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Hiking to San Bernardino Peak via Angelus Oaks

May 22, 2014 By Jeff H 78 Comments

 

Hiking San Bernardino Peak via Angelus Oaks

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Trail Details
Distance: 16.5 miles
Time: ~9 hours
Difficulty: Strenuous
Elevation gain: 4,702 ft
Dogs: Yes
When to go: June-October

Find out more about the SoCalHiker Six-Pack of Peaks
This hike is the fourth in my Six-Pack of Peaks series of training hikes. I used them to train for hiking the John Muir Trail, but others are doing it to prepare for hiking Whitney, or simply just for the adventure, the scenery and the mountain views.

One of the best-kept secrets of Southern California is San Bernardino Mountain. Just five miles away from the highest peak in SoCal — San Gorgonio — San Bernardino tops out at a respectable 10,649 feet. Hiking from Angelus Oaks, this 16-mile out-and-back trail climbs over 4,600 vertical feet. It makes for a very long day hike or a great weekend backpacking trip.

Sign to the trailhead parking

The first challenge with this hike is finding the trailhead. I was able to find it on Google Maps, but the directions Google gave me neglected to point out that many of the streets in Angelus Oaks are missing street signs. Not helpful. The key is to look for the fire station (it’s on Manzanita). Turn torwards the station, then an immediate left on the frontage road. That’s where you’ll see what might be the most detailed road sign I’ve ever seen.

You’ll drive about 1/4 mile along a bumpy dirt road. You can take a passenger car up there driving slowly, though I was glad to be driving my Xterra.

Angelus Oaks Trailhead

The trailhead parking requires an Adventure Pass. There is a message board and the ranger regularly posts updates (“rattlesnake seen on the trail” or “be sure to carry your permit”). Check the board for any special notices before heading up the only trailhead which begins just to the left.

Permit Availability

Permits are required to hike this trail, even as a day hike, and group size is limited to a maximum of 12. Permits are free, and can be obtained online on the San Gorgonio Wilderness Association website.

You can also backpack overnight up San Bernardino Peak, coming either at Limber Pine Bench.

There are three distinct sections to this trail. The first section climbs steadily up well-engineered switchbacks through oak and pine forest. You gain a lot of elevation quickly, but the trail is smooth and not too steep. I was impressed with the great views out toward the Inland Empire and north towards the snow-capped Mt. San Antonio (aka Baldy).

Angelus Oaks trail

Eventually you emerge at Manzanita Flats — the main junction along this trail. Note: read the trail signs, and head toward Limber Pines.

Manzanita

The second section gently climbs through manzanita, with beautiful views to the north towards Big Bear. The trail beings to climb up the final slope as you near Limber Pines. There is a small seasonal creek that you’ll cross about 1/2 mile before Limber Pines. I wouldn’t count on using from mid-summer on, but with this year’s bumper crop of snow, it was flowing pretty well in mid-June.

Limber Pines is where the weekend backpackers often setup camp, and it makes a great place for a break before your final climb. The third and final section follows switchbacks up the steep slope to Washington’s Monument, then parallels the ridge to the top of San Bernardino Peak.

San Bernardino Panorama

This is last section of the trail, you may really begin to feel the altitude, and depending on the time of year,  you may find large patches of snow covering entire sections of the trail. Fortunately the warm weather has been melting what snow remains pretty quickly, and we were able to get by without crampons or ice axes. Well, most of us anyway. More on that later…

Washington’s Monument is the tongue-in-cheek name for a what is really little more than a pile of rocks with a pole stuck in the middle. In 1852, Colonel Henry Washington and his Army survey party were directed to erect a monument atop San Bernardino Peak. The monument was the east-west reference point from which all future surveys of Southern California were taken.

Washington's Monument. Photo credit: Emily Doti

From Washington’s Monument, the trail follows the ridge for another 3/4 mile to the summit, where you can take in the 360 degree views.

Snow on San Bernardino Peak

View from San Bernardino Peak

The inland empire. Photo credit: Emily Doti

So the observant ones out there may have noticed that sometime after Limber Pines, my photos ceased to be, and were replaced by Emily and Tyler’s photos. You might reason that my camera battery died (and it was low). But sadly, that is not the reason.

The real reason is… I didn’t summit. I got about 10 minutes away from Washington’s Monument, and decided to stop. It wasn’t altitude sickness (I did Baldy the week before). No, my friends, I succumbed to run-of-the-mill dehydration. Consider it a lesson in what not to do. I considered it a great lesson in handling the unexpected and being flexible.

I did almost everything that I tell my hikers not to do. I didn’t get adequate sleep (4.5 hours). I went to bed thirsty. I woke up, had a light breakfast (good) but didn’t hydrate! (Very bad.) I brought along 3 liters of water and by the time I reached Limber Pines Bench I had downed about 1-3/4 liters (including 16 oz of electrolytes). But the damage was done. When I started the hike I was already dehyrdrated. Had I not hiked, I probably would’ve been fine, maybe suffering a little headache and then recovering quickly. A strenuous hike coupled with altitude did me in.

Once I realized that what I had done, I had sense enough to do the right thing. I stopped. My stubborn determination could’ve driven me onward, but I stopped, rested, and rehydrated. I headed back to the car. I rested some more. Hydrated more. By the time we were back at the car, I was back to my normal self. Only wiser. So let this be a lesson to you, as it was to me.

2015 Update

I went back and summited San Bernardino!

October 2015 - I summited San Bernardino Peak!

San Bernardino Peak Trail Map

PRO TIP: I track all my hikes using GaiaGPS. It’s the best solution for staying on the right trail, it works even when you don’t have cell service, and there are versions for iOS and Android. The app is free, and you can get a discounted membership for maps here.

Photo Gallery

Click any thumbnail image to see the larger version.

san-bernardino-peak-topo
Yoda Relaxes with a Cold Stella After the Hike
After the hike
Wildflower
The inland empire. Photo credit: Emily Doti
View from San Bernardino Peak
east-from-san-berdoo-peak
Snow on San Bernardino Peak
San Bernardino Peak log. Photo credit: Emily Doti
Washington's Monument. Photo credit: Emily Doti
Navigating Patches of Snow
Tree
Looking North towards Big Bear
First Signs of Snow at 8200'
San Bernardino Panorama
Manzanita
When you reach this junction, head toward Limber Pine
45 Minutes In
Odd Spot for a Sign
Up and Away
Angelus Oaks trail
Hitting the trail
Angelus Oaks Trailhead
Sign to the trailhead parking
October 2015 - I summited San Bernardino Peak!
San Bernardino Peak
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Bag the Six-Pack of Peaks
2018 SoCal Six-Pack of Peaks Challenge

  1. Mt. Wilson 
  2. Cucamonga Peak
  3. Mt. San Antonio (Mt. Baldy)
  4. San Bernardino Peak (you are here)
  5. Mt. San Jacinto
  6. San Gorgonio

What is the SoCalHiker Six-Pack of Peaks?

Additional San Bernardino Peak Resources

  • GPS user? Download the GPX file
  • View trail in Google Earth
  • Angelus Oaks trailhead parking on Google Maps
  • Current weather conditions
  • San Bernardino National Forest Permit Information

 

Special thanks to my friends from Hiking OC: Lily, Jim, John, Ivana, Emily, Kristin, Dave, Tyler, Kelly and Joan for joining me on this epic hike. All photos from our hike on June 22, 2010. 

Celebrate the Summit!

  • San Bernardino Peak Mug

    San Bernardino Peak Mug

    $15.95
    Add to cart
  • San Bernardino benchmark

    San Bernardino Peak Benchmark

    $39.95
    Add to cart

Filed Under: Trail Guides Tagged With: 11+ miles, 6-pack, dog-friendly, peak, peakbagging, Six-Pack of Peaks, strenuous, wilderness

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Jeff H

About Jeff H

I'm an avid hiker and backpacker. My wife Joan and I are on the trails every weekend. I started SoCal Hiker to share my passion for outdoor adventure.

Comments

  1. Jim Rippin says

    June 23, 2010 at 11:26 am

    Hi Jeff, Thanks for this terrific recap. Just like being there! See you on the trails.

    Reply
    • SoCal Hiker says

      June 23, 2010 at 4:21 pm

      Thanks for joining me on this hike, Jim. Looking forward to the next big adventure.

      Reply
  2. lily says

    June 23, 2010 at 1:57 pm

    Thanks Jeff, what’s a great memory you have for others, it’s very inspiring. I like the most is the sign to get to the trailhead, that one alone is already a big stress for those who’ve never been there before, a hidden treasure turns out good, not too crowded trail 🙂

    Reply
    • SoCal Hiker says

      June 23, 2010 at 4:23 pm

      Lily, you’re so right — this trail is a gem. Very beautiful. And even though it’s long and has a lot of vertical gain, the trail is gradual and never feels too steep. I’ll definitely do this one again.

      Reply
  3. One WIth Nature says

    June 25, 2010 at 3:26 am

    Classic!

    Reply
  4. One WIth Nature says

    June 25, 2010 at 3:28 am

    This whole blog thing is way beyond Kickass! Great Job! MAybe you can start making it to the Summits with us!

    Reply
  5. Bob Randall says

    June 26, 2010 at 9:27 am

    Hi Jeff,

    Enjoyed hiking Baldy with you. Tyler shared some of the experience via Facebook and some back & forth messages. Now I’ve read your blog too — good job! This is what I like to do too, though I put mine on Picasa and call them photoblogs — no text as such, but I tell the story with extensive captions. Though I’ve never thought of climbing Mt. San B before this, now I’m bitten and would like to do it some time.

    Reply
  6. Emily says

    June 26, 2010 at 12:45 pm

    Jeff, this blog is fantastic! I love love love the pictures (and I’m not talking about my own haha!). Great write up, you captured the hike perfectly. I’d love to do this one again sometime…but continuing on to East Peak ;D

    Reply
  7. SoCal Hiker says

    June 30, 2010 at 3:41 pm

    Thanks, Tyler, Bob and Emily! Glad you enjoyed the trail report. I’ll do this one again, maybe before the snow hits in the fall.

    Reply
  8. Glenn Jones says

    July 4, 2010 at 8:20 am

    Another nice hike! Somewhere in my files I have a picture of me, 30 years younger and 50 lbs lighter on top. I did the ol’ Barton Flats to San G out to Angelus Oaks along the 9 peaks trail. If you don’t mind an older slower hiker I’d love to join you guys sometime!

    Reply
    • SoCal Hiker says

      July 6, 2010 at 2:29 pm

      I’m not out to break any speed records, just hiking to enjoy the wilderness, the exercise and the camaraderie. You’re welcome to join anytime. I often hike with the Hiking OC club. They post a calendar of hikes that covers a broad range of ability, duration and geography.

      Reply
  9. sean mitchell says

    July 13, 2010 at 10:50 am

    Great description Jeff! Thanks so much for your blog. My friends and I are planning either this one or San Jacinto this weekend as part of our Whitney training. And you could not be more right about hydrating. We hiked Baldy a couple of weeks ago and it was about 15+ degrees warmer than it had been. Not enough sleep (only 2 hours) didn’t help, but running out of water (about 120 oz) on the way back down 3 miles from the end led to a bad headache that only got worse. By the time we got the car, I felt absolutely horrible. I didn’t feel better, despite LOTS of hydrating and aspirin, until the next morning. I had never had that experience and hope never to again. I really thought I had plenty of water. I didn’t. A mistake I won’t make again. Great advice in your blog.

    Reply
    • SoCal Hiker says

      July 15, 2010 at 5:46 am

      Sean, have a great hike this weekend. Either trail will help prepare you for Whitney.

      And thanks for the feedback. It’s good to know I’m not the only one that’s happened to.

      Reply
      • sean mitchell says

        July 20, 2010 at 11:52 am

        What an incredible hike! Temperature when we hit the trail at 6am was about 70. By the time we returned at 3:30pm, it was 93. So it was a hot one. But I learned my lesson the hard way on Baldy and was prepared. We all had plenty of water, and drank more by far on this hike than any previous. It made for a much, much better experience.

        Reply
        • SoCal Hiker says

          July 20, 2010 at 12:29 pm

          Awesome, Sean! Glad you had a good experience. Proper preparation makes all the difference, doesn’t it?

          Reply
  10. Candace says

    September 30, 2012 at 6:46 pm

    The hike is not an elevation gain of 4900+ feet. I do this hike every Saturday and have since 1979, weather permitting (and I exclude Jan-April!) It’s 4702 feet.

    Reply
    • Jeff Hester says

      September 30, 2012 at 7:52 pm

      Thanks for the correction, Candace. I was going by what my GPS recorded, which (as I admit in the post) was not 100% accurate. I’ll update the post with your expert guidance.

      By the way, that’s a heckuva Saturday routine!

      Reply
  11. jdigjudy says

    August 5, 2013 at 12:00 pm

    I was told at the ranger station that no adventure pass is required to park at trailheads with no bathrooms… so no adventure pass is needed for the angeles oaks trailhead.
    Nice writeup — it really IS a great hike!!! Thanks for all the information!

    Reply
  12. Jennifer says

    May 27, 2014 at 8:32 am

    Hey Jeff, thanks for the informative posts as always. Just out of curiosity, what’s the water situation like on this trail? Anywhere to filter?

    Reply
  13. Jeff HJeff Hester says

    May 27, 2014 at 8:48 am

    Jennifer, there isn’t much water on this trail. At the top of the initial series of switchback there’s a spur trail that heads south that supposedly used to lead to a seasonal spring, but I didn’t see it, and given the low rainfall this year I wouldn’t count on it.

    There are two possible water locations en route. Manzanita Springs and Limber Pine Springs. Of the two, Limber Pine Springs is fairly reliable in normal years. I’m not sure I would count on it this year.

    That is a challenge with this trail — you’ll need to carry your water.

    Reply
  14. Matt says

    May 27, 2014 at 9:15 am

    Is this hike ok to do solo? I lost all my hiking buddies due to moving and marriages!

    Reply
  15. Jeff HJeff Hester says

    May 27, 2014 at 10:44 am

    Matt, yes you can hike this solo, but you’ll still need a permit and I’d make sure you tell someone else your plans (especially when you should be back). You should also have a “turn-back” time. Know your pace and how many miles you can handle, then calculate the absolute latest you’ll need to turn around to make it back to the trailhead before darkness sets in. When you reach that point, turn around. The mountain will still be there for next time.

    Reply
  16. Brendan Mathews says

    May 27, 2014 at 11:05 pm

    Jeff,
    Good feedback and I love your philosophy.and site. Just found your website. I am training for a trek culminating in an ascent to Whitney this July. I hiked San Jacinto last Friday up the Fuller Ridge trail. Awesome! I have some great photos. I am planning on hiking Baldy this Friday. San Bernardino sounds like another good training run.Maybe I can catch up to you on one of your hikes.

    Reply
  17. Chris Martin says

    August 8, 2014 at 11:52 pm

    Sounds like a great hike! Bummer on being dehydrated, but sounds like you made the right call. Dehydration isn’t something to mess around with. Also, great additional info for getting to the trailhead. That stuff is always helpful.

    Reply
  18. Jeff Hester says

    August 9, 2014 at 5:19 am

    Thanks, Chris! This hike reminded me that we all have lessons to learn (or re-learn).

    Reply
  19. David M says

    May 25, 2016 at 11:17 am

    I have similar issues with glitches in my GPX files. I edit my GPX files in Garmin Basecamp (free download with garmin product) all the time. It’s really easy, you just open the gpx route details select the erroneous track plots and hit the delete key, and save. Easy peasy. You also will want to make a backup copy of your original gpx file in case of a fat finger which deletes the wrong section… yes, I have done that too, and there is no undo.

    Reply
  20. jazminortega says

    June 8, 2016 at 11:23 pm

    Hi Jeff, where can I find the link to the wilderness permit? Is it the same form as San Gorgonio? Thanks.

    Reply
  21. Jeff HJeff Hester says

    June 9, 2016 at 8:41 am

    @jazminortega — Yes, it’s the same form as San Gorgonio (they are both in the San Gorgonio Wilderness). You’ll be hiking the “San Bernardino Peak Trail” which starts in Angelus Oaks.

    Reply
  22. BQN says

    July 7, 2016 at 12:25 pm

    Hello- I will be hiking this 7/17. The permit I obtained through the Ranger Station for day hike indicates the entry trailhead is “San Bernardino”. I am assuming this is in line with your write-up and I will be able to follow your directions on the peak? Thanks in advance- BQN

    Reply
  23. Perry says

    July 28, 2016 at 12:24 pm

    I just did this solo in mid-summer and it was my first of the six pack. Left at sunrise and it was warm but enjoyable at the summit. I took plenty of water but all the springs were flowing. Stopped for a refill at Limber Pines spring. The upper 1/3 of the trail is steep and rocky in places. Trekking poles help a lot even without snow. I was surprised that there wasn’t an official wooden summit marker, only the geocache/ammo can.

    I hiked up the next day from Forsee Creek to Manzanita Springs. It’s 2.2km o/w longer by this route but a bit easier and lots of water along the way. If permits from Angelus Oaks are full you might try from this direction.

    Reply
  24. jazminortega says

    August 4, 2016 at 7:42 am

    Planning an overnight for this weekend and curious as to how much parking is available at the trailhead. Since we’re camping, not planning on getting there very early, does it fill up? Thanks!

    Reply
    • Jeff HJeff Hester says

      August 4, 2016 at 7:56 am

      It can fill up, especially on the weekends. Worst-case scenario, you could drop your gear at the trailhead and park somewhere along the access road.

      Reply
  25. Douglas CDouglas says

    September 11, 2016 at 1:04 pm

    Hiked the trail yesterday and was pleasantly surprised that the spring was still flowing above Limber Pines. We got a late start, so we hiked the last 2 miles by headlight — which was pretty cool.

    Reply
  26. Ahmad Mehaidly says

    November 16, 2016 at 9:38 pm

    Dear Jeff, thank you for the beautiful website and the amazing recommendations. Those six peaks are becoming the bible of Californian Hikers. Today I decided to hit the San Bernardino Peak alone. I am writing to share my experience because it could help others. I normally use the REI App because it has an amazing GPS tracking system, so even when there is no internet connection i would still navigate my position on the map. Unfortunately, on their app they do not show where Washington monument is, and neither where San Bernardino peak is. The trail on their app is called San Bernardino Peak, and all the time i was following the trail to notice it was leading me to San Gorgonio Mountain through the longest trail (32 miles round trip). I stopped after hiking for 8.6Miles up, and went back the same way I came, feeling sad thinking I lost the trail and didn’t reach the peak. The reason why I am mentioning all of this is that when i came home, i compared their map to your map on your website, and have realized that I have passed by Washington monument and also have passed the San Bernardino Peak without knowing. I know it is very stupid, and I will write to REI about it. I would also suggest if you could add it in your comments that the monument and the peak are not on the trail but couple of feet to the side (as i have noticed from your map) as people can easily miss it. I guess it would help everyone trying to hike there. I wish i looked at your map before going there, i just trusted their GPS a lot and know I have learned my lesson. Also I did notice that you have the map in GPS form, how can i download it to my phone?
    Thank you so much for your understanding and amazing work, your descriptions and assessments of the trails are perfect.

    Reply
  27. India Andrews says

    April 7, 2017 at 1:14 pm

    Is there any water along the trail or do you need to carry all of your water with you?

    Reply
    • Jennifer B says

      April 7, 2017 at 1:16 pm

      It’s been a while since I’ve gone but I believe you need to bring all of your own. 2L per person is sufficient.

      Reply
  28. Cris says

    May 1, 2017 at 10:24 am

    Is the trail still closed due to the lake fire?

    Reply
    • Jeff HJeffrey Hester says

      May 1, 2017 at 4:25 pm

      Cris, this trail reopened about a month after the Lake fire. When I hiked this last October, I saw hardly any signs of the fire from this trail; it was largely unaffected.

      Reply
  29. antonia cueto says

    May 8, 2017 at 8:43 pm

    Hi I am planning to do the hike on May 20th and just wondering how the trail is looking in regards to snow and ice?

    Reply
    • Jeff HJeff Hester says

      May 9, 2017 at 4:07 am

      Antonia,

      Check the hike logs for the latest conditions. Denis posted this log of his hike on May 4th, and noted that there was still snow for the last 1,600 vertical feet. We got additional snow this past weekend, so you will likely need traction devices and winter navigation skills.

      Reply
  30. Drew says

    May 22, 2017 at 11:52 am

    I did the hike this weekend and had to stop about a mile from the peak. We had micro spikes and were still slipping and sliding all over the place. The last two miles are covered in snow that gets pretty wet and slippery making it difficult to manage. The first mile after the Limber Pines campground is doable but I’d recommend micro spikes. After that, only those with experience in snow should proceed as the trail not visible (under snow). From the folks we spoke to, you’ll definitely need full crampons and the ranger recommended an ice axe.

    Reply
  31. Lisa Lawler says

    May 31, 2017 at 7:08 pm

    That happened to my husband & I on May 20. We had done the Baden Powell hike a few weeks before & lost the trail to snow. Not thinking of the way down, we went straight up, had lunch at the summit & started our descent. We had micro spikes but no ice ax, just our poles & still slid multiple times. Pretty scary stuff. So when we lost the trail at San Bernadino we decided it wasn’t a summit day for us.

    Reply
  32. Lili says

    July 14, 2017 at 3:07 pm

    The San Bernardino trailhead DOES NOT require an Adventure Pass. See: http://sgwa.org/forums/topic/adventure-pass/

    Reply
  33. Gary says

    July 20, 2017 at 5:27 pm

    I’m planning on hiking this weekend. Where can I download the hiking permit so I can fax it to the Ranger station

    Reply
    • Jeff HJeff Hester says

      July 21, 2017 at 6:00 am

      Gary, you’ll find it on this page: http://sgwa.org/wilderness-permits/

      There are two versions: one for day hikes and another for overnight trips. Both are Acrobat PDF files. I typically fill them in, then scan them back to a PDF and fax to the ranger station using one of the many free Internet fax services.

      Reply
  34. Linda Perez says

    August 24, 2017 at 3:20 pm

    I had a very difficult time hiking San Jacinto a few weeks ago… and ended up not peaking but turning back. Can anyone tell me how strenuous this trail is? Just as difficult or more…I have to make a decision to go or pass…Thanks!

    Reply
    • Jeff HJeff Hester says

      August 25, 2017 at 12:56 pm

      Linda, San Bernardino Peak is a strenuous hike, as are all of the hikes in the Six-Pack of Peaks Challenge. As for difficulty level, that’s a very personal thing to measure. The three things that I look at when gauging the difficulty of any trail are:

      1. The total mileage. Have you hiked that distance before? How recently?
      2. The total vertical gain. Have you climbed that vertical gain before?
      3. The elevation. Higher elevation hikes (usually above 9,000 or 10,000 feet) have less oxygen, which impacts your performance.

      Compare those three metrics with San Bernardino (or any hike) and you’ll get some idea of how hard it will be for you.

      Reply
  35. Winifred says

    August 28, 2017 at 11:07 am

    Has anyone been up recently, like in the past week or so? I’m trying to assess the water situation at Limber Pine Springs since I’ll be camping next weekend with a big group of people. Thanks in advance!

    Reply
  36. Chris says

    November 1, 2017 at 10:07 pm

    Hi Jeff,

    Thanks for this post and all the others. I’ve finally started exploring the mountains after years of staring at them from traffic. Great stuff, and I’ve leaned on the skinny from you and your site.

    Now I’m working on the Six-Pack but trying to tick off the 10,000 foot peaks while I’m at it. This weekend, I’m trying to run the ridge starting form Washington Monument to Alto Diablo — getting San Bernardino along the way. (in some future, I’ll try your 9-Peak Traverse.)

    My question for you is really a basic one: is there a port-a-john at the parking lot? I’ve done a lot of looking on the internet for this fundamental question, but no answers! I’ll be starting early and will be anxious to make time, so driving around in the dark looking for the loo is going to kill me. Any idea?

    Thanks, and again thanks for the site. Chris.

    Reply
    • Jeff HJeff Hester says

      November 3, 2017 at 1:44 pm

      Hey Chris! There are no facilities at the San Bernardino Trailhead in Angelus Oaks. There is a Starbucks on the border of Redlands and Mentone as you approach the mountains — that’s usually my last stop. 😉

      Reply
  37. Chris says

    November 5, 2017 at 10:13 pm

    Hi Jeff,

    Thanks for the note. I sorted it out in a most elegant way. I broke down and drove up the night before, renting a cabin at the Angelus Oaks Lodge. What an option! I’m too cheap to do that regularly, but I wanted an early start and driving up from Pasadena was going to make that tough. But, I got a great night’s sleep, had a real bathroom to start the day, and the trail head was literally .2 miles away. I was on the trail first at 5:30 or so. Five hours later I’d been to Washington Monument, Mt SB, SB East Peak, and Anderson Peak. 10:30 was my turnaround time, So, even though Shields and Alto Diablo were close, I headed back. The route was my favorite — better than Vivian Creek and way better than anything on Baldy. The views, the meadows, the ridge, it was just terrific. From lunch on Anderson, it became clear that I’m going to have to do the nine-peak challenge. You can see several of the peaks and they’re not that far! I’m sure they’ll feel so far when the elevation gets to me, but clearly a great goal for next year.

    I’m sure I’ll be rereading your post on it as I get close. Again, thanks for the review and the feedback.

    Chris.

    Reply
    • Jeff HJeff Hester says

      November 7, 2017 at 5:21 pm

      Chris, sounds like you had a good “scouting mission” for the Nine-Peaks Challenge. Well done!

      Reply
  38. Chris says

    November 7, 2017 at 8:53 pm

    I sure did. But, before I get back to the Nine-Peak Challenge, I’ll find you for advice. I’m leaning to going to Gorgonio first and then back to SB and ending up in Angelus Oaks. For me the down hill is worse than the climbing. Last time I came down Vivian Creek I was just beat up. The hike back from Anderson down to Angelus Oaks was long but mild. So, when I read your summit report on your Nine-Peak Challenge, I’m impressed by the length and climbing, of course, but the thing that stands out is you walking down that steep, rocky last mile to the valley floor. Ugh. Maybe with some more training, I’ll get past it. But, I’m still thinking starting with Gorgonio seems easier. Is that cheating?

    If the winter is dry, maybe I can give it a shot in December.

    Reply
  39. Alissa says

    November 30, 2017 at 1:29 pm

    Has anyone hiked here recently? Are there any nearby campsites to camp the night before and get an early start in the morning?

    Reply
  40. Marc MMarc M says

    December 2, 2017 at 9:49 pm

    Alissa, there are a few campsite options for you to consider for this hike, including Columbine Springs and Limber Pine Bench (lots of other options if you come in from other trailheads). Keep in mind though these all require an overnight permit in advance.

    -marc

    Reply
  41. Randy says

    June 19, 2018 at 6:36 pm

    Left my trekking poles at the trailhead parking as I left today…. Anybody happen to pick them up?

    Wonderful hike.

    Reply
  42. Mark Cox says

    August 21, 2018 at 8:50 pm

    Hello,
    Can you clarify the distance on SBD Peak Trail? Is it 16.5 round trip or one way? Thanks.

    Reply
    • Jeff HJeff Hester says

      September 1, 2018 at 3:27 pm

      Hi Mark! All the distances listed in our guides are total mileage. For an out-and-back route like this, it’s 16.5 miles total (8.25 each way).

      Reply
  43. Daniel says

    November 15, 2018 at 4:17 pm

    I wanted to share my recent hike, since I wasn’t able to find any info anywhere about the loop I did. I wanted a longer hike that was less out and back, so I turned off to the trail towards John’s Meadow at the Columbine Springs Junction. Eventually that meets up with the Forsee Creek Trail, and that brings you over to the San Bernardino Peak via Trail Fork Springs. All in all, the loop was about 25 miles. I did it in two days, but it could be a nice three-day hike. John’s Meadow was a nice campsite with nearby water, even in November. I could not find the water source at Trail Fork Springs, but it may have just been dry by late fall. I didn’t see anybody in between turning off to John’s Meadow and reaching the west peak of San Bernardino, but that might just be a consequence of hiking on a random Wednesday in mid-November.

    Reply
  44. Ron CRon C says

    October 29, 2019 at 2:19 pm

    Did San Bernardino Peak on Friday, October 25. Beautiful day, not hot, not cold, not windy… perfect day. Left the car at 6:50am and got back 9 hours later. One of the prettiest local (SoCal) trails ever. My app said 18 miles and it was not super hard as most of the elevation gain was steady and the trail was sweet and not too rocky. Great overnight spot at about 6 miles and the spring was still running.

    Reply

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Mt Wilson
Cucamonga Peak
Mt San Antonio -- aka Mt Baldy
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