San Gorgonio Peak via South Fork Trail
Cappie’s Scoop: This is one of the highest mountain’s I’ve climbed! I was so proud of myself that I made it to the top! It’s a long hike if you want to do it in one day. Mom and I started very early. On the way up, there are a couple spots to camp so if you wanted to do this in 2 days, you can backpack it! When we go back, we’ll backpack it and camp at Dry Lake (9,065 ft). Hopefully the lake will not be dry either and we can get some water and swimming in! Don’t hesitate to add YOUR scoop in the comments below!
Tips: Start early, this is a very long and the parking lot can fill up fast. We hiked from the trailhead towards Dollar Lake crossing over Dollar Lake Saddle to get to the peak. You could also reach the peak by hiking towards Dry Lake as well or make it a backpack (overnight permit required). We’ve also done this hike via Vivian Creek trailhead passing through High Creek Camp where you can camp and access water.
Directions: Coordinates 34.161193, -116.871806 bring you to the parking lot. You will need to cross the road to pick up the South Fork Trail.
| Mileage (round trip) | 19.5 |
| Difficulty | Strenuous |
| Gain (in feet) | 4700 |
| Trailhead | 34.161193, -116.871806 |
| Hike Time (in hours) | 10-12 |
| Exposure | Sunny and Shady |
| Scenery | Mountain Views, Forest, Creek |
| Facilities | Vault toilets at trailhead. Typically no water on this trail unless the seasonal creek is running which is fairly early in the hike at the junction to Dry Lake or Dollar Lake. |
| Fees/Permits | California Adventure Pass or Interagency Annual Pass/America the Beautiful Pass (National Parks Pass). Beginning 9/1/2020, a free day-use permit for entering San Gorgonio Wilderness areas within the San Bernardino National Forest is required and there are quotas, information at http://sgwa.org/wilderness-permits. |
| More Info | https://hikingguy.com/hiking-trails/best-la-hikes/south-fork-trail-to-san-gorgonio-mountain |
| Last Hiked | 5/21/2022 |
