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 Reporter |
Summary: A hike along the Aspen Grove Trail in the San Gorgonio Wilderness is almost guaranteed to cure just about any ill...streaming water, lush green conifers and lovely stands of aspen trees (rarely seen in Southern California), along with an uphill climb amidst summer wildflowers and verdant ferns await the weary and forlorn hiker escaping the cement jungle of Southern California suburbia. Silence (disturbed only by the mosquitoes along the creek in June and July-bring an appropriate line of defense) is also a cherished feature of a hike along this trail. The Aspen Grove Trail can be taken to its end to intersect with the Fish Creek Trail, one of the main routes used to access several paths leading to the summit of San Gorgonio Mountain, the highest point in California south of the Sierra Nevadas. A free permit is required for all wilderness trails, and can be obtained at the Barton Flats Ranger Station on Hwy 38 six miles west from the Heart Bar Campground. Trailhead: In the city of Redlands, exit Interstate 10 at Highway 38-travel northeast for 32 miles to Forest Service Road 1NO2 (look for sign directing you to Heart Bar Campground, Coon Creek, and Fish Creek. Turn south (right) and continue for 1.25 miles to FS Road 1NO5, then turn right at fork. Continue along the rough road (passable for most two-wheel drive vehicles) 1.5 miles to the Aspen Grove Trailhead on the right. A Forest Service Adventure Pass is required to park at the trailhead, and a wilderness permit is required to hike past the signed wilderness boundary line. Both are available at the Barton Flats Ranger Station on Hwy-38 six miles west of the Heart Bar Campground, or at the Ranger Station at 34701 Mill Creek Road/Hwy 38 in Mentone (about 12 miles east from the intersection of University and Lugonia/Hwy 38 in the city of Redlands). (Lat:34.14767 Lon:-116.78979) Trail Guides for San Gorgonio Wilderness-Aspen Grove Trail: California Hiking by Stienstra and Brown (Foghorn Press) Best Seasons: Fall, Spring, Summer, User Groups: Hikers, Horses, Ranger Contact: San Gorgonio Ranger District-(909) 794-1123 Localhikes Reporter: This hike was submitted by Patricia Barnes, who has posted 23 other hikes on this site Trail Reviews Page 2 of 3 Submit your own review 
Reviewed by Chuck N on 5/30/2008 Road to Aspen Grove Trailhead okay for normal vehicles, just take it slow. Trail heads downhill for 1/4 mile, meets Fish Creek and paralells creek for several miles. Wonderful Sierra like scenery, Aspens stunning. Numerous stream crossings (about 5 ft wide). Return hike out moderate, take your time. Great Isolation - enjoy!!! 
Reviewed by Dave on 2/28/2008 It has been a long time, but I have hiked the Heart Bar and Jenks far into the upper reaches several times. It is spectacular. Imagine not seeing another human being for two days. There are no improved camp grounds, but you can get fire permits and camp. --On the way to the "bog meadow," a naturally filled lake, you will find giant cedar trees, large Ponderosa Pines, Sugar Pines, and wild roses. If you are a natural flower addict, you have to see this in June. Beyond the meadow is a steady climb to a wonderful place where no one goes. When you meet the Jenks trail there are more people. Just stop along the creek before you get to the saddle. It is an obscure and wonderful place. Don't try it if you aren't in reasonable shape.
Reviewed by Donald on 10/8/2007 Very pleasant trail. It had good fall color along the creek. This was especially true on the descent. There was an abundance of horse droppings. However, no horses were seen on my hike. 
Reviewed by dave on 7/5/2006 trippy place, i like the road to get to the trilhead too!watchout for them yuppies
Reviewed by Virginia on 5/21/2006 I found the trail head a little difficult to find. Be on the lookout for 1N02, not well marked. I saw the sign to Heart Bar Campground only after passing it. The last 1.5 mile of the road to the trail head in my opinion requires a 4W drive or a car with high clearance, road is pretty rough. Even if it can't make it, you can park and hike the last 1.5 mile to the start. The trail is definitely worth it. Beautiful aspen grove, stream with nice amount of water, great hike.
Reviewed by dave on 5/9/2006 That's just the beginning of the trail. Hike on toward the saddle above and it's junction with the Jenk's Lake Trail. (Just a few miles) and you will find one of the most secluded and beautiful places in SoCal.
Reviewed by KEVIN on 3/12/2005 NICE BUT WAS PASSED BY MANY HORSES
Reviewed by Michelle on 7/25/2004 Watch out for the horse droppings! Very beautiful hike. 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 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
