San Gorgonio
About this peak
San Gorgonio is the tallest mountain in Southern California, and a rite of passage for serious hikers in the area. At 11,503 feet, “Old Grayback” provides an excellent high altitude training for those preparing to summit Mt. Whitney. The Vivian Creek route is the classic and the steepest, about 17.3 miles round trip with 5,840 feet of gain, with Fish Creek and South Fork as alternates. A free wilderness permit is required, and quotas fill up, so apply early.
Know before you go
Hazards
Southern California's highest peak: 17.3 miles and 5,840 feet of gain on the Vivian Creek route. The upper mountain is dry and fully exposed to sun, wind and weather, and altitude is noticeable above 10,000 feet. Snow and ice can remain on the upper trail from winter into late spring. Start early, carry plenty of water and electrolytes (the guide suggests at least 4 liters on a long day), and do not underestimate the distance. The Fish Creek trailhead is reached by about 7.5 miles of rough dirt road; a high-clearance vehicle is recommended.
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More peaks in this challenge
Sorted by elevation. Bars show summit elevation against the highest peak.
- San Gorgonio (you are here) 11,503 ft
- Mount San Jacinto 10,834 ft
- San Bernardino Peak 10,649 ft
- Mount Baldy 10,064 ft
- Mount Baden-Powell 9,406 ft
- Cucamonga Peak 8,859 ft
- Sawmill Mountain 8,822 ft
- Ontario Peak 8,696 ft
- Strawberry Peak 6,164 ft
- Mount Wilson (San Gabriel Mountains) 5,713 ft
- Santiago Peak 5,689 ft
- Sitton Peak 3,273 ft