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 Reporter |
Summary: This trail is a monster, definitely one of the most demanding in Southern California. You gain nearly a vertical mile in less than 8 miles distance. On the way up, you will encounter no more than 400 yards of downhill, and around the same amount for flat trail. It is up the entire way, and most of that way is steep. So, the way back is easy pickin's. The steepest sections are the beginning mile of the trail, after you cross the creek (don't tire yourself out here, no matter how badly you want to get up, I paid for it later,) and the mile and a half after the saddle where you can first spot San Jacinto, nearing the summit. Only take this trail if you are in top shape. It tested my endurance, I could see the peak and was thinking of turning around. It took me nearly 7 hours to summit, and only 3 1/2 to get down. If I do this one again, I'll camp, so I can enjoy it. The view is obscured by shoddy air, but you do get a lot of cool forest scenery on the way up. Trailhead: From Redlands - take the 38 East. Stop at the Mill Creek Ranger Station to get your permit, if it is during the week, you will probably be okay if you are early. If it is a weekend, you might want to get your permit in advance, contact them for instructions. They leave permits outside for first come, first serve in the morning before they open. Continue on the 38 East for a few miles, turn right at the junction with Valley of The Falls Road, follow this road until it ends and park in the parking area near the locked gate. Follow the road until you actually see the trail veer off into the creek-bed. The second sign's arrow is pointing to the creek, but don't go there yet, follow the road for another 1/4 mile, then cross, you'll see the trail. BRING BUG REPELLENT! You will need it desperately! (Lat:34.09905 Lon:-116.82476) Trail Guides for San Gorgonio Via Vivian Creek: California Hiking by Tom Sinestra and Ann Marie Brown (Avalon Travel) Day Hikers Guide to Southern California by John McKinney (Olympus Press) San Bernardino Mountain Trails - 100 Hikes in Southern California by John W. Robinson (Wilderness Press) Best Seasons: Fall, Spring, Summer, User Groups: Hikers, Ranger Contact: San Gorgonio Wilderness - Mill Creek Ranger Station (909)794-1123 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 14 Submit your own review 
Reviewed by Craigc on 12/29/2008 Wow! This hike is a MONSTER!! The first mile and a half will surely make most people think about giving up. This trail is 98% uphill climbing, with very little rest or relief! The last mile WILL KILL YOU! hahahah Well worth the feeling of accomplishment at the summit! PEACE! 
Reviewed by laguy on 11/19/2008 Hiked it on Sunday 11/16. Warm day on Sunday. Small patches of show on the ground, nothing that will get in your way. Every time I hike here, the last mile up just kills me. The lack of oxygen past 10,000 feet make it difficult to get up there. Difficult hike for sure. Start early, before 7am if you want to make it down by sunset at 5pm.
Reviewed by Jen on 11/10/2008 Hiked this trail yesterday 11/9/08. The weather was unexpected. Hail, snow, wind, and freezing temps. Took me 2 hrs to Halfway Camp and 1 1/2 down. I was prepared for the weather, but b/c I was hiking solo I decided to descend as quickly as possible (I ascended with another group but returned solo). The weather was turning pretty nasty at 8000', certainly worse higher up. Fresh snow made the trail easy to lose in some parts. Following the valley/Vivian creek helped. Just another reminder to be prepared for anything and to make wise decisions on the mtn. Two hikers got stranded yesterday, thankfully it sounds like they were rescued. Otherwise, absolutely beautiful hike. Will try summit next time...but not solo!
Reviewed by Bryce on 10/17/2008 Trail is in good condition, only three felled trees (same as two years ago) over the trail. Still plenty of water at Vivian Creek and just enough clean, flowing water at High Creek to filter. Picked a great day to hike: nice weather, and little wind. 5 hours up, 1 at the top, 3.75 hours down. GPS tracked 9.49 miles coming down, but there were minor overlapping errors on some switchbacks. No bear sightings or fresh signs to speak of.
Reviewed by JeffR on 10/13/2008 We did this on 08/31/08 with a group of 14 Boy Scouts and parents as a final prep for Mt. Whitney. It is a demanding hike with mostly rocky trails. Wear good boots, bring plenty of water and keep the calories coming. We left at 9:30 am and returned at about 9:30 in the evening, allowing for some of the younger boys. This is not a day hike for younger ones or out of shape hikers. The distance, elevation gain, footing and difficulty combine to make this a tough hike. Temperature at the bottom was 85, it was 48 at the summit with a lot (30mph+) of wind. You will need clothing layers for a variety of conditions. This is an excellent preparation for Mt. Whitney as the conditions of the trail are similar as is the grade. Very pretty mountain! 
Reviewed by Dan on 10/11/2008 Solo assent on 10/11/08. 5 hrs up and 3 down. Freezing and super windy on the ridgeline and summit, wind chill was at 15 degrees on top. Most of the trail had fresh snow and ice on the ground from an overnight shower. My GPS measured 18 miles RT.
Reviewed by MADMAN on 10/8/2008 This is a very tough hike. Do not take lightly. It's even harder coming down. You don't realize how steep it is until you come down. Your knees and thighs will be hurting. Bring plenty of water and food. We started hiking at 7:30am and got back down to the car at 7:05pm. The last mile was after sunset and getting dark. Plan ahead. I'm glad I did it but won't do it again. Peace-out!
Reviewed by UrestUrust on 10/8/2008 Great hike! Definitely a work out. Hit the trail Tue 10/7/08. First experience on San G. Used it as training for Cactus to Clouds next Wed. There are are few tough spots as everyone describes. 4 hrs up and 3 hrs back down, not quite the monster everyone describes. Beautiful day, not a cloud in the sky, fall seems to be a good time to summit, just check the weather forcast so you can take in all this mtn has to offer. Trail is easy to follow, condition of trails compare to other trails in So Cal, lots of use. (Please stay on the trails) signs are at appropriate places on trail. Able to get some great photos of Big Horn Sheep near the summit. Great vistas during the hike and views of all surrounding mtns from the summit, worth the effort! 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 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||