San Gorgonio Hike on the Vivian Creek Trail

Video Description

Step-by-step guide to hiking San Gorgonio via the Vivian Creek Trail, SoCal’s highest peak with big views and a tough climb. *Gear I'm Using Now:* * inReach: https://hkgy.co/inreach * Hiking App: https://hkgy.co/app * Watch: https://hkgy.co/watch * Shoes: https://hkgy.co/shoes * Pack: https://hkgy.co/backpack * Rescue Insurance: https://hkgy.co/insurance *Full Hiking Gear List (What I Use Now - Tested & Not Sponsored):* https://hikingguy.com/gear *Links:* * Map: https://hikingguy.com/hiking-trails/los-angeles-hikes/san-gorgonio-hike-vivian-creek-trail/ * Website: https://hikingguy.com * Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/hikingguy * Monthly Hiking News (free): https://www.patreon.com/c/hikingguy/ * Subscribe: https://www.youtube.com/c/Hikingguy San Gorgonio Mountain is the highest point in Southern California at 11,503 feet, and the Vivian Creek Trail is the most direct — and most challenging — way to get there. In this video, I take you turn-by-turn along this 18–19 mile route with 5,400 feet of climbing. It’s a classic SoCal hike that delivers incredible views, alpine terrain, and a serious workout. You’ll need a permit, and on hikingguy.com I have all the current permit info, parking details, and gear recommendations to make sure you’re ready for the climb. We start at the Vivian Creek Trailhead, cross Mill Creek, and immediately hit one of the steepest sections of the entire hike — a lung-busting climb up to the San Gorgonio Wilderness boundary. From there, the trail mellows out as we follow Vivian Creek through shady forest and meadows, passing junctions for primitive camps like Vivian Creek Camp and Halfway Camp. The grade picks up again as we ascend switchbacks toward High Creek Camp, a popular overnight stop with water sources nearby. Past High Creek, the trail grinds upward in long switchbacks to a ridge with panoramic views of San Jacinto and the San Bernardino Mountains. This section also passes through areas burned in the 2020 Apple Fire before tackling a steep, high-altitude push toward treeline. Above the trees, the landscape turns to rocky alpine slopes with expansive views stretching to Saddleback Mountain in Orange County. The final approach passes junctions for the Divide Trail and Sky High Trail before reaching the summit area. Here you’ll find a small, protected summit campsite, stone windbreaks, and sweeping 360-degree views across the Inland Empire, Big Bear, and the high desert. It’s a tough day, but with preparation and pacing, this is one of the most rewarding hikes in Southern California. On hikingguy.com, you’ll find a breakdown of the route into manageable sections, GPX files, water source info, and camping options. Tackle San Gorgonio smart, and you’ll come away with one of the best summit experiences the region has to offer. --- *Disclaimer:* Some of these links are affiliate links where I’ll earn a small commission if you make a purchase at no additional cost to you. I only recommend gear I actually use and trust.