Trail Conditions in the San Gorgonio Wilderness

Always plan the difficulty of your trip within the abilities of the weakest member of your group. Because permits [apply for a permit] for the Wilderness are issued on a quota basis, there may not be space for your group in an alternative camp in the event that your group does not make its intended destination. In addition, your permit entitles you to stay only in the camp for which it was issued and only on the date for which it was issued. Permits are required 365 days a year for both dayhikes and overnight/multi-day trips in the San Gorgonio Wilderness.

Important trip planning links:

C U R R E N T C O N D I T I O N S

UPDATED: 15 NOV 2011

For additional recent reports from visitors, please see the Bulletin Board. See the WATER INFO COLLECTOR for the latest water availability posted by Wilderness visitors.

USE THIS PAGE AT YOUR OWN RISK! IT IS IMPOSSIBLE FOR THE FOREST SERVICE OR THE SAN GORGONIO WILDERNESS ASSOCIATION (SGWA) TO PROVIDE CURRENT OR REAL TIME CONDITIONS WITHIN THE WILDERNESS. INFORMATION PROVIDED BELOW IS TO THE BEST OF OUR KNOWLEDGE AND BASED ON THE LATEST REPORTS WE HAVE FROM VOLUNTEERS AND THE PUBLIC. NEITHER THE FOREST SERVICE NOR THE SGWA ACCEPT ANY RESPONSIBILITY FOR ANY EVENTS RESULTING FROM RELIANCE ON THE INFORMATION REPORTED BELOW. CONDITIONS IN THE WILDERNESS CAN CHANGE FROM HOUR TO HOUR. VISITORS SHOULD CHECK THE LATEST WEATHER REPORTS POSSIBLE AND BE PREPARED FOR THE WORST POSSIBLE CONDITIONS. YOU ENTER THE WILDERNESS AT YOUR OWN RISK.

Falls Day Use Area set for Major Reconstruction

The Falls Day Use Area will undergo a major overhaul and reconstruction starting this fall and completion planned for the spring. The Vivian Creek Trail into wilderness starts here, and the Momyer trailhead is nearby. The contract includes improvements to access roads, parking areas, new restrooms, picnic tables and grills. During the winter months the upper portion of the day use area will be closed and until project completion in the late spring, there may be intermittent site closures. Forest visitors can check the status of the site by either calling ahead to the Mill Creek Work Center at (909) 382-2881 (closed Tuesdays & Wednesdays) or by checking on-line at http://www.fs.usda.gov/sbnf

BEAR SAFETY: The SGWA in partnership with the US Forest Service, San Bernardino National Forest offers bear canisters for rent at the Mill Creek Ranger Station starting at $10 for 1-3 nights. We believe this will make it a little easier for everyone wanting to help protect the bears by properly storing food while out on the trail. Please contact the Mill Creek Ranger Station for more details (909) 382.2881

Trail Mileage in the San Gorgonio Wilderness

Trailhead Mileage/Elevation Gain to the Top of San Gorgonio

ANY and ALL CAMPFIRES ARE PROHIBITED AND ILLEGAL IN THE SAN GORGONIO WILDERNESS!

VIVIAN CREEK TRAIL

Vivian Creek - good water flow
Vivian Creek campsite: Camp to the RIGHT (East) of the trail and Vivian Creek. NO CAMPING left (West) of the trail and creek!
Halfway Camp - good water flow. Bears in the area have become very persistent in their search for food and have managed to force visitors out of the camp several times in the past few years. Day and overnight hikers should use extra precautions to store food properly – BEAR CANISTERS STRONGLY RECOMMENDED.
High Creek - good water flow
See the WATER INFO COLLECTOR for the latest water details.

SOUTH FORK TRAIL / LOST CREEK TRAIL

ABSOLUTELY NO CAMPING PERMITTED between the Wilderness Boundary sign (at Poopout Hill) and Dry or Dollar Lake Camps. Camping is entirely prohibited in the South Fork Meadows drainage. Please fill your water containers at South Fork Meadows and pack them into your designated camp at Dry Lake, Dollar Lake, or elsewhere. Thank you.

Lodgepole Spring: good water flow
Dry Lake: full!
Dollar Lake: full!
High Meadow Springs: good water flow
See the WATER INFO COLLECTOR for the latest water details.

FISH CREEK TRAIL

No water available at Fish Creek Camp. Several creeks before the camp have good water. Water is also available at the bottom of the switchbacks to Fish Creek Saddle.

Fish Creek Camp: water available near camp
Fish Creek Saddle: no water
Mineshaft Flats: water available beyond camp
Big Tree Camp: no 2011 report
See the WATER INFO COLLECTOR for the latest water details.

SAN BERNARDINO PEAK TRAIL

Columbine Camp: good water flow
Limber Pine Bench Camp: good water flow
High Meadow Springs: good water flow
Trail Fork Springs: good water flow; estimated at 1-liter per minute
See the WATER INFO COLLECTOR for the latest water details.

FORSEE CREEK/JOHN'S MEADOW TRAIL

John’s Meadow camp is closed to overnight use because of hazard trees. Campsite is still open to day use. Water flow excellent.

Jackstraw Springs: good water flow
Trail Fork Springs: good water flow; estimated at 1-liter per minute
High Meadow Springs: good water flow
John's Meadow: Johns Meadow Campsite is closed until further notice for public safety. Please contact the Mill Creek Ranger Station for further details.
See the WATER INFO COLLECTOR for the latest water details.

MOMYER / FALLS CREEK TRAIL

Several large trees are over the trail between Alger Creek and Dobbs. Buckthorn has grown into the trail near Saxton. Long pants and long sleeves recommended.

ALL Water sources have GOOD flow (Alger, Dobbs, Saxton, Plummer Mdws);
See the WATER INFO COLLECTOR for the latest water details.

KITCHING PEAK AREA

CLOSED TO ALL USE UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE! Contact the USFS for further details.

Please, always take appropriate precautions, carry extra clothing and food, and notify someone at home of your itinerary. Be sure and follow the weather link above to stay tuned to the latest weather updates.

Visitors: If you are capable of providing detailed and accurate conditions, please email this site with details after your recent visit. Please note any down trees as well. Your cooperation is appreciated in providing other visitors with useful information. Thanks!

We apologize for any errors in the above information. If you should observe any impassable trail obstructions, bears, or mountain lions while on the trail, please notify us.