High Creek Camp

For dedicated hikers and wilderness enthusiasts in Southern California, High Creek Camp holds a significant place as a strategic and serene backcountry stop. Tucked away within the majestic San Gorgonio Wilderness, near Forest Falls, this primitive campground serves as an essential staging point for those aiming to conquer the towering San Gorgonio Peak, the highest point in Southern California. It offers a crucial opportunity for sea-level hikers to acclimate to the higher elevation, providing a peaceful overnight stay amidst the rugged beauty of the San Bernardino National Forest.

High Creek Camp is more than just a place to pitch a tent; it’s an integral part of the San Gorgonio wilderness experience. It embodies the spirit of self-reliance and respect for nature, common among California's outdoor community. While it lacks developed amenities, its primary value lies in its strategic location, reliable water source, and the opportunity it provides for hikers to break up their ascent to the peak. For local Californians, it represents a direct pathway to one of the region's most iconic summits, offering both a challenge and a deeply rewarding connection with the high-country wilderness. Its well-maintained trail access and the emphasis on responsible recreation make it a cherished resource for the adventurous spirit.

High Creek Camp is located within the San Gorgonio Wilderness, near Forest Falls, CA 92339, USA. As a backcountry campground, it is not accessible by vehicle. Reaching High Creek Camp requires a significant hike, typically via established trails that lead into the wilderness area. It is situated along a well-maintained trail, making it a relatively straightforward, though strenuous, journey for those prepared for backcountry travel.

Its strategic position means it's often reached by hikers approaching San Gorgonio Peak from various trailheads in the region. The elevation of High Creek Camp makes it an excellent stop for acclimatization, particularly for hikers coming from sea level who plan to spend multiple days in the high country or attempt the summit of San Gorgonio Peak. Visitors should always consult official United States Forest Service (USFS) trail maps and obtain necessary wilderness permits before embarking on their journey to High Creek Camp, as permits are required for overnight stays in the San Gorgonio Wilderness.

• Primitive Campsites: High Creek Camp offers designated primitive campsites for backcountry users. These sites are typically clearings suitable for pitching tents, with minimal to no developed features.
• Reliable Water Source: A significant highlight of High Creek Camp is its reliable water source. High Creek, a flowing stream, is located nearby, allowing hikers to replenish their water supply. However, all water should be filtered or treated before consumption to ensure safety.
• No Developed Facilities: Campers should be aware that High Creek Camp is a true wilderness site. There are no restrooms, picnic tables, fire rings (campfires are often prohibited in the San Gorgonio Wilderness due to fire danger, especially during dry seasons), or trash receptacles. Adherence to Leave No Trace principles is paramount, meaning all waste, including human waste, must be packed out or properly managed using WAG bags (Waste Alleviation and Gelling bags).
• Wilderness Setting: The primary "service" is the untouched natural environment itself. Campers are immersed in a high-altitude forest, providing a genuine wilderness experience.
• Permit Required: Overnight stays at High Creek Camp, and indeed any entry into the San Gorgonio Wilderness, require a wilderness permit issued by the USFS. These permits are crucial for managing visitor impact and preserving the fragile ecosystem.

• Crucial Acclimatization Stop: For hikers attempting San Gorgonio Peak, especially those coming from lower elevations, High Creek Camp serves as an ideal and often recommended overnight stop for acclimatization. Spending a night at this elevation helps the body adjust to the thinner air, significantly reducing the risk of altitude sickness and improving the chances of a successful and enjoyable summit bid.
• Direct Access to San Gorgonio Peak Trail: The campground is strategically located along one of the primary trails leading to the summit of San Gorgonio Peak. This makes it an excellent base camp for an early morning start to the peak, or as an intermediate stop on a multi-day backpacking trip.
• Reliable Water Source: The presence of High Creek as a consistent water source is a major advantage for backcountry campers. This reduces the need to carry large quantities of water, lightening pack weight and making longer trips more feasible. Always be prepared to filter or purify water.
• Well-Maintained Trail Access: Reviews highlight that the trail leading to High Creek Camp is well-maintained, contributing to a more manageable and enjoyable hike into the backcountry.
• Secluded Wilderness Experience: High Creek Camp offers a truly primitive and secluded camping experience. It's an opportunity to escape the crowds and immerse oneself in the quiet solitude of the San Gorgonio Wilderness, surrounded by towering pines and the sounds of nature.
• Stunning Mountain Scenery: The San Gorgonio Wilderness is renowned for its breathtaking mountain landscapes, alpine forests, and panoramic views. Camping at High Creek provides a prime opportunity to wake up surrounded by this majestic scenery.
• Emphasizes "Leave No Trace": The nature of this primitive camp inherently encourages hikers to practice and internalize Leave No Trace principles, fostering a strong sense of environmental stewardship among visitors. This contributes to the preservation of the wilderness for future generations.

Address: Forest Falls, CA 92339, USA (San Gorgonio Wilderness, San Bernardino National Forest)

As a backcountry wilderness camp, High Creek Camp does not have a direct phone number. All inquiries regarding wilderness permits, trail conditions, and regulations for the San Gorgonio Wilderness should be directed to the Mill Creek Ranger Station of the San Bernardino National Forest. You can find their contact information and permit reservation details on the official United States Forest Service website for the San Bernardino National Forest.

For Southern California locals, High Creek Camp is an indispensable resource for experiencing the region's highest and most challenging peaks. It offers a vital and accessible entry point into the high country of the San Gorgonio Wilderness, providing an authentic backpacking adventure without requiring extensive travel far from home.

The camp's primary suitability lies in its role as an acclimatization stop, making the challenging ascent of San Gorgonio Peak safer and more enjoyable for hikers of varying experience levels. The reliable water source is a significant advantage, simplifying logistics for multi-day treks. For Californians who cherish the raw beauty of their local mountains and are committed to responsible outdoor recreation, High Creek Camp provides the perfect primitive base. It fosters a deep connection with the wilderness, encouraging self-reliance and environmental respect. This isn't just a campsite; it’s a gateway to achieving personal milestones on the peak, offering solitude and stunning natural beauty that solidifies its status as a cherished local asset for the adventurous and prepared Southern California outdoor enthusiast.

High Creek Camp

Forest Falls, CA 92339, USA