San Gorgonio Peak (11,509 feet) wins the award for tallest mountain in Southern California and is one of the most topographically prominent in the entire U.S. Unsurprisingly, climbing San Gorgonio is a serious affair in any season and you can run into all kinds of weather.
I’ve encountered challenging snow and ice on the summit from November to June, while its steep climbs and exposed slopes can make going in summer a recipe for overheating and dehydration. For a fit hiker who has the proper skills and experience, San Gorgonio is arguably the best popular hike in Southern California.
Note that you can tailor your trip to the group’s abilities because there are plenty of scenic camping options at San Gorgonio Mountain which lets you break up how many miles you hike each day. However, while you have several trails to the summit, none of them are particularly easy and most have more than 4,000 feet of elevation gain. Also, as of Fall 2020, day hikers and backpackers need to have a permit from the San Gorgonio Wilderness Association and walk-up permits are no longer allowed, so you have to plan ahead!
My favorite route to the summit of Southern California’s tallest mountain
The trail I find myself returning to again and again is the South Fork Trail to the Sky High Trail. First, it passes a large mountain lake, a rarity in Southern California. Second, although the two trails combine for a longer route to the San Gorgonio summit, it’s less steep and has fewer switchbacks than many other paths (looking at you, Vivian Creek Trail). Before we get to those, though, be sure to get a permit prior to heading off for a day hike or backpacking trip!
Start at the South Fork Trailhead parking lot, making sure to display your Adventure Pass. Cross the road and follow a slightly eroded trail through Horse Meadow. Early in the season, you’ll hop over several wildflower surrounded streams. This area burned in the Lake Fire and is now exposed, which only seems to have made the wildflower growth better.
You’ll reach a viewpoint at the hilariously named Poopout Hill—which, if you’re feeling pooped now, just wait!—that looks across to Sugarloaf and other San Bernardino mountains. Then you’ll reach the signed San Gorgonio Wilderness boundary. This is where things start getting serious and the number of day hikers drop off.
After about 2 miles, you’ll reach a signed intersection. Although both trails eventually hit the summit, I prefer heading left towards Dry Lake. Not long after the intersection, my favorite place to take a lunch break is under the shady big trees near the springs feeding the South Fork of the Santa Ana River. It’s a great place to cool off before the next climb and top of water bottles (be sure to filter before drinking!).
Plenty of camping options
You’ve got a steady climb for the next 1.5 miles to Dry Lake. When you arrive, the reflection of the green peaks in the lake can take your breath away (but later in the season, as the name implies, it can dry up). This is also a stellar place to camp (there’s several designated camping areas, so be sure to indicate what part of Dry Lake you’re camping at when you make your permit reservation).
Even if you’re not camping here, the nearby Lodgepole Spring is a good place to top off water bottles. Unless you encounter snowmelt, there’s no water from here until the summit. The next 1.75 miles give you stunning views of San Gorgonio and the flanks of the nearby Jepson Peak. These north slopes can hold snow in early fall, winter, and late spring and are intimidating. You have another opportunity for camping just before reaching Mine Shaft Saddle.
Head sky high
At the intersection at the saddle, take the Sky High Trail straight, not the trail heading left. The Sky High Trail is my favorite route up San Gorgonio because you get to do a 270-degree walk around the mountain, much of it above treeline. This means you get to see views in all directions around the mountain. The eastern edge of the Sky High Trail feels remote and it stays that way until you’re almost at the summit.
The Sky High Trail starts with views down the valley into green North Fork Meadows and across at the burnt Ten Thousand Ridge range. You’ll traverse steep gullies that hold snow early and late into the season with long run outs below. For the skilled hiker or backpacker, it’s exhilarating (though admittedly for those less familiar with crossing snowfields, it can be terrifying). The trail switches back up the eastern face of San Gorgonio, passing the 1952 crash site of a C-47 plane. The map shows a memorial to the crash, but I always seem to miss it. The rubble from the crash is supposedly still on the mountain for those with keener eyes.
The trail turns to traverse the southern side of the San Gorgonio. The Sky High Trail hiker alone gets to look down towards a rare Socal Tarn (small high alpine pond) and at Bighorn Peak and the rugged Dragon’s Head. You’ll turn a corner and head north, keeping up the clockwise traverse. From here, you can see the Vivian Creek Trail across the way. The two trails intersect at a sign and continue together to the rocky summit. It’s nearly always windy and cold up here, so be sure to bring layers.