San Gorgonio Hike on the Vivian Creek Trail

18 miles - Very Hard Effort
9-11 Hours (Total)
5,470 Total Feet of Climbing
Max Elevation of 11,503 feet
Leashed Dogs Allowed

Easily the most popular San Gorgonio hike route, the Vivian Creek Trail is an iconic adventure up to the highest point in SoCal, at 11,503 feet. Vivian Creek is popular because it's the shortest and most accessible route, but it's also the steepest, so expect a good workout on your way to the summit. It's a beautiful hike through pines, cedars, and streams and then up to the barren moon-like landscape above the tree line. From the summit, you'll enjoy sweeping views from Nevada to the Channel Islands. Many people hike it in a day, but you can also make it an overnight backpacking trip. In this guide, I'll give you everything you need to know for either option.

In this Guide:

Video and Turn-by-Turn Directions for the San Gorgonio Hike
Parking and Permit Information for the Vivian Creek Trail
Maps, Elevation Profile, and Things to Know Before Going
Insider Tips and Recommendations

Quick Links:
Parks Pass - Park Website - Weather Forecast - My Oct 2024 Gear

Permits & Planning Your San Gorgonio Hike

Snow On San Gorgonio — San Gorgonio is part of the Sand to Snow National Monument. Guess which part of the monument is the snow part? Yea, being the highest point in SoCal, this hike is often covered in snow during the winter months. If that's the case, give this hike a skip unless you've done the trail before and have winter hiking and mountaineering experience. You can read some tips on checking for snow on the trail here. Photo Boscco

Assuming the weather is on your side, you will need a permit to day hike or overnight to San Gorgonio. The good news is that it's easier than ever to get. Go to the San Gorgonio Wilderness Association's permit page and fill out the online form. There is a quota system in place to limit human impact on the wilderness. Once you get your permit, save it (offline) to your phone or print it and take it with you.

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!.

Backpacking San Gorgonio

Even though the hike clocks in at 18 miles or so, many people hike San Gorgonio in a day. But you can also do it as an overnight backpacking trip. You just need to pick a date and your campsite(s).

Vivian Creek Camping Permit Options — The online permit system lets you pick the camp area that you'd like to stay at.

San Gorgonio Hike Vivian Creek Directions 4 — Here's a typical (larger) tent site at High Creek Camp. There are no facilities, it's just a cleared area. Make sure you get a free California campfire permit if you are going to use a stove.

All the campsites, aside from the summit, are close to water sources, most of which stop flowing at some point in the summer. If you want to check on the status of water, I'd look at the San Gorgonio Wilderness Association's (SGWA) forum pages.

Your permit only allows you to camp in the designated campsites within the San Gorgonio Wilderness, although you will see some dispersed tent sites along the route. I've marked them on the map and GPX file for reference, but don't consider them an option unless there's an emergency. Before the Lake Fire, an Explorer pass allowed you to camp at these sites, but not anymore. If this changes, please let me know.

San Gorgonio Hike Vivian Creek Directions 44 — Here's an example of an unofficial dispersed site (on the left).

Also note that camping on the summit can be very windy. Most of the summit tent sites have stone walls around them to help block the wind. There's also an official "summit campsite" to the southwest of the summit that's flat, sandy, and reasonably protected from the wind. I've marked both areas on the map and in the GPX file.

San Gorgonio Hike Vivian Creek Directions 56 — This is a campsite with stone wall enclosure at the summit.

San Gorgonio Hike Vivian Creek Directions 50 — And here's the official "summit campsite" which is less popular but more camping-friendly.

Training for San Gorgonio

If you're not used to doing this type of distance and climbing, I recommend building up your hiking fitness before you tackle this hike. A good progression is:

Sugarloaf Mountain (12 miles, 3300 feet of climbing)
Ontario Peak and Bighorn Peak (14.7 miles, 4200 feet of climbing)
San Gorgonio (18 miles, 5400 feet of climbing)

And if you bag San Gorgonio, it's probably time for you to bag Mt Whitney next.

Where is the Start of the Hike?

This route up to San Gorgonio Mountain starts at the Vivian Creek Trailhead, just past the Falls Picnic area in Forest Falls, CA. Use this trailhead address: 41900 Falls Rd Forest Falls, CA 92339.

San Gorgonio Hike Vivian Creek Directions 7 — There's a small parking lot right by the trailhead, and more spaces farther back toward the picnic area.

San Gorgonio Hike Vivian Creek Directions 6 — You need a parking pass for the trailhead. I use the affordable National Parks Pass, which gets me in every park, monument, and national forest. You can also use a (Southern California only) Adventure Pass, or buy a $5 day permit from the ranger’s office.

San Gorgonio Hike Vivian Creek Directions 8 — There's a toilet at the trailhead, just behind the parking area.

San Gorgonio Hike Vivian Creek Directions 9 — If you have to park farther away, note that the hike starts at the far eastern part of the parking area at this trailhead, not the nearby Big Falls Trailhead.

Gear For the Hike

This is a serious hike and you need to be well prepared with layers, water (3L), and food. The summit is in an alpine zone and is exposed. Check the summit weather and be prepared for changing conditions, including potentially spending the night if something goes wrong. Trekking poles help on the way down, especially on the section just before Mill Creek.

Gear That I Love Right Now

Nothing is sponsored or promoted, just the actual gear that I use.

Garmin InReach Mini 2Hit SOS or just tell loved ones that you're running late where your cell phone has no service. Review here.

Topo Pursuit 2The best hiking footwear I've ever owned. No blisters. Get them wet, they dry quickly. Lots of cushion and comfort.

Garmin Epix ProHiking maps, route info, and fitness stats on my wrist. Review here.

Osprey Hikelite 26Lightweight, carries all your gear, and your back doesn't get sweaty. Oh yea, it's also one of the most inexpensive packs you can get.

Check out the complete list here. ( Updated October 2024)

Vivian Creek Trail Maps

San Gorgonio Hike Vivian Creek Directions 47 — Overall the trail is well-marked, the junctions are signed, and the route is easy to follow. This is a popular hike and you can usually expect to see other hikers along the way.

Use This Map:
View in CalTopo | PDF Map | GPX File

How Will You Navigate?

Using the Apple Watch for Hiking

Garmin Fenix 7 & Epix Review For Hikers

How To Read a Topographic Map

Garmin GPSMAP 67i Review

Elevation Profile

The first mile and half are very steep, then there's a long middle section of gradual uphill. With about 2 miles to go you have another steep section, and then it's gradual to the summit.

Landmarks on the Hike

Landmark	Distance	Elevation
Trailhead	0	6080
Mill Creek Crossing	0.5	6200
San Gorgonio Wilderness Boundary	1.5	7050
Vivian Creek Camp	1.7	7100
Halfway Camp	3	8100
High Creek Camp	5.3	9200
Ridge Viewpoint	6.8	10000
Tree Line	8	10700
Peak Divide Trail	8.5	11250
Summit	9	11503

3D Map

Hike Brief

Lukens On San Gorgonio=historic — The first recorded ascent by gringos on San Gorgonio Mountain was in 1872. Shortly after that, it became popular with other outdoor enthusiasts, including Theodore Lukens, pictured here in 1898, who you might know from his namesake, Mount Lukens. The original footpath, called the Government Trail, followed today's Vivian Creek Trail. Photo California State Library

San Gorgonio has a mixed reputation among native peoples. The Serrano and Luiseño include it as part of their origin story, the Morongo believe it was the original home of the demon Tahquitz, and the Cahuilla just refer to it as a big pile of rocks.
Early settlers called it "gray back," as was common for treeless mountains like this, and today it's sometimes referred to as "old gray back."
But the name San Gorgonio dates to the 1850s when this area was part of a Mexican Land Grant. There's some dispute as to the origin, with some thinking it's tied to Saint Gorgonius of Nicomedia (celebrated in St. Gorgonio's Feast Day), and other sources citing Saint Gregory the Great (who converted Anglo-Saxon pagans to Christianity). Either way, it shows up on USGS maps in 1899 as San Gorgonio Mountain.
The longest recorded line of sight in the lower-48 United States is from Mt Whitney to the summit of San Gorgonio Mountain, 190 miles away. Today, on a clear day, you can see from San Clemente Island out in the Pacific Ocean to Mt Charleston, 163 miles away in Nevada (by Las Vegas).
The mountain's height and position above the San Gorgonio Pass (connecting LA to Palm Springs) have made the summit the scene of several tragic plane crashes, claiming the lives of Frank Sinatra's mother and Dean Martin's son (in a separate crash).
You can sometimes feel the (negative) effects of altitude sickness on this hike. Read my section on dealing with in on my guide to Mt Whitney.
Swollen fingers are a (benign) sign of acute mountain sickness (AMS), but if you are experiencing more severe effects like nausea and headache, it's best to stop, descend, and rest.
The 2020 Apple Fire skirts this route to the summit. The fire, which burned over 33,000 acres, was started by a malfunctioning diesel vehicle's exhaust system. The plume of smoke it sent up was so massive that it generated its own wind systems.
Once you reach the ridge above High Creek Camp, you'll be able to see the aftermath of the Apple Fire.

San Gorgonio on Vivian Creek Hike Directions

San Gorgonio Hike Vivian Creek Directions 10 — Take the small path just past the trail board and continue on the (dirt) Falls Road.

San Gorgonio Hike Vivian Creek Directions 11 — Go straight up the rocky Falls Road.

San Gorgonio Hike Vivian Creek Directions 12 — Avoid any driveways or private property on either side and keep hiking up the main road.

San Gorgonio Hike Vivian Creek Directions 13 — This is the important sign to look for. When you see the sign on the left of the road, make the left turn and hike across Mill Creek.

San Gorgonio Hike Vivian Creek Directions 14 — Follow the trail across the (dry) Mill Creek. The other side of the trail continues just a few feet upstream. During heavy rains Mill Creek will flood and it is not passable to cross.

San Gorgonio Hike Vivian Creek Directions 15 — Look for the continuation of the trail on the other side of Mill Creek.

San Gorgonio Hike Vivian Creek Directions 16 — There's also a sign letting you know that you need a permit once you reach the San Gorgonio Wilderness Area boundary. Start the tough climb from here.

San Gorgonio Hike Vivian Creek Directions 17 — The climb is very steep and is up a series of switchbacks.

San Gorgonio Hike Vivian Creek Directions 18 — As you approach the top you'll have nice views across Mlll Creek.

San Gorgonio Hike Vivian Creek Directions 19 — And after about a mile of climbing you'll reach the boundary of the San Gorgonio Wilderness. The first big climb is done and the trail levels out, following along Vivian Creek.

San Gorgonio Hike Vivian Creek Directions 20 — You need a permit to do any hiking or backpacking past this spot.

What exactly is a Wilderness Area?

San Gorgonio Hike Vivian Creek Directions 21 — At around 1.7 miles you'll see the turnoff for Vivian Creek Camp. Keep left to head towards the summit.

San Gorgonio Hike Vivian Creek Directions 22 — Here's a closeup of the sign at that last junction.

San Gorgonio Hike Vivian Creek Directions 23 — Shortly after the junction you'll cross Vivian Creek.

San Gorgonio Hike Vivian Creek Directions 24 — The next few miles are mellow and gradually uphill, passing through the canyon along Vivian Creek, which has some huge cedars.

San Gorgonio Hike Vivian Creek Directions 25 — If you look at the elevation profile here, it's uphill, but on the ground it feels more level. Enjoy it while you have it.

San Gorgonio Hike Vivian Creek Directions 26 — Around 3 miles in, bear left at the junction for Halfway Camp, which is roughly halfway to High Creek Camp, not the summit.

San Gorgonio Hike Vivian Creek Directions 27 — Now the gradient gets a little steeper and you start climbing up broad switchbacks.

San Gorgonio Hike Vivian Creek Directions 28 — As you climb you'll start to get glimpses down to Mill Creek where you started earlier.

San Gorgonio Hike Vivian Creek Directions 29 — And you'll also see directly across to the peaks across Mill Creek, including Wanat Peak (left) and Little San Gorgonio Peak (right). Wanat Peak was just named in 2014 after lobbying by Paul Melzer, who works for the Wildlands Conservancy in Oak Glen. Wanat is a Serrano word for mountain lions.

Want to choose the name of an unnamed peak? You can if you have the right circumstances.

San Gorgonio Hike Vivian Creek Directions 30 — At some points you'll hike away from the view, with the impressive slopes of Dobbs Peak in front of you.

San Gorgonio Hike Vivian Creek Directions 31 — Soon the trail winds around toward High Creek. There's a nice viewpoint at the bend to the right.

San Gorgonio Hike Vivian Creek Directions 32 — Follow the trail around to the left, above High Creek, which you can often hear roaring below.

San Gorgonio Hike Vivian Creek Directions 33 — As you approach High Creek Camp, you'll see some signs asking you not to camp in sensitive habitat areas.

San Gorgonio Hike Vivian Creek Directions 34 — And then at around 5.3 miles you'll reach High Creek and the campsite, which has tent sites dispersed around the area.

San Gorgonio Hike Vivian Creek Directions 35 — If you're camping here, look for dispersed and cleared campsites along the stream. This is often your last chance for water as well.

San Gorgonio Hike Vivian Creek Directions 36 — Start hiking up about a dozen long, sweeping switchbacks.

San Gorgonio Hike Vivian Creek Directions 37 — You'll notice the notches and nailed markers in the trees. These are older trail markers but are still useful when there's snow on the route.

San Gorgonio Hike Vivian Creek Directions 38 — At the top of the switchbacks, the trail continues to the left. On the right is a nice viewpoint.

San Gorgonio Hike Vivian Creek Directions 39 — Here's the viewpoint at the top of the ridge, with Mount San Jacinto prominent. This is a good place to fuel up before the last push to the summit.

San Gorgonio Hike Vivian Creek Directions 40 — As you hike up from the ridgeline you'll see the line where the Apple Fire's advance stopped (right).

San Gorgonio Hike Vivian Creek Directions 41 — Now you have a steep climb with short switchbacks up the ridge.

San Gorgonio Hike Vivian Creek Directions 42 — And then the climb ends and the trial levels out.

San Gorgonio Hike Vivian Creek Directions 43 — And soon you'll leave the tree line behind and hike up the rocky slope.

San Gorgonio Hike Vivian Creek Directions 45 — At about 8.5 miles you'll reach the San Bernardino Peak Divide Trail. Go straight toward the summit.

San Gorgonio Hike Vivian Creek Directions 46 — And shortly after that you'll see the Sky High Trail branch off to the right. Go straight.

San Gorgonio Hike Vivian Creek Directions 48 — You'll crest a ridge that's a false summit.

San Gorgonio Hike Vivian Creek Directions 49 — And then see the real summit ahead.

San Gorgonio Hike Vivian Creek Directions 51 — Here you are at the summit! Climb the rocks up to your left to hit the peak.

San Gorgonio Hike Vivian Creek Directions 52 — You'll notice the stone shelters for camping around the summit area.

San Gorgonio Hike Vivian Creek Directions 55 — There's a trail register.

San Gorgonio Hike Vivian Creek Directions 53 — And today just a flag at the peak. Usually there's a sign or two, but sometimes people take them home.

San Gorgonio Hike Vivian Creek Directions 54 — There's a lot of visitors to the summit, and the rodents aren't shy about going for a Clif Bar, so watch your pack.

San Gorgonio Hike Vivian Creek Directions 57 — In addition to the peaks we saw earlier, you'll also be able to see the peaks to the north in the Big Bear area, including Sugarloaf Mountain, the highest point across the valley.

San Gorgonio Hike Vivian Creek Directions 58 — From the summit, just turn around and head back the way you came!

San Gorgonio Hike Vivian Creek Directions 59 — Be careful at the San Bernardino Peak Divide Trail, it's easy to go straight, which won't be a good thing if you want to go back.

San Gorgonio Hike Vivian Creek Directions 60 — Luckily there's a sign on that trial as an extra warning.

Need More Info?

Have a question about the guide? Join my Patreon and ask me a question.
When planning, always check the park website and social media to make sure the trails are open. Similarly, check the weather and road conditions.
Do you have an update to this guide? View the Youtube comments for this video. Leave a comment and I will do my best to update the guide.

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This Guide Was Written by Cris Hazzard

Cris Hazzard 4 Mile Trail Yosemite
Hi, I'm Cris Hazzard, aka Hiking Guy, a professional outdoors guide, hiking expert, and author based in Southern California. I created this website to share all the great hikes I do with everyone else out there. This site is different because it gives detailed directions that even the beginning hiker can follow. I also share what hiking gear works and doesn't so you don't waste money. I don't do sponsored or promoted content; I share only the gear recommendations, hikes, and tips that I would with my family and friends. If you like the website and YouTube channel, please support these free guides (I couldn't do it without folks like you!). You can stay up to date with my new guides by following me on YouTube, Instagram, or by subscribing to my monthly newsletter.