SD/PS - Mount San Gorgonio Backpack
3-day backpack trip along Vivian Creek to the Summit
Saturday, August 8 thru Monday, August 10th, 2026
Mount San Gorgonio, tallest in So. Cal 11,503 ft
MEET AT: Vivian Creek Trailhead parking lot, 41900 Falls Rd., Forest Falls, CA
TIME: 7:30am meet and go over rules, 8:00 to begin hike.
DISTANCE all three days combined: 17.5 MILES ROUND TRIP
ELEVATION gain total trip: 5501 ft. Starting at 6002 ft. to 11,503 ft summit
DIFFICULTY: Strenuous.
HIKE LEADER: Bill Stanhope 619-306-2378
SCHEDULE
Saturday, August 8, at 7:45 am we will meet at the parking lot of the Vivian Creek Trailhead to go over the rules. At 8am, we will begin backpack hike 5.1 miles and 3198 feet along the lovely Vivian Creek surround by giant old-growth pines to the primitive High Creek site. High Creek Camp site is in a wildflower covered meadow at treeline with spectacular views of the Inland Empire. There are no showers, no toilets and no water except from the creek. I will bring a water purifier for all to share. We can pitch tents (unfortunately, no fires) and relax and savor the spectacular views.
Sunday, August 9, at 8am (or earlier if everyone agrees) We will enjoy breakfast then pack all food and water to take on hike, and leave bedding and clothes in our tents. We will then take a leisurely 3-mile 2,303 ft hike up through the high country to the 11,503 foot summit, and then 3-miles and 2,303 feet back down to High Creek Camp. From the summit, almost all of So. Cal can be seen; from the distant Sierra Nevadas to the high deserts, to all the LA Basin and Catalina, Palm Springs, all the way down to San Diego County and Mexico. After reaching the summit, we will hike back to High Creek Camp to spend the night.
Monday, August 10, 8am (or earlier if everyone agrees) we will enjoy breakfast, pack up, and hike the 5.1 miles back to the parking lot.
Dont forget to bring your Ten Essentials!
If interested in the backpacking adventure, contact [email protected] for the rules of the San Gorgonio Wilderness and a list of everything you will need to bring. This is a long a strenuous hike, but luckily, it will be broken down to 5 to 6 mile per day segments. There are no toilets and running water except for a creek. Only strong hikers who can carry their packs for 3 days should attempt this. The views will be amazing. Plus, you will accomplish reaching So. Cal’s highest point.
Health Problems/Allergies: Discuss any medical concerns with the trip leader that may affect your ability to complete the event.
