RT San Gorgonio Mountain

Southern California's highest mountain offering alpine scenery, rugged wilderness, challenging hiking routes, and sweeping views across mountain ranges, deserts, and valleys.

General Information

Length:

18.5 miles round trip via Vivian Creek Trail

Elevation Gain:

Approximately 5,500 feet

Difficulty:

Strenuous

Hours:

Open year-round
Most hikers begin before sunrise during climbing season
Wilderness permits may be required depending on season and route

Fees:

Day hiking: Free
Adventure Pass or recreation fees may be required at certain trailhead parking areas
Wilderness permits may be required for overnight use

Pet Policy:

Pets are permitted on trails when under control and where allowed by San Bernardino National Forest regulations

Closest cities with hotels:

Redlands (12 mi)

Seasons:

Late June through October is the primary hiking season; snow and ice are common during fall, winter, and spring

Location:

Vivian Creek Trailhead, Forest Falls, CA 92339

Website:

fs.usda.gov/sbnf

How to Get There

From Redlands (12 mi): Take I-10 east to CA-38, follow the scenic mountain highway through Mentone and Angelus Oaks to Forest Falls, then continue to the Vivian Creek Trailhead, the most popular starting point for climbing San Gorgonio Mountain.

Overview

The San Gorgonio Mountain, rising to 11,503 feet, is the highest peak in Southern California and the crown jewel of the San Bernardino Mountains. Located within the protected San Gorgonio Wilderness, the mountain stands above a landscape of granite ridges, alpine meadows, lodgepole pines, and glacially carved basins. Unlike the heavily developed peaks found elsewhere in the region, San Gorgonio offers a true wilderness experience where hikers encounter pristine forests, mountain streams, and expansive vistas stretching from the Pacific Coast to the Mojave Desert. The summit's prominence and isolation create one of the most rewarding high-altitude hiking experiences in the state.

Several routes lead toward the summit, with the Vivian Creek Trail being the most popular and challenging option. Along the climb, hikers pass through diverse ecosystems that change dramatically with elevation, culminating in panoramic views that encompass Mount San Jacinto, Mount Baldy, the Coachella Valley, and vast expanses of Southern California. Summer brings wildflowers and generally favorable hiking conditions, while winter transforms the peak into a mountaineering destination requiring specialized equipment and experience. For outdoor enthusiasts seeking a memorable adventure, San Gorgonio Mountain represents one of the premier summit experiences in the American West.

This article uses material from the Wikipedia articles and official tourism pages for the San Gorgonio Mountain, which are released under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share-Alike License 3.0.