| Peak | San Gorgonio |
|---|---|
| Group | N/A |
| Trailhead | Vivian Creek |
I attemped to obtain a permit for San Gorgonio for a Saturday, but soon found out that was going to be more difficult than thought. My application came back to me “denied”. So when my friend got a permit for a Friday I was free, there was no way I wasn’t going. I was a little worried how tired I might be after the hike, since I would summit Mt. Baldy the very next day for a memorial hike. Our group of six was new to hiking together, as most of us only knew each other from social media. But, the weather was perfect and our group strong and determined. It was vital that we knew the route and direction of the summit since snow still covered areas of the trail above the 9,500ft level. We all made it to the highest peak in S. California! And I’m happy to say, my legs did not fall off after trekking to the top of Mt. Baldy the next day!
Congratulations Carisa to your crew & you for making the Old Greyback Summit!!!
I plan to hike Vivian Trail to the summit this Thursday 5/25. How deep was the snow? I assume most of the snow was on the 1-mile slope from High Creek Camp to the saddle.
Did you all use crampons or microspikes? I made the San Bernardino summit last Thursday 5/18 and there was snow from 9,400′ to the summit.
Thank you!
Hello David,
I took microspikes but ended up not using them. There was snow in areas above the 9,500ft level that cover the trail. We ended up heading straight up and around the snow covered areas in the switchback portion. Once you pass that last saddle and near the area where you’re completely exposed in the final push to the summit, there was a fair amount of snow. We traversed safely through some of those areas and then around them when we could. I can send you pics to show some of those areas. I would suggest knowing the area and direction of the summit well, or going with someone who does, since you can lose the trail under the snow. Have a great hike to San G! I can’t wait to see your pics!
All My Best,
Carisa
Thank you Carisa for the reply! This helps… I have made the summit to San G several times and do have a GPS unit. But not when the trail pass High Creek Camp is covered with snow. How deep do you think think the snow level was? If you could send me some pics this would be awesome. My e-mail is David_Valino@hotmail.com. Have a great one!!!
My bad Carisa… the correct e-mail is dvalino@hotmail.com. Thank you!
Hi David and Carisa, I am so glad I came looking here for trail feedback to San Gorgonio. (via Vivian Creek) Planning to go up 5/27, have been there once before.
Could either of you share some pictures of the snowed areas may reconsider once I see them
My email is bigsmiles1115@gmail.com
Thanks in advance
Happy Trails 🙂
Hello Dinorah,
I will email you and send pics. I also sent a few to David so he could see the areas that are snow covered. We only encountered snow on the trail above the 9,500ft level. We were able to cut through and head straight up and around some of the areas with snow, or trek right through as there were some fairly deep depressions previously made by other hikers. It is important that you are familiar with the area since the snow covers some of the trail and makes it a little difficult to determine direction.
~Carisa
Carisa, thank you so much.
Very helpful information,
Dinorah
Carisa, you can also attach photos to a forum post, so everyone can benefit. Thanks for providing great detail in your hike logs!
Thank you Carisa, my group is doing San Jacinto on Saturday and then Gorgonio. We were just wondering about conditions and this report is so helpful! I really appreciate your contribution, and congrats!!!
Great job cousin! Love the Gorgonio trail! Glad to have seen you at the Baldy memorial hike.