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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 16 Submit your own review 
Reviewed by MCH on 3/15/2010 I tried this is the snow on 3/13/10. I got a late start so I couldn't make the summit. Very strenuous, but goregeous and rewarding. Trail was hard to find at parts. I would recommend snowshoes and crampons in the snow. 
Reviewed by Debbie on 2/21/2010 My husband and I hiked this with our kids, ages 3 and 4, back in 1988. It took us 10 hours to get to High Creek, where we spent the night. We intended to reach the summit the next day, but were soaked by a tremendous thunderstorm part way up. We spent one more night at High Creek before returning. It only took us about 5 hours to make the return trip. Mind you, this was done with 2 small children. I carried a 35 lb. pack, my husband carried a 50 lb. pack (and a 25 lb. 3 year old at times), and the 4 year old carried his sleeping bag, about 2 lbs, and walked the whole way. I wouldn't recommend doing what we did, but any healthy adult would be okay.
Reviewed by Leslie on 12/7/2009 Hiked on Dec 6 2009. The parts of the trails that don't receive very much sunlight were icy/packed snow from other hikers. Snow on the trail starts when you see the sign for vivian camp ground. It took us 5.5 hours to get to High Creek. Hiking 5 min after High Creek, we didn't see any more footprints and the trail had been covered with snow.
Reviewed by Heather on 11/16/2009 I summited in 4.5 hours, keeping a good pace. I actually found the downhill portions more difficult, esp on my knees - I took 4 hours to get back down. All in all, an amazing day.
Reviewed by Andy on 10/17/2009 I rate myself as a beginner and it took us 8.5 hrs to get up and 5.5 hrs to get down. The first part is steep, but its at the begining when u are fresh. The part that was toughest for me was after High creek. Physically you are drained and mentally you want to turn back. If you are new to this like myself, bring a flashlight for the way back.
Reviewed by Troop 19 on 9/19/2009 This hike is a challenge. Troop 19 made it a two day adventure, hiking to High Creek Camp on the August 29, and then to the peak and back out on August 30. High Creek Camp is a disappointment - too many permits for too few camping spots. The trip challenged the youngest Scouts (11 and 12 year olds) and the dads that went along. The older boys (14-16 years old) did this hike without hardly sweating. The view from the top was probably 75+ miles looking east, and maybe 50-60 looking west. Water at High Creek was plentiful, but the creek at Half-Way was dry on our way out.
Reviewed by Robert on 9/12/2009 A challenging but very nice day hike. The wooded area is gorgeous and a great view of Mt. San Jacinto from the top. Coming down is tough in spots, especially that VERY steep section right at the start - it's sheer torture when you're tired and just want to get back to your car! But a great hike.
Reviewed by Ross on 9/5/2009 Up isn't bad except two stretches. Down is hard - constant strain on knees. Bring sunscreen, good shoes and water. Expect 8 - 10 hrs round trip. 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 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||