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Momyer Creek to Dollar Lake Saddle

San Bernardino · Managed by San Bernardino National Forest (USFS) · Region: San Gorgonio Wilderness
Difficulty 44/100 · Strenuousout and back#solitude#san-gorgonio#11ers#ridge-views
Distance
18.4 mi
Total gain
4,560 ft
Net gain
4,560 ft
Net loss
4,560 ft
Elevation
5,495–9,987 ft
Days
2–3
Permit
Required
Campfires
Campfires allowed seasonally

Overview

Momyer Creek is the San Gorgonio Wilderness's quiet road: 9.2 miles from the 5,400-foot trailhead to Dollar Lake Saddle's 9,960-foot divide, past three trail camps. The SGWA calls it one of the wilderness's most underused trails — solitude guaranteed.

Highlights

  • A deep, shaded canyon climb with almost no other hikers
  • Saxton Camp's spring-water stop at 8,400 feet
  • Dollar Lake Saddle's divide between the Mill Creek and Whitewater drainages
  • Sunset views over the desert from the upper trail

How hard is Momyer Creek to Dollar Lake Saddle?

CaliPeaks rates this route 44/100 (Strenuous). The score weights five factors: climbing counts for 45% — 4,560 ft puts this trip at 38% of the reference climb; distance 20% at 18.4 miles; maximum altitude 15% at 9,987 ft; route technicality 10% (established trail throughout); and trip length 10% at 3 days. A score under 20 suits first-time backpackers; 60+ means serious endurance. See how we score difficulty for the full method.

Logistics

  • Trailhead: Momyer Creek Trailhead (Forest Falls) (5,495 ft) · parking: Large parking area on the road to Forest Falls, 100 yards before the fire station
  • Water: Momyer Creek, plus small springs near Saxton Camp; treat all water.
  • Resupply: None; Forest Falls has limited services.
  • Shuttle: Not needed for an out-and-back.

Permits

  • Agency: San Gorgonio Wilderness Association (USFS partner)
  • Reserve or apply on sgwa.org
  • Quota: Free online permits with daily quotas; reserve at permits.sgwa.org.
  • Reservation window: One reservation covers up to 12 people.

Campfires & stove regulations

Campfires allowed seasonally. Fire rules in the San Gorgonio Wilderness vary by camp and season — check the SGWA conditions page before your trip. Current fire restrictions. Rules change with conditions — always confirm with the managing agency before your trip.

Best time to go

Best months: June, July, September, October.

Snow: Usually snow-free June through October.

Heat: The lower miles are warm.

Bugs: Minimal.

Weather forecast

Know before you go

  • Nearly 4,600 feet of climbing over 9.2 miles
  • Water thins above Saxton Camp — carry for the saddle
  • Check SGWA conditions for fire and water status

Sources & citations

Data compiled 2026 from public agency and reference sources. All descriptive text on this page is original; verify current conditions with the managing agency before your trip.

  1. SRTM90 elevation data (sampled). OpenTopoData (SRTM, NASA/USGS-derived open data) via Photon geocoding (OpenStreetMap). https://www.opentopodata.org/. Accessed 2026-09-10. Elevation sampled at geocoded coordinates; location from OpenStreetMap data (ODbL).
  2. Trails — Momyer Creek Trail. San Gorgonio Wilderness Association. https://www.sgwa.org/trails. Accessed 2026-09-07. Momyer Creek Trail description with camp distances and elevations: Alger Creek Camp 7,100 ft at 3.7 mi, Dobbs Camp 7,200 ft at 5.7 mi, Saxton Camp 8,400 ft at 7.2 mi, Dollar Lake Saddle 9,960 ft at ~9.2 mi.
  3. Permits. San Gorgonio Wilderness Association. https://www.sgwa.org/permits. Accessed 2026-09-07. Free online wilderness permits for the San Gorgonio Wilderness and Adventure Pass parking requirement.
  4. Adventure Pass. U.S. Forest Service (San Bernardino National Forest). http://www.fs.fed.us/r5/sanbernardino/ap/. Accessed 2026-09-07. License: Public domain (US government work). Adventure Pass requirement for parking at developed recreation sites.