San Gorgonio Wilderness Trail Maps
From the desert to the highest peak in Southern California, the San Gorgonio Wilderness offers a trail for everyone. There are 81 miles of trails here, along with pristine wilderness, endangered animals, and natural solitude. My trail maps and trail guides include videos and have everything you need to know for a San Gorgonio Wilderness hike or backpacking trip.
| Name | Distance | Level | Location | Climb | Dogs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Whitewater Preserve Hike – Canyon View Loop Trail | 4 | Moderate | Whitewater | 790 | Y |
| Dry Lake (San Gorgonio) From The South Fork Trail | 11.5 | Hard | Angelus Oaks | 2330 | Y |
| Hike San Bernardino East Peak From Forsee Creek Trail | 18 | Hard | Angelus Oaks | 4600 | Y |
| San Gorgonio Hike | 18.5 | Very Hard | Forest Falls | 5470 | Y |
| San Bernardino Peak Hike | 16 | Hard | Angelus Oaks | 4670 | Y |
All Guides
Whitewater Preserve Hike – Canyon View Loop Trail
One of my favorite hikes, the Canyon View Loop Trail at the Whitewater Preserve, between Palm Springs and Joshua Tree, offers beauty at every twist and turn. The well-marked trail follows the Whitewater River Canyon until it reaches the iconic PCT and then climbs up to a bluff that offers non-stop views into the canyon and high peaks of the San Gorgonio Wilderness area. It’s a hike that’s worth making a trip for, so give it a try.
Whitewater, CA - 4 miles, Moderate
Dry Lake (San Gorgonio) From The South Fork Trail
Dry Lake, nestled in the shadow of San Gorgonio Mountain, is a beautiful day hike or overnight camping destination. This hiking guide to Dry Lake takes the scenic South Fork Trail, which is well maintained with gradual slopes. And despite being called Dry Lake, it often has water in it, making for a pristine alpine oasis in the mountains of Southern California.
Angelus Oaks, CA - 11.5 miles, Hard
Hike San Bernardino East Peak From Forsee Creek Trail
Get away from the crowds on this San Bernardino East Peak hike that climbs up the Forsee Creek Trail, meanders along the breathtaking Bernardino Peak Divide Trail, then heads back to the start on the primitive and secluded John’s Meadow Trail. It’s a tough hike with a fair amount of climbing, but the scenery and ruggedness of the San Gorgonio Wilderness make it well worth it. I usually do this as a loop hike in a day, but there are several camping options if you want to make it an overnighter.
Angelus Oaks, CA - 18 miles, Hard
San Gorgonio Hike
At 11,503 feet, the San Gorgonio hike brings you to the highest peak in Southern California. The hike to San Gorgonio is an iconic SoCal hiker rite of passage, and I highly recommend it. There are a few ways to hike to the peak. This hiking guide takes the Vivian Creek trail, which is the quickest way to the summit at 10 hours roundtrip. It’s a tough hike but doable in a day if you train for it.
Forest Falls, CA - 18.5 miles, Very Hard
San Bernardino Peak Hike
The San Bernardino Peak (10,649 feet) hike is tough but rewarding. The San Bernardino Mountains were named after San Bernardino Peak, which was named by one of the pioneer friars in California, Francisco Dumetz in 1835. I like this hike a lot. The crowds are light, the fauna is beautiful, and it offers sweeping views of Mt Baldy, Mt San Jacinto, San Gorgonio, Big Bear Lake, and the Inland Empire.Planning for the San Bernardino Peak Hike
Angelus Oaks, CA - 16 miles, Hard