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Reporter |
Summary: This trail is a no-nonsense elevation gainer. however, it maintains a steady grade for a large portion of the trip. You begin in a mixed oak/pine forest and briskly head up the side of the ridge. Two miles into the trail you enter the San Gorgonio Wilderness, which is marked by a sign. The trail evens off a bit here, but not too much. You will be climbing and climbing some more. In two more miles you will reach a relatively flat area covered with Manzanita and chaparral. This flat area is your halfway reprieve, and it continues until you reach the trail junction for Columbine Springs and John's Meadow. From here it is 3.6 miles up and up to the top, I can't say much for the view, because I went during very wintry weather, and I couldn't see a thing. I imagine that on a clear day though, you can see all of Southern California. One neat thing is that you pass Colonel Washington's baseline monument which was the 1852 survey point for all land in SoCal. Trailhead: Take the 10 Freeway to Redlands, exit Ford, head North and follow Ford (it will turn into Judson) to Lugonia. There are no signs in Redlands that this is the 38, but it is. Turn right, heading East towards the mountains. Two and a half miles down the road, you will see Mill Creek Ranger Station. You need to stop here and get your permit. If you go during the week, getting the free permit should not be a problem, weekends maybe (most people want to go to San Gorgonio, so you might be okay anyway.) Continue on the 38, until you see the sign for Angelus Oaks. The trail is not marked from this direction, so as soon as you enter Angelus Oaks, turn right onto a road with some houses, follow it until you see the signs for the trail and trail parking. Park away from the roadway and begin your hike. (Lat:34.12222 Lon:-116.92255) Trail Guides for San Bernardino Peak: San Bernardino Mountain Trails - 100 Hikes in Southern California by John W. Robinson (Wilderness Press) Day Hikers Guide to Southern California by John McKinney (Olympus Press) Best Seasons: Fall, Spring, Summer, User Groups: Hikers, Dogs, Ranger Contact: San Bernardino National Forest (909) 794-1123 - Mill Creek Ranger Station Localhikes Reporter: This hike was submitted by Allen Riedel, who has posted 123 other hikes on this site. To visit this reporters web site, click here. Trail Reviews Page 1 of 4 Submit your own review I was the guy kicking the steps with the crampons. Definitely needed them. The actual trail was lost about a mile up from the Johns Meadow/Columbine junction. Headed straight up the mountain. Fortunately a solid crust that did not break through in many places or we would have never made it. First half is easy compared to second half. Come prepared. Found one guy wandering out there with a full backpack, no crampons or gaiters and headed out toward the southwest slope when he lost the trail. Fortunately, he turned around when he started sliding down slope on the slick crust. Nice view from the west SB Peak. 1/16/10 WOW, Ouch. Snow pretty much the whole way. First 2 miles, sections of dirt trail, but mostly compacted snow patches. Cold day, watch out, slippery with just boots. I got to Manzanita Springs in 1hr 45 min, thought I could get to Peak in about 3:15. Then the fun began. Above Manzanita Springs, there are patches of frozen snow/ice and patches of 6" powder covering an ice layer. Crampons DEFINITELY. I had Micro-spikes, and felt uneasy in quite a few spots (without an ice-axe). Followed a guy kicking steps with crampons, otherwise I would have turned back. Tough, challenging, but very satisfying doing this in winter/snow/ice, be prepared. David & Miguel's post 11/17/2008...Hike it right now boys, then say 'piece of cake'!! Hiked on 9/19. Get your permit, got checked. The official trail conditions website lies. There's no snow at all this time. Upper stretches of trail could use more maintenance. Great journey + destination. Exceeded expectations. BYOW. Bring your own water. Trust me. limber pine spring had some water enough to fill water bottles but running slow Weather was perfect for climbing this 4th and final peak (of the prestigious Four Peaks Award) for each of the two Life Scouts in Troop 4, Peter (scout leader) and William. Also making the climb were First Class Scout, Lukus (assistant scout leader), this being his 2nd climb above 10,500 feet and 10-year-old Webelos II Scout, Jakab, who made this his 1st climb over 10,500 feet. The scouts found plenty of very cold and refreshing water at Limber Pine spring, and on average the group consumed about 5 liters of fluid per person for the 12-hour, 16 mile hike. The group began just below the Angelus Oaks trailhead, elevated about 6,000 feet to the Summit and returned to below the trailhead the same day. Posted by Adult BSA Leaders, Fred and Greg 16.2 Miles in 8 hours with my 3 dogs - few snow spots. Overall easy climb, very little water but cool and nice. Splendid view and nature. I hiked this trail and it was a piece of cake. Hiked the trail in 7 hours round trip. This hike was not challenging. I found it similar to Mt. Baldy. I hiked this trail with my husband yesterday, for the first time, and I LOVED it! First of all, let me give some better directions to the trailhead. Once in Angelus Oaks, make a right on Manzanita, where you'll see Whispering Pines cabins and the fire station. Make an immediate left so you are driving past the fire station, and look for the sign which directs you to the trailhead. It says something like "For the San Bernardino Trailhead, make a right after the third house and follow the road to the lot." From there, it's easy to find. If you're ready for a great workout with splendid views, you should try this one out! I've happily stood atop M.t Baldy, Santiago Peak, San Jacinto and San Gorgonio...and you can see all of these sum Notice: Traveling in the backcountry can be hazardous. You are responsible for informing yourself about these hazards and taking necessary precautions. Information on this web site comes from volunteer reporters and may contain errors or omissions. A current guidebook and proper equipment are essential for safe enjoyment of the hikes posted on this site. Keys: California Hiking, California Trails, California Hikes, San Bernardino County Hiking, San Bernardino County Trails, San Bernardino County Hikes | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||