Things to Do in San Gorgonio Wilderness

The San Gorgonio Wilderness is a sub-alpine wilderness area located within the Sand to Snow National Monument. It is home to San Gorgonio Mountain, the highest peak in Southern California, and features diverse ecosystems ranging from 4,400 feet to over 11,500 feet in elevation. It was designated a wilderness area in 1964.

The primary activities in San Gorgonio Wilderness are hiking and trail running, with over 80 miles (129 km) of trails. While komoot lists options for Mountain biking, Road cycling, and Touring cycling, these activities are generally restricted within the designated wilderness boundaries. Visitors should verify specific trail regulations.

Yes, both day use and overnight permits are required for access to the San Gorgonio Wilderness. Permits can be obtained through the San Gorgonio Wilderness Association (SGWA). It is advisable to secure permits in advance, especially for popular trails or during peak seasons.

Popular hiking trails include Vivian Creek Trail, Momyer Creek Trail, San Bernardino Peak Trail, Forsee Creek Trail, and South Fork Trail. The wilderness also features a section of the Pacific Crest Trail. For more information, refer to the Hiking in San Gorgonio Wilderness guide.

San Gorgonio Mountain, also known as "Old Grayback," is the highest peak in the wilderness and in Southern California, reaching an elevation of 11,502 feet (3,506 m). The wilderness contains 15 named peaks, with 11 exceeding 10,000 feet (3,048 m).

The San Gorgonio Wilderness offers a range of trails with varying difficulty levels. While many trails involve significant elevation gain, there are options suitable for different experience levels. For easier routes, consult the Easy hikes in San Gorgonio Wilderness guide.

Bicycles, including mountain bikes, are generally not permitted within the designated San Gorgonio Wilderness area itself. While komoot lists guides for these sports, such as MTB Trails in San Gorgonio Wilderness, these often refer to trails bordering the wilderness or in surrounding regions. Always verify specific trail regulations before cycling.

The wilderness features diverse ecosystems, towering peaks like San Gorgonio Mountain and San Bernardino Peak, and several water features. These include two small lakes, numerous streams, and the Santa Ana and White Rivers. Mission Creek is noted as a reliable water source along the Pacific Crest Trail.

Komoot provides a dedicated guide for running enthusiasts. The Running Trails in San Gorgonio Wilderness guide offers detailed information on suitable routes for trail running.

Routes in San Gorgonio Wilderness have an average rating of 4.59 out of 5 stars on komoot. This rating is based on experiences shared by over 2,000 visitors. The area is highly regarded by the komoot community.

The San Gorgonio Wilderness Association (SGWA) can be contacted via their official website at sgwa.org. For phone inquiries, the Mill Creek Ranger Station, which provides permit and regulation information, can be reached at (909) 382-2882.