outdoorcentral

In One of the biggest counties in the country lies one of the most beautiful national forests you can find. The San Bernardino Mountains is the home to the tallest peak in all of Southern California, Mt. San Gorgonio. The peak stands 11,499 feet above sea level with a spectacular view of the nearby valleys,  L.A. county and on a very clear day Catalina island. This mountain holds one of the toughest, spectactular, open-your-eyes, hike you can travel on. I say toughest because due to the low desert surroundings, San Gorgonio is one of the most topographically prominent peaks in the united states. Meaning that all the trails leading up the mountain have a minimum of a 3500ft elevation.  In my opinion, the best way to get to the summit would be to start at Fish Creek. Fish creek is 10 miles off Highway 38 heading to Big Bear city. Fish Creek is nested 6 miles from the base of the massive mountain. As you start your hike, you find your self in the heart of the forest .You forget that only a mere 30 miles from civilization.

The trek from Fish Creek Saddle to Mine Shaft Flats is a mellow and a absolutly Gorgous hike. when you reach Mine Shaft Flats, you are on the base of the bread and butter of the San Bernadino Mountains. A little history about the mountain, on November 28, 1952 a a small C-47 airplane crashed on the eastern face of the mountain. The plane was route to March Air Force base from Offut Air Force Base in Nebraska. The Remains of the Plane still lie just a few hundred feet off the trail. The trail heading up the mountain is a treacherous and very tiring. from the Flats you have a 3800 ft vertical climb passing close to 2 miles. Once you reach the peak you will enjoy a magnificent view and a chance to place your name next to everybody who has and will climb Mt. San Gorgonio. From Fish Creek to the peak of the mountain and back is a little over 18 miles. If you decide to accomplish this hike i would recommend doing it in a weekend backpacking trip. Camp in fish creek on a Friday night, travel to mine shafts flats on Saturday and do a day hike to the summit that day then camp in Mine Shafts Flats that night then return to Fish Creek on Sunday would more than fill your weekend with the beauty that the mountain has to offer. Fall and spring would be the best times to accomplish the trek due to the drought and heat that southern California faces. This is the best hike i have ever been on, and HIGHLY recommend it to folks that are looking for a great hike and camping trip.