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South Fork Trail to Dry Lake

San Gorgonio Wilderness · San Bernardino · Managed by San Bernardino National Forest (USFS)
Difficulty 31/100 · Moderateout and back#beginner-friendly#southern-california#meadows#11ers
Distance
11.4 mi
Total gain
4,400 ft
Net gain
2,100 ft
Net loss
2,100 ft
Elevation
6,900–9,000 ft
Days
2
Permit
Required
Campfires
Campfires allowed seasonally

Overview

The South Fork Trail is the San Gorgonio Wilderness's friendliest entry: a 5.7-mile, 2,100-foot climb from the 6,900-foot trailhead through meadows and forest to Dry Lake, the wilderness's most popular basecamp. From Dry Lake, day hikes continue toward San Gorgonio's summit or Fish Creek Saddle.

Highlights

  • South Fork Meadows' flower displays in early summer
  • Dry Lake, a broad granite-rimmed basin beneath the San Gorgonio massif
  • The Sky High Trail continuing toward the summit for the ambitious
  • The easiest graded climb in the wilderness

Logistics

  • Trailhead: South Fork Trailhead (6,900 ft · parking: Large paved lot on Jenks Lake Road East)
  • Water: Lodgepole Spring near Dry Lake, plus seasonal water at South Fork Meadows; treat all water.
  • Resupply: None; Angelus Oaks and Forest Falls have 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; Dry Lake stays cool.

Bugs: Moderate in the meadows through July.

Weather forecast

Know before you go

  • The 2015 Lake Fire left the lower trail exposed — carry water and sun protection
  • Camping is prohibited within 200 feet of meadows, streams, and trails
  • Water thins out by late summer; check SGWA conditions first

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. Trails — South Fork Trail. San Gorgonio Wilderness Association. https://www.sgwa.org/trails. Accessed 2026-09-07. Trailhead (6,900 ft), South Fork Meadows (8,200 ft at 4.2 mi), Dry Lake (9,000 ft), Lodgepole Spring, and camping rules. SGWA notes mileages are approximate.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.