Hike San Bernardino East Peak From Forsee Creek Trail
18 miles - Hard Effort
8-9 Hours (Total)
4,600 Total Feet of Climbing
Max Elevation of 10,691 feet
Leashed Dogs Allowed
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.
This whole area was badly damaged by forest fires in recent years. Although the area is reopened, John's Meadow Trail is in bad shape and non-existent and dangerous in spots. Your best move is to bag the San Bernadino summits and then return the same way. Thanks to Troy C for the update.
Getting to the Trailhead
The Forsee Creek Trailhead is in Angelus Oaks, about 15 minutes up CA-38 from the popular San Bernardino Peak Trailhead. The last section of the drive is on a dirt road that has some rough spots, but it's doable in a low-clearance car if you go slow. I did it in a Kia Niro and was okay. I would have liked to blow through it in my old Jeep, but not in the cards for me these days.
You need a National Parks Pass or Adventure Pass to park in the lot. There are no toilets or facilities here.
Permits for the Hike
For a day hike you now DO need a quota-based permit. And if you want to camp at one of the primitive campgrounds along the route, you'll need a permit for that, which you can book in advance. Rangers do turn around hikers who plan on camping but don't have an approved permit. Each campground has a daily quota. You can get all the permits and instructions on the San Gorgonio Wilderness Associate website here.
Permit Availablity
Can't get a permit for your date? Try OutdoorStatus.com and get a text message as soon as a cancelled permit opens up!.
Gear For the Hike
This is a long hike and you should prepare accordingly. I generally go through 1L of water (or beer) every 4 miles, and on this one I'll go through about 4-5L There are some water sources along the hike where you can fill up, but they're not always reliable. As always, better in the spring, worse in the fall. The slopes can be steep and trekking poles are useful on this hike, especially on some of the more primitive sections of John's Meadow Trail.
In the winter, you're pretty high up, so this hike can become a mountaineering experience. Even in the summer, temperatures on the San Bernadino Peak Divide Trail can be windy and chilly. Check the conditions before you go.
If you want to check if there's snow on your hike, read this guide.
Gear That I Love Right Now
Nothing is sponsored or promoted, just the actual gear that I use.
Garmin InReach Mini 2If you are out of cellphone range the Mini 2 will reliably allow you to hit SOS via satellite. You can also send non-emergency texts to just say that you're late, let friends and family follow along, and check the weather. You can see my review here.
Topo Pursuit 2The wide toe box means no blisters, an aggressive tread is great on the trail, it dries very quickly, and it has lots of cushion for long days. It combines everything I love about every other shoe into one.
Garmin Epix ProThese watches are pricey, but I use them 24/7 for sleep tracking, workouts, heart rate, and tracking my hike. It has preloaded hiking maps that help me navigate the trails and is a backup to my smartphone navigation. The Epix Pro has a great battery life, a screen similar to an Apple Watch Ultra, and works in harsh conditions when just using the buttons. See my review here.
Osprey Hikelite 26This updated version of the Hikelite 26 offers incredible value for the money. It's got a wide trampoline back, so your back doesn't get sweaty. It's under 2lbs, has deep side pockets, and is a great balance of what you need without what you don't.
There are a few routes you can take to San Bernadino East Peak and I chose this particular routing because it's beautiful and relatively easy to follow. The climb goes up Forsee Creek Trail, then across the San Bernadino Peak Divide Trail with great views, then back down on the San Bernadino Peak Trail, then back to the start on the John's Meadow Trail. This hike hits San Bernadino East Peak, but you can also easily bag Andersen Peak and San Bernadino Peak on the way too.
Have a question about the guide or want to see what other people are saying/asking? View the Youtube comments for this video. Leave a comment and I will do my best to respond.
When planning, always check the park website and social media to make sure the trails are open. Similarly, check the weather and road conditions.