San Gorgonio Hiking

The San Gorgonio Wilderness embraces the summit of the San Bernardino Mountain Range, the highest range in Southern California. Within its boundaries are 59,000 acres of trees, small lakes, and large barren slopes. The highest peak, San Gorgonio, rises to 11,502 feet.

Adventure Pass required for parking at the trailhead.

This trail is designed especially for school and camp groups along Highway 38 west of Barton Flats. The themes of the trail guide follow the California science curriculum for elementary age children. Family groups can have fun with this, too. The guide includes a bird list and a key to identifying trees.
Guide: A printed guide can be purchased at the trailhead, the Mill Creek Office, or at the Barton Flats Visitor Center (summer only).

The panels at Jenks Lake tell the story of Captain Jenks and how he built the lake.
Directions: Follow the paved Jenks Lake Road off Highway 38 in Barton Flats.
Parking Fee: $5.00.

Ponderosa Vista    .3 miles.  Panels

This short trail leads to a scenic viewpoint overlooking the Santa Ana River Valley. Panels describe the wildlife, trees, and history of the area.
Directions: The Trailhead is off Highway 38 in Barton Flats - It's directly across the highway from the Whispering Pines Trail (described above).

Santa Ana River   River Walk

Interpretive panels along the river north of Barton Flats show plants and animals that depend on the river, including the insects and fish which live in the water.
Directions: From Barton Flats (Highway 38), follow Glass Road for 2.5 miles to River Road. Turn right and go .5 miles to a sign. Park at the first large turnout and walk to the river.

Thurman Flats Picnic Area    Interpretive Panels

The panels highlight the migratory birds who visit this area along Mill Creek.

Adventures

#7: San Gorgonio Wilderness Hike    Moderate and Difficult Trails   
Points of Interest: pine and fir forests, lush subalpine meadows, sparkling streams, placid lakes, wildlife (particularly bighorn sheep and black bears). Look for Dollar Lake, Dry Lake, San Gorgonio Peak, San Bernardino Peak, Fish Creek, and Aspen Grove.

Popular Wilderness trailheads are South Fork, Aspen Grove, Fish Creek, Forsee Creek, San Bernardino Peak, Momyer, and Vivian Creek. You can hike for a couple of hours or for a week. Be sure to get advice from Forest Service staff while planning your trip.

There are no easy trails in the Wilderness! In picking a trail, be sure you watch the elevation gains that will be made on the hike. The most popular route is from South Fork Trail, climbing 4,700 feet to the top of San Gorgonio. Round trip is 21.5 miles. It's recommended as a 2-day (or longer) hike.

The steepest but shortest route to San Gorgonio is from the Vivian Creek Trailhead near Forest Falls: 15.6 miles round trip with a 5,300 feet elevation gain.

Permits: free Wilderness permit; Adventure Pass. Permits can be obtained in person at the Mill Creek Ranger Station, Barton Flats Visitor Center (summer only), and the Big Bear Discovery Center. You can request a permit application by mail or fax up to three months in advance. Permits are issued on a quota basis. When the daily quota for a trailhead has been filled, no additional permits will be issued for that area.
Trailheads: Most of the trailheads are in the Barton Flats area. Pick up a description of the trails at the Ranger Station.
Seasons: The best hiking time is June to October. The rest of the year, trails are snow covered and dangerous. Some trails on south-facing slopes may be snow-free longer. Always check at the Ranger Stations for trail conditions.