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11,503 ft · San Bernardino Mountains, California
San Gorgonio Mountain
San Gorgonio Mountain is an 11,503 ft peak in the San Bernardino Mountains, California. The standard route is the Vivian Creek Trail: 18 mi, 5,511 ft of gain, Class 1.
San Gorgonio Mountain at a glance
- Elevation11,503 ft3,506 m
- RouteVivian Creek TrailClass 1
- Distance18 mi5,511 ft gain
- Time12 – 14 hrsHard effort
- SeasonJun – Oct
- RangeSan Bernardino MountainsCalifornia
Climbing the Vivian Creek Trail
From Forest Falls near Redlands, California, start at the Vivian Creek Trailhead to climb San Gorgonio, the highest peak in Southern California. The Vivian Creek Trail is a long Class 1 grind gaining major elevation to the broad summit, best done very early or as an overnight. A wilderness permit is required. Expect loose rock, snow and ice lingering into early summer, and cold, windy summit conditions with fast-building storms. Carry plenty of water and refill where you can early on, since the upper mountain is dry. Start before dawn, pack layers, and watch afternoon weather on the exposed top.
Gear and hazards
What to bring
Backpack (40–55 L)
Hiking Boots
Base Layer
Midlayer
Insulated Jacket
Hardshell Jacket
Hardshell Pants
Sun Hat
Warm Hat
Buff
Midweight Gloves
Trekking Poles
Headlamp
GPS Device
Satellite Communicator
Power Bank
Offline Maps
Water
Water Filter
First-Aid Kit
Whistle
Emergency Bivy
Sunglasses
Sunscreen
What to watch for
- High altitude
- Snow near summit
- Ice near summit
- Loose rock
- Storms
- High winds
- Cold summit conditions
- Rapid weather shifts
- Altitude sickness
- Steep exposure
- Remote location
- Low visibility
San Gorgonio Mountain on Yak
Climbers have shared 6 climbs of San Gorgonio Mountain on Yak. Read their trip reports and recent conditions in the app
Quests with San Gorgonio Mountain
Lower 48 UltrasPeaks near San Gorgonio Mountain
Frequently asked questions
How tall is San Gorgonio Mountain?
San Gorgonio Mountain is 11,503 feet (3,506 m) tall. It is in the San Bernardino Mountains, California.
How hard is it to hike San Gorgonio Mountain?
The Vivian Creek Trail is Class 1, which means hiking on a trail. Yak rates the overall effort hard: 18 miles with 5,511 feet of elevation gain.
How long does it take to hike San Gorgonio Mountain?
Most people take 12 – 14 hours round trip on the Vivian Creek Trail, covering 18 miles with 5,511 feet of elevation gain. That is a long day, so start before dawn and set a turnaround time.
Can a beginner hike San Gorgonio Mountain?
The Vivian Creek Trail needs no climbing skills, but it is a hard day: 18 miles with 5,511 feet of elevation gain. Build up on shorter hikes first, start early and carry plenty of water and layers.
What time should you start hiking San Gorgonio Mountain?
Early. Afternoon thunderstorms are common in summer, so aim to be off the summit and the exposed upper mountain by early afternoon. At 12 – 14 hours round trip, many parties start in the dark.
When is the best time to hike San Gorgonio Mountain?
The usual hiking window is June to October. Outside it, expect snow, storms or closed access, and check the summit forecast before you go.
What is the trailhead elevation for San Gorgonio Mountain?
The Vivian Creek Trail starts at about 6,000 feet, roughly 5,503 feet below the summit.
Climb San Gorgonio Mountain with Yak
Plan your route on a topo map, check the summit forecast, then log your climb and see what is left on your list