San Gorgonio Mountain, Southern California's highest peak

San Gorgonio Mountain at a glance

Summit elevation

11,503 feet, the figure in the Forest Service trail guide and San Bernardino County's history of the mountain. Other Forest Service pages list 11,499 or 11,502 feet.^1,2,3,4

Standing

The highest peak in Southern California, and the highest in California south of the Sierra Nevada. Its summit rises well above treeline, which earned it the nickname Old Greyback.^1,3,4

Where

San Gorgonio Wilderness, San Bernardino National Forest, co-managed by the Forest Service and the Bureau of Land Management¹

Vivian Creek Trail

The shortest and steepest route. About 7.8 miles one way to the summit, adding up the Forest Service's segment mileages, from a trailhead near Forest Falls at about 6,000 feet, so you climb more than 5,000 feet. Rated difficult and strenuous.^2,3

Other routes

The South Fork Trail (trailhead at 6,900 feet) and the Fish Creek Trail (trailhead at 8,180 feet) both reach Mineshaft Saddle, then follow the Sky High Trail for the last 3.5 miles to the top.³

Permits

Free wilderness permits are required for day hikes and overnight trips. They're issued online only, through the San Gorgonio Wilderness Association, up to 90 days ahead, for groups of up to 12. You also need an Adventure Pass or another accepted recreation pass to park.^1,2,5

Weather

Snow and ice make the steep terrain dangerous in winter, spring and early summer. The Forest Service says those seasons call for mountaineering experience, traction devices and an ice axe you know how to use. Wind can pick up sharply at the peak, so bring warm layers.^1,2,3

The summit sign

In our Real Summit photo the hiker is holding a weathered wooden sign, carved GORGONIO, 11503 FT., with San and Mtn in smaller letters, on the broad, rocky top with the desert and ridges far below. The Forest Service pages don't describe a summit sign, so whether you find one up there or carry your own, your charm keeps it in, readable, right beside you.

Getting the summit photo

• If there's a sign on top when you get there, hold it in front of you at chest height. If not, bring your own with the name and height in thick dark marker.
• Stand clear of the windbreaks so the open rocky top and the long views are behind you.
• Get your whole body in, head to boots, and hold the sign tight. The wind at the top can be strong.

San Gorgonio Mountain questions