San
Gorgonio Mountain (11,500’), CA
9/11/2010
Fish
Creek Trail
23
miles RT
Elevation
gain – 3,340’
San
Gorgonio Mountain, also known as Old Greyback, is the highest peak in S. CA
at 11,500’. It is one of the San Bernardino Mountains, and was named after
Saint Gorgonius by Spanish missionaries in the area during the early 17th
century. Since I scaled the other two
peaks of S. CA, Mt. Baldy (Mt. San Antonio) and San Jacinto Peak, San Gorgonio
was already set in my mind to prepare for Mt. Whitney (14,505’) which I summited a
few days after San Gorgonio. My friend and I were originally planning to take
Vivian Creek trail, which is the shortest, but steepest route to scale San
Gorgonio. However, we ended up taking Fish Creek trail instead because Vivian
Creek’s wilderness permits daily quotas already maxed out that day when we arrived at the ranger station. Hence,
the option we took was Fish Creek trail, which is less steep, but much longer
(23 miles RT) than Vivian’s Creek trail (17 miles RT). Fish Creek Trail is a
long hike with lots of switchbacks and gradual ascent. For a day hike, it is a
grueling march for sure to scale the 11,500' peak....NO PAIN, NO GAIN. The
spectacular 360 view from the summit is worth for the hard work, no doubt. The summit also offers rock sheltered camp
sites for overnight hikers. San
Gorgonio was a great hike for Mt. Whitney training, but next time when I hike San Gorgonio,
I’ll plan a two day trip instead of day hike so that there will be more time to explore the mountain. San
Gorgonio is a big mountain hike with its hiking distance, elevation gain and high
altitude. Make sure to carry 10
essentials and lots of water. Dehydration could become an unexpected enemy before
long if you don’t stay hydrated. It’s a long journey. Start early and be well prepared.
Wilderness permit: Apply for permit early. San Gorgonio Wilderness is very popular, and permits daily quotas fill up fast. Permits are free, and you can apply via fax or mail in advance, or get one at the ranger station.
How
to get there (Fish Creek Trail):
Turn
right (south) off Highway 38 about 6 miles past the Barton Flats Visitor Center
on Forest Service Road 1N02. Follow 1N02 until it forks right to 1N05. Follow
1N05 about 7 miles to the trailhead (8,180'). The
road is dusty and there are potholes – drive carefully! Adventure Pass
required.
*Click to view large.
Late start at Fish Creek trailhead - 11:41am.
San Gorgonio looms over between trees for a moment.
Mostly trek through tree lines. Trail is well marked with signs, but carrying a detail map and compass is highly recommended because there are some intersections with no signs. We almost lost track at the beginning.
Views open up after hiking through tree lines. San Gorgonio looms over.
Fish Creek Saddle at 9,805’, about 5.5 miles from the trailhead. At this point it's only half way through to the summit and another 6 miles to go. It's a long trail.
One of the three hikers ahead of me ran out of water. The last water available along the trail was Fish Creek = about 3.5 miles already passed and behind. After all, they decided to hike down to Dry Lake about 900’ below the trail for precious water. This is a very long hike....bring enough water, or make sure to refill water where it is available.
Intersection where Fish Creek Trail and Vivian Creek Trail meet.
With alpine environment above 10,000' the trail gets steep and rocky with lots of switchbacks.
Looking down toward Fish Creek Saddle.
The summit in sight at last.
Reached the summit 11,500' after 6hrs and 11.5 miles hike.
San Jacinto Peak 10,834' dominates the view south of San Gorgonio.
View east of San Gorgonio….Yucca Valley and Joshua Trees in distance with Ten Thousand Foot Ridge (10,094’) as foreground.
View north….Big Bear Lake and San Bernardino Mountains.
San Gorgonio casts its shadow over Ten Thousand Ridge as the sun goes down. Yucca Valley is also visible in sunset color.
Returned to Fish Creek trailhead after 10pm....pitch dark! Good reason to start hiking early.
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