoyed a little lunch. I did not find any summit benchmark in my searching.
On my trip down, I noticed that the woman with the dog was relaxing outside her tent -- and the huge pile of dogshit I'd seen on the trail nearby on the way up remained where it was. I only mention this to say, if you are reading this, lady...get a f*ing clue.
I was back at the car with plenty of daylight remaining, which I used to drop in on a few more breweries "on the way" to Mt. San Antonio.
This trail is the flattest I have done in a while, which made it a little bit of a mind-f* regarding pace, time remaining, etc. It just required a little adjusting on my part, mentally speaking.
Hiked up with my son's San Clemente Boy Scout troop, as they prepared for Yosemite hikes and Mt. Whitney.
Full day and a good workout.
Moonknightca - Nov 10, 2018 8:54 am Date Climbed: Nov 7, 2018
Beautiful Day in November for this Utah Transplant
Drove out from Utah and hiked this biggie the day before a conference I had in San Diego. Great day for this hike. Not a cloud in the sky and you could fit all the snow on the mountain into a kindergarten classroom. My understanding is that cold weather is on the way next week so this will likely change to a Winter ascent very soon now. After going up the road/trail from the parking lot CROSS the river bed (don't go up the riverbed if you want to head towards the summit). Signs mark the trail on both banks. The other side of the river presents likely the steepest set a switchbacks of the day but it's all uphill all day long. I recall the trail being quite clear all day and I did the entire descent at night without issue (bring a light). There's a Register Box cemented into the summit. It was very cold up there with a stiff breeze. Puffy jacket highly recommended. I'm not in fighting shape right now (235 lb for 6'2") so the Round Trip took me 12 hours, walking at a "museum pace" at times during the ascent. Have great hikes everybody!
bennovak - Aug 30, 2018 1:46 pm Date Climbed: May 16, 1999
Vivian Creek
Day hike. Nice from what I rememeber
StartingOver - Jun 21, 2018 12:43 pm Date Climbed: Jun 16, 2018
Via Vivian Creek
Long and hard for someone in only average shape (like me), but beautiful and well worth it. Finally made it to the top of SoCal 6 and half years after moving here.
Brian Kalet - Jan 15, 2018 4:55 pm Date Climbed: May 29, 2016
Red Tape
Lots of red tape for this peak...
wdimpfl - Dec 22, 2017 3:42 am Date Climbed: Oct 1, 1967
San Gorgonio
The date is approximate. This was one of the first trips of the UCI Mountaineering Club that Fred Rhoads and I started in 1967. Several of our club members (mostly women) hiked the long trail to the summit. Paul Gerhard, who had joined our club (to meet women), was among us. Paul was killed in 1968 in Nepal on the first American Dhaulagiri expedition (Boyd Everett expedition). I was impressed on his descent from the summit by running down the scree slope of the North Face of San Gorgonio.
kjlineman83 - Dec 17, 2017 7:10 pm Date Climbed: Jun 21, 2014
2nd summit
took a new group for a summit attempt before mt whitney trip. great trip if you are looking for something challenging close to socal with some elevation gain. good prep for mt whitney for sure.
Got to the parking lot at 6:45am and it was already full. Parked in the lower lot for a different trail. Up and down in 7.5 hours - it was strenuous, fun and although there were a lot of hikers, the crowds thinned out after a while and it wasn't too bad on the trail.
apachedino - Aug 4, 2017 12:00 pm Date Climbed: Jul 26, 2017
Vivian
I was surprised at how nice the trail was, well done on a mostly great gradient. The section after the 1st thousand ft was awesome, lush and with very large incense cedar and pondarosas, didnt expect that. Did San Antonio (Baldy) the day before via the North backbone trail. Ultra #41 and U.S. Super prominence (4,000+ ft vert) #72/142.
Ben FR - Jul 17, 2017 12:47 pm Date Climbed: Jun 3, 2017
Dobbs Creek variation
Started at Momyer Trailhead. Hiked up Mill Creek to Vivian Creek trailhead. Turned off the trail at the start of the Dobbs Ridge. Dobbs Ridge which was a long class 2 ridge. Connected to the San Bernardino Divide Trail near Jepson Peak and made my way to San G. Descent via Momyer seemed to take forever. Perfect weather, very little wind at the top.
Wheelbarrow - Mar 20, 2024 2:50 am Date Climbed: Jul 17, 2018
52 mile loop over 2 daysHeart Bar Campground > Sugarloaf Mountain > Sugarlump > Seven Oaks > Forsee Creek TH > San Gorgonio > Heart Bar
Sleeping on trail never felt so good.
Snowslogger - Dec 7, 2023 1:52 pm Date Climbed: Jun 20, 1987
Socal HighpointHad a nice hike up. Met some guys on top and had a glass of wine - kind of nice.
JRaphaelson - Oct 25, 2022 10:05 pm Date Climbed: Oct 25, 2022
VivianGreat climb, but a long slog on seemingly unnecessary switchbacks.
Domtron - Oct 12, 2022 6:49 pm Date Climbed: Apr 23, 2022
Tough ScrambleFairly easy going until you get to the final rise. Took the middle route up a scramble at 11,000' and that was a leg breaker. One sided wind will chill you to the bone. However, you can glissade down the peak at certain points.
wannabepeakbagger - Dec 8, 2021 4:41 pm Date Climbed: Dec 6, 2021
From Vivian CreekHeaded up around 7:30am, made it back to the car a tad before dark. Saw 2 people on the way up. Saw one guy at the summit who came up from Fish Creek Trail. Then saw two more hikers as I descended.
Weather was just about perfect--sunny and around 55. No snow to speak of. Long day. Glad to get this one checked off the list.
McCannster - Oct 30, 2019 6:28 am Date Climbed: Oct 28, 2019
San Gorgonio6 hrs 10 mins car to car with a nice break on top. 31st CA county highpoint.
huskertriguy - Oct 29, 2019 8:34 pm Date Climbed: Oct 23, 2019
Vivian Creek Trailhead, Beautiful DayThis was part of a trip that involved Santiago Peak, San Gorgonio Mountain, and Mt. San Antonio. I had just about 48 hours to get in as much as possible before spending a couple days with a couple friends to meet their new baby, and I decided to make the most of it.
After dropping in on Wicks Brewing & Ritual Brewing on the way from Santiago Peak -- both worth visiting -- I slept at the Vivian Creek trailhead. There was nowhere to fill out a permit, so I risked sleeping in the back of the Nissan Rogue rental, which for what it is worth, slept by tall and large frame pretty nicely with the seats down.
Only two vehicles were at the trailhead when I bedded down, but by the time I woke up around 7, several more had moved in (I parked a bit farther off). With still no legal option to get a permit, I planned on hitting the general store on my way out. As I downed some breakfast and laced up my boots, another vehicle pulled in, a trail runner from Quebec. We visited for a bit before I took off.
The first 1/2 mile or so is along a road before crossing a dry, yet very wide stream bed, which from the looks of topo maps likely is only rushes at peak snowmelt. After I was moving about 20 minutes, I stopped to shed a layer, which is when the trail runner ran past me after exchanging greetings.
In the first 4.5 miles, I only encountered 2 overnighters and 1 day hiker heading down. The latter had that dead look in his eyes, so I am not sure whether his start occurred about the time I pulled in the night prior or whether he was just turning around in the middle of a bad day. In any case, the rest of the ascent to this point was uneventful. The autumn colors were fully showcasing themselves in the morning light, which was fantastic to behold.
At High Creek Camp I noticed a tent, and by the looks of their scattered gear, it seemed breakfast was a recent occurrence and the owner(s) had to be nearby, though I did not see them.
Finally at 10,300' the trees cleared, and the views expanded beyond the peekaboo teases previously offered. Between 10,300' and 10,600' I encountered 4 more folks descending, including the Québécois fellow. I can only assume he had been walking portions of the trail, because it is not like I was breaking any records, and I met him such a short distance beneath the summit.
Above 11,000 feet I saw a woman and her German shepherd, as well as one last guy 1/4-mile below the summit. By the time I reached the summit, I had it entirely to myself. I wandered over to the bivy spots before returning to the register where I enjoyed a little lunch. I did not find any summit benchmark in my searching.
On my trip down, I noticed that the woman with the dog was relaxing outside her tent -- and the huge pile of dogshit I'd seen on the trail nearby on the way up remained where it was. I only mention this to say, if you are reading this, lady...get a f*ing clue.
I was back at the car with plenty of daylight remaining, which I used to drop in on a few more breweries "on the way" to Mt. San Antonio.
This trail is the flattest I have done in a while, which made it a little bit of a mind-f* regarding pace, time remaining, etc. It just required a little adjusting on my part, mentally speaking.
Scott Pierce - Jun 30, 2019 12:00 pm
Full DayHiked up with my son's San Clemente Boy Scout troop, as they prepared for Yosemite hikes and Mt. Whitney.
Full day and a good workout.
Moonknightca - Nov 10, 2018 8:54 am Date Climbed: Nov 7, 2018
Beautiful Day in November for this Utah TransplantDrove out from Utah and hiked this biggie the day before a conference I had in San Diego. Great day for this hike. Not a cloud in the sky and you could fit all the snow on the mountain into a kindergarten classroom. My understanding is that cold weather is on the way next week so this will likely change to a Winter ascent very soon now. After going up the road/trail from the parking lot CROSS the river bed (don't go up the riverbed if you want to head towards the summit). Signs mark the trail on both banks. The other side of the river presents likely the steepest set a switchbacks of the day but it's all uphill all day long. I recall the trail being quite clear all day and I did the entire descent at night without issue (bring a light). There's a Register Box cemented into the summit. It was very cold up there with a stiff breeze. Puffy jacket highly recommended. I'm not in fighting shape right now (235 lb for 6'2") so the Round Trip took me 12 hours, walking at a "museum pace" at times during the ascent. Have great hikes everybody!
bennovak - Aug 30, 2018 1:46 pm Date Climbed: May 16, 1999
Vivian CreekDay hike. Nice from what I rememeber
StartingOver - Jun 21, 2018 12:43 pm Date Climbed: Jun 16, 2018
Via Vivian CreekLong and hard for someone in only average shape (like me), but beautiful and well worth it. Finally made it to the top of SoCal 6 and half years after moving here.
Brian Kalet - Jan 15, 2018 4:55 pm Date Climbed: May 29, 2016
Red TapeLots of red tape for this peak...
wdimpfl - Dec 22, 2017 3:42 am Date Climbed: Oct 1, 1967
San GorgonioThe date is approximate. This was one of the first trips of the UCI Mountaineering Club that Fred Rhoads and I started in 1967. Several of our club members (mostly women) hiked the long trail to the summit. Paul Gerhard, who had joined our club (to meet women), was among us. Paul was killed in 1968 in Nepal on the first American Dhaulagiri expedition (Boyd Everett expedition). I was impressed on his descent from the summit by running down the scree slope of the North Face of San Gorgonio.
kjlineman83 - Dec 17, 2017 7:10 pm Date Climbed: Jun 21, 2014
2nd summittook a new group for a summit attempt before mt whitney trip. great trip if you are looking for something challenging close to socal with some elevation gain. good prep for mt whitney for sure.
stoaX - Sep 18, 2017 1:17 pm Date Climbed: Sep 16, 2017
finally got around to itGot to the parking lot at 6:45am and it was already full. Parked in the lower lot for a different trail. Up and down in 7.5 hours - it was strenuous, fun and although there were a lot of hikers, the crowds thinned out after a while and it wasn't too bad on the trail.
apachedino - Aug 4, 2017 12:00 pm Date Climbed: Jul 26, 2017
VivianI was surprised at how nice the trail was, well done on a mostly great gradient. The section after the 1st thousand ft was awesome, lush and with very large incense cedar and pondarosas, didnt expect that. Did San Antonio (Baldy) the day before via the North backbone trail. Ultra #41 and U.S. Super prominence (4,000+ ft vert) #72/142.
haha1 - Jul 29, 2017 11:25 pm
San GorgonioLong day with the HPS. Somebody was having their wedding on the summit. Something I wouldn't mind doing in my wedding.
birdhead - Jul 27, 2017 6:24 pm
Vivian CreekSometime around 2000 or 2001??
Ben FR - Jul 17, 2017 12:47 pm Date Climbed: Jun 3, 2017
Dobbs Creek variationStarted at Momyer Trailhead. Hiked up Mill Creek to Vivian Creek trailhead. Turned off the trail at the start of the Dobbs Ridge. Dobbs Ridge which was a long class 2 ridge. Connected to the San Bernardino Divide Trail near Jepson Peak and made my way to San G. Descent via Momyer seemed to take forever. Perfect weather, very little wind at the top.
Jim6822 - Jul 5, 2018 10:57 pm
Re: Dobbs Creek variationHow long did that one take you ?