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Vivian Creek Trail to San Gorgonio

San Gorgonio Wilderness · San Bernardino · Managed by San Bernardino National Forest (USFS)
Difficulty 61/100 · Strenuousout and back#11ers#southern-california#peak-bagging#altitude
Distance
15.6 mi
Total gain
10,800 ft
Net gain
5,419 ft
Net loss
5,419 ft
Elevation
6,080–11,499 ft
Days
2–3
Permit
Required
Campfires
Campfires allowed seasonally

Overview

Vivian Creek is the shortest and steepest route to the summit of Southern California's highest peak. From the 6,080-foot trailhead in Forest Falls it climbs 5,400 feet in under 8 miles past three trail camps to the 11,499-foot summit of San Gorgonio Mountain. Most backpackers split it over two or three days, camping at High Creek and making a dawn summit push above the Inland Empire's marine layer.

Highlights

  • The highest summit in Southern California at 11,499 ft
  • Panoramic views from the top over the Inland Empire and, on clear days, Mount Whitney
  • Camping among old-growth pines at High Creek
  • A genuine altitude challenge within two hours of Los Angeles

Logistics

  • Trailhead: Vivian Creek Trailhead (Forest Falls) (6,080 ft · parking: End of the road at Forest Falls picnic area; Adventure Pass required)
  • Water: Vivian Creek (at Vivian Creek Camp and near Halfway Camp), High Creek at High Creek Camp; treat all water. No water above High Creek.
  • Resupply: None; Forest Falls and Redlands have services below.
  • 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 in advance at permits.sgwa.org.
  • Reservation window: Reservations open in advance; 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 for current restrictions 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: Snow-free mid-June through October in most years; the upper trail holds snow into early summer.

Heat: The lower two miles are exposed and hot by midday; the upper trail is cool.

Bugs: Minimal.

Weather forecast

Know before you go

  • 5,400 feet of climbing in 7.8 miles makes this the steepest summit trail in Southern California
  • No water above High Creek Camp — plan the summit day accordingly
  • The summit is windy and cold even in July; pack layers
  • Free permits have daily quotas; reserve early for summer 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. Trails — Vivian Creek Trail. San Gorgonio Wilderness Association. https://www.sgwa.org/trails. Accessed 2026-09-07. Trailhead elevation (6,080 ft), camp elevations and distances (Vivian Creek Camp 7,100 ft, Halfway Camp 8,100 ft, High Creek Camp 9,200 ft), summit elevation (11,499 ft), and water sources. 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, one reservation per group of up to 12, 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.