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San Bernardino Peak Trail

San Bernardino · Managed by San Bernardino National Forest (USFS) · Region: San Gorgonio Wilderness
Difficulty 55/100 · Strenuousout and back#10ers#southern-california#divide-trail#peak-bagging
Distance
17.8 mi
Total gain
9,300 ft
Net gain
4,664 ft
Net loss
4,664 ft
Elevation
5,960–10,624 ft
Days
2–3
Permit
Required
Campfires
Campfires allowed seasonally

Overview

The San Bernardino Peak Trail climbs the Divide Trail to the peak where the San Bernardino meridian — the baseline for all of Southern California's land surveys — was set in 1852. At 10,624 feet it is the highest peak on the San Bernardino Divide, reached by a steady 8.9-mile climb past Columbine and Limber Pine Bench.

Highlights

  • The Inland Empire 10,000 feet below Limber Pine Bench
  • A historic summit — the origin point of Southern California's survey grid
  • Divide Trail ridgeline walking to the East Peak
  • Far quieter than the Vivian Creek route

How hard is San Bernardino Peak Trail?

CaliPeaks rates this route 55/100 (Strenuous). The score weights five factors: climbing counts for 45% — 9,300 ft puts this trip at 78% of the reference climb; distance 20% at 17.8 miles; maximum altitude 15% at 10,624 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: San Bernardino Peak Trailhead (Angelus Oaks) (5,960 ft) · parking: Behind the Camp Angelus Fire Station; limited, fills on weekends
  • Water: Spring at Limber Pine Bench; seasonal water at Columbine Camp; treat all water.
  • Resupply: None; Angelus Oaks has a small general store.
  • 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; the upper trail stays cool.

Bugs: Minimal.

Weather forecast

Know before you go

  • Water is limited to seasonal springs — check current conditions with SGWA
  • The lower trail is exposed in summer heat
  • Parking at Angelus Oaks is tight on weekends

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. Trailhead and destination elevations sampled at geocoded coordinates; location from OpenStreetMap data (ODbL).
  2. Trails — San Bernardino Peak Trail. San Gorgonio Wilderness Association. https://www.sgwa.org/trails. Accessed 2026-09-07. Trailhead (5,960 ft), camp elevations and distances (Columbine Camp 4.7 mi, Limber Pine Bench 9,200 ft, San Bernardino Peak 10,624 ft), and water sources. SGWA notes mileages are approximate.
  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.