San Gorgonio Wilderness
Vast wilderness with rugged mountains, canyons, and alpine forests, offering challenging hikes and stunning views from its highest peaks.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Beat the heat and crowds.
San Gorgonio Wilderness
Best Time
Beat the heat and crowds.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Vast wilderness with rugged mountains, canyons, and alpine forests, offering challenging hikes and stunning views from its highest peaks.
"Challenging hike for a Midwestern flatlander like myself. Every turn offered amazing views."
Start Early for Summit Hikes
Aim to start your ascent 5-6 hours before sunset to ensure a safe return.
Water is Key!
Carry at least 3 liters and consider a water filter. Water sources can be unreliable.
Quick Facts
Hours
Rating
4.8 · 54 reviews
Type
Hiking Area
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
San Gorgonio Peak Summit
San Gorgonio Peak
Reach Southern California's highest point for breathtaking panoramic views. A true accomplishment!
San Bernardino Peak Trail
San Bernardino Peak Trail
A challenging 16-mile roundtrip hike through pine forests with rewarding summit vistas.
San Gorgonio Campground
San Gorgonio Campground
Alpine zone camping with cool temps, tall pines, and easy access to trails. Great for families!
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Tackle the Trails Wisely
Permits & Preparation
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Start Early for Summit Hikes
Aim to start your ascent 5-6 hours before sunset to ensure a safe return.
Water is Key!
Carry at least 3 liters and consider a water filter. Water sources can be unreliable.
Layer Up
Mountain weather changes fast. Be prepared for temperature shifts.
Trekking Poles Recommended
They help with the steep ascents and descents on rugged trails.
Tips
from all over the internet
Start Early for Summit Hikes
Aim to start your ascent 5-6 hours before sunset to ensure a safe return.
Water is Key!
Carry at least 3 liters and consider a water filter. Water sources can be unreliable.
Layer Up
Mountain weather changes fast. Be prepared for temperature shifts.
Trekking Poles Recommended
They help with the steep ascents and descents on rugged trails.
Check Permit Requirements
Confirm if day-hiking or overnight permits are needed for your visit.
Family Camping Fun
San Gorgonio Campground is great for camping with kids!
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the challenging hikes and stunning summit views in San Gorgonio Wilderness, calling it a rewarding experience despite the strenuous climbs. The alpine camping offers a cool escape. Some note the need for thorough preparation regarding water and daylight for descents.
"Challenging hike for a Midwestern flatlander like myself. Every turn offered amazing views. Shaded areas had bug activity, but fortunately, no mosquitoes. Several water sources and campsites were along the way. The night sky view was stunning. For day-hiking, I suggest starting early, dressing in layers, and wearing a sun hoodie for exposed areas. Bring 3 liters of water, trekking poles, and water filtration. The only advice I have is to avoid hiking down 4 hours before sunset. There’s not enough daylight to make it back down safely. 5-6 hours before sunset is ideal."
Andy H. Pak
"San Gorgonio it’s tough going up to the summit. I did it under heavy snow storm on 12/30/23 A challenging mount with amazing views. It took me around 9 hours to complete out and back."
Lino Juarez
"This was an amazing place to hike. It’s a Pine forest for much of the trail (I took San Bernardino Peak Trail), so you are shaded from the sun most of the time, even at the top. The trail is 8 miles one-way, and where it’s not shaded it’s a manzanita grove. There are at least 2 campgrounds along the way to the peak, so take advantage of that if you can’t do 16 miles in one day. As of now, November 2019, there is no longer a requirement to apply for and get a day hiking permit. I applied for one anyway and got a response back that it’s not necessary. I did not encounter many bugs on my hike."
K-Bear
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The San Gorgonio Wilderness is accessible via multiple trailheads, with the San Bernardino Peak Trailhead near Angelus Oaks being a popular starting point. Driving directions will vary depending on your chosen trailhead. Parking can be limited, especially on weekends.
Public transportation options are very limited for reaching trailheads directly. It's generally recommended to have your own vehicle for access.
The most common route to San Gorgonio Peak is via the San Gorgonio Peak Trail, which is a strenuous hike. Other routes exist but are often longer and more challenging.
Road conditions can change due to weather or fire activity. Always check with the San Bernardino National Forest for the latest updates before your trip.
Nearby towns include Big Bear Lake, Crestline, and Running Springs, offering amenities and lodging options.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Day-hiking permits are not always required, but it's best to verify current regulations with the San Bernardino National Forest. Overnight camping requires a wilderness permit.
Permit fees can vary. Check the official San Bernardino National Forest website for the most up-to-date pricing and reservation information.
Wilderness permits can typically be obtained online through the San Bernardino National Forest's permit system or at designated ranger stations.
Ranger station hours vary, so it's advisable to check their specific operating times before visiting in person to obtain permits or information.
There are typically no general entrance fees for the wilderness area itself, but specific trailheads or campgrounds might have day-use fees or parking charges.
🎫 🥾 Onsite Experience
Hikes in San Gorgonio Wilderness are generally considered challenging, with significant elevation gain. Reaching summits like San Gorgonio Peak or San Bernardino Peak requires good physical condition.
Several water sources exist, but they can be seasonal and unreliable. It's crucial to carry sufficient water and have a filtration or purification method.
Expect rugged mountain terrain, including steep ascents, rocky paths, and some exposed areas. Pine forests and manzanita groves are common.
Yes, there are designated campgrounds like San Gorgonio Campground, offering an alpine camping experience. Overnight wilderness permits are required for dispersed camping. +1
You might encounter various wildlife, including deer, birds, and smaller mammals. Always maintain a safe distance and store food properly.
📸 📸 Photography
The summit views from San Gorgonio Peak and San Bernardino Peak are spectacular. Look for wildflowers in spring and dramatic skies during sunrise and sunset.
Early morning and late afternoon offer the best light for landscape photography, minimizing harsh shadows and creating a golden hour glow.
The San Bernardino Peak Trail offers varied scenery, from shaded forests to open ridges, providing diverse photographic subjects.
Bring a wide-angle lens for expansive vistas and a telephoto lens for capturing distant peaks. A sturdy tripod is helpful for low-light conditions.
Yes, but always maintain a safe distance and use a telephoto lens to avoid disturbing the animals. Respect their natural habitat.
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