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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 15 Submit your own review 
Reviewed by Jeff on 6/29/2009 Very nice experience. Difficult hike but I only saw lots of smiling faces! A very rewarding way to spend a full day! We left our packs at "Halfway Campsite" and day hiked to the summit. Beautiful falls just off trail 3 miles from summit. If you are not in top shape, just take it slow!
Reviewed by Chris on 6/8/2009 Nice day hike. Did it on June 7. After the creek its a tough first mile and the last couple of miles are kind of steep, areas of loose rocks but nothing too bad but it got kind of annoying. Just be prepared for a long day. Took us 5 hours to the top and about 3 hours and 45 min back to the bottom. Very few people up there.
Reviewed by Darren on 6/8/2009 Hiked 6/7/09, Amazing mountain! This is a long day hike, I spent 10 hours on the mountain, 5hr and 45 minutes to summit. Challenging physically, long, with some tough uphill near the end, would only recommend this route if you are an experienced hiker in very good shape. Leave early and be prepared for a work out.
Reviewed by Adam on 6/1/2009 Demanding is an understatement! Our group of eight camped at 'Halfway' on the 30th. It rained most of the day Saturday but in its aftermath left clear beautiful skies for the following day. We woke early Sunday and made our way to the summit. We worked as a team on the grueling upper half to reach the top. All in all a great hike, one for the books. BTW...water was ample at all three campgrounds and the weather was perfect! 
Reviewed by Sonya on 5/31/2009 Did this hike on 5-30-2009 Wow a really tough hike, this is my second time doing it. What a perfect day. I ran into a friend Dan on the trail, who was doing 3 peaks in one day. He was on his way down and told me not to give up. I almost gave up about 1000 ft from the top, but as I turned around, there was another old friend . He told me I could make it. Sooo I went for it and made the summit. The sky was dark and on the way down it started to rain, but loved every minute . The rain made everything smell so good. What a way to end a wonderful day.
Reviewed by Brenda on 5/26/2009 Did this trail Sunday and Monday- weather was perfect, no wind or cold on the peak. Spent Sun night at Halfway and did the peak and back out again on Monday. We're going back in a few weeks for more training- full packs again in prep for Mineral King this July.
Reviewed by Brian on 5/19/2009 Wow, this hike is demanding, but totally worth it. Camped at the high creek campgroud area which was nice at around 9200ft on the 17th and summitted th 18th. It rained on the mountain in the morning on and off for about an hour. Also, right now there is plenty of water in the streams to filter. The Views at the top were spectaular. Totally worth the work to get to the top.
Reviewed by John Wesley on 5/6/2009 My first time on this trail, and I now see why it is the personal favorite of so many. A beautiful trail with a variety of topography and life, as well as a solid challenge. Took about 11 hours round-trip with a few stops on the way. There is no longer a need for winter gear unless we get another late season storm. Had axe and crampons, just in case, but they were only extra weight. Plenty of snow to melt for water, but not necessarily on the trail. Can't wait to do this one again. As close to Whitney as it gets for training purposes. Solo il rey della lucertole, posso fare di tutto. 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 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||