Mt San Gorgonio Summit Camp

For Californians with a thirst for adventure and a passion for reaching new heights, Mt San Gorgonio Summit Camp offers an unparalleled wilderness experience. Situated near Forest Falls, this isn't your average campground with paved roads and picnic tables. Instead, it's a testament to the raw, untamed beauty of Southern California's highest peak, Mount San Gorgonio, affectionately known as "Old Greyback" by locals. This camp is for those who are ready to earn their views, providing a rugged yet incredibly rewarding opportunity to sleep above the tree line and witness some of the most spectacular sunrises and sunsets the Golden State has to offer.

Mt San Gorgonio Summit Camp is more than just a place to pitch a tent; it's a destination for dedicated hikers and backpackers seeking a true high-altitude challenge and an immersive wilderness experience. It serves as an essential base for summiting San Gorgonio, the tallest mountain in Southern California, standing at an impressive 11,503 feet. For Californians accustomed to diverse landscapes, this camp provides a unique alpine environment within reach, offering stunning panoramic vistas stretching across the region. It's a place where the air is crisp, the stars are brilliant, and the sense of accomplishment is profound, perfectly encapsulating the spirit of adventure that defines so much of California's outdoor culture.

Mt San Gorgonio Summit Camp is located near Forest Falls, CA 92305, USA, nestled within the expansive San Bernardino National Forest and the San Gorgonio Wilderness. Its address indicates its general vicinity, but it's crucial to understand that this is a wilderness camp, not a roadside facility. Accessing Mt San Gorgonio Summit Camp requires a significant and strenuous hike. The most popular and shortest route to the summit, and thus to the summit camp, is via the Vivian Creek Trail, which starts from the Vivian Creek Trailhead near Forest Falls.

For Californians planning this adventure, access to the trailhead typically involves driving on Highway 38 to Forest Falls. An Adventure Pass or Interagency Pass is required for parking at developed trailheads like Vivian Creek. The journey to the summit is a demanding ascent, often gaining over 5,000 feet in elevation. While the camp's address provides a geographical marker, its true accessibility is measured by physical endurance and preparedness for a high-altitude wilderness trek. This commitment to a challenging hike ensures that those who reach the summit camp are genuinely seeking a deep connection with the high mountain environment, offering a secluded and impactful experience that is well worth the effort for prepared individuals from across California.

Mt San Gorgonio Summit Camp, being a true wilderness camp, offers minimal developed services. Its "services" are primarily dictated by its natural environment and the allowances within a designated wilderness area. Visitors should be prepared for a self-sufficient experience.

• Undeveloped Campsites: The camp provides "minimal amenities" and is known for its "unique rock barrier sites." These natural rock walls serve as wind protection, crucial at this high elevation, providing a spot to set up a tent. These are not typical manicured sites.
• High-Altitude Experience: The primary "service" is the opportunity for high-altitude overnight camping, allowing for an early start to summit bids or the chance to experience sunrise and sunset from Southern California's highest point.
• Panoramic Views: The camp's location just below the summit inherently offers "breathtaking views, especially at sunrise and sunset," which is a core part of its appeal and experience.
• Wilderness Permit Requirement: While not a direct service of the camp, a free wilderness permit is required for both day hiking and overnight camping in the San Gorgonio Wilderness. These permits are issued by the San Gorgonio Wilderness Association, a Forest Service partner, and must be obtained in advance online. This system helps manage impact and preserve the wilderness character.
• No Water Source: It is crucial to note that there is "no water available" directly at the summit camp. Hikers must carry all necessary water or filter it from reliable sources at lower camps such as High Creek Camp (9,200'), which is approximately 3 miles below the summit.
• No Campfires Allowed: Due to the high elevation and wilderness regulations, "no campfires allowed" at any time. Portable gas stoves are permitted, but only with a valid California Campfire Permit, which must also be obtained beforehand.

Mt San Gorgonio Summit Camp offers a set of truly unique and challenging features and highlights, setting it apart from more conventional campgrounds in California:

• Southern California's Highest Overnight Spot: This is arguably its most significant highlight. Camping at or very near the summit of Mount San Gorgonio (11,503 feet) means you are at the highest overnight location in Southern California. This offers unparalleled bragging rights and an extraordinary experience.
• Stunning Panoramic Views: Campers consistently rave about the "amazing view of the sunrise in the AM" and the opportunity to "head up to the peak for a great view of the sunset/sunrise." The exposure above the tree line provides expansive vistas that can stretch for hundreds of miles on clear days, encompassing deserts, other mountain ranges, and even the Channel Islands.
• Natural Rock Wind Barriers: A practical and unique feature are the "rock barrier sites that provide some wind protection." At this extreme elevation, winds can be intense (often 40+ mph), so these natural "rock 'hotel'" structures are crucial for setting up tents and offering some respite from the elements.
• True Wilderness Immersion: This camp is for those seeking a profoundly wild experience. With "minimal amenities" and the requirement of a strenuous hike, it ensures a deep connection with nature, far from modern distractions and crowds (though summer weekends can see more people).
• Challenging but Rewarding Ascent: The journey to the summit camp is described as "steep and challenging," requiring "well over 4,000 feet of elevation gain." This makes reaching the camp a significant accomplishment in itself, adding to the satisfaction of the stay.
• Above the Tree Line Experience: San Gorgonio is one of the few peaks in Southern California with a summit significantly above the tree line. This offers a distinct alpine environment, contrasting with the lush forests found at lower elevations on the mountain.
• Exclusive Atmosphere: Due to the demanding nature of the hike, "not many people camp up there." As one reviewer noted, they found themselves with only "1 other individual camping at the peak," suggesting a rare sense of solitude at such an iconic location.

Address: Forest Falls, CA 92305, USA

As Mt San Gorgonio Summit Camp is a high-altitude wilderness site, there is no direct phone number for the camp itself. All information and necessary permits are managed by the San Gorgonio Wilderness Association (SGWA) in partnership with the U.S. Forest Service.

For critical information regarding wilderness permits, trail conditions, fire restrictions, and other regulations, Californians should contact the relevant administrative offices:

• San Gorgonio Wilderness Association (SGWA): This organization manages the wilderness permits required for both day hikes and overnight stays in the San Gorgonio Wilderness. Permits must be obtained online in advance via their website. It is highly recommended to secure your permit well in advance, especially for summer weekend trips, as quotas are in place.
• Mill Creek Visitor Center: This Forest Service facility is the primary information hub for the San Gorgonio Wilderness. While they do not issue in-person permits for the wilderness area, they can provide crucial updates on trail conditions, weather forecasts, and safety advisories.
• Phone for information (check operating hours, as they may vary seasonally): (909) 382-2882

Always check the SGWA website and Forest Service resources before planning your trip to Mt San Gorgonio Summit Camp to ensure you have the most up-to-date and vital information for a safe and successful wilderness adventure.

For Californians, Mt San Gorgonio Summit Camp offers an unparalleled opportunity to truly challenge themselves and experience the raw, untamed beauty of their home state's highest peaks. This isn't just a casual camping trip; it's a backpacking adventure that promises immense personal satisfaction and unforgettable memories. The fact that it's located right here in Southern California means it's an attainable goal for many who might otherwise travel far to experience such an alpine environment. The sheer reward of waking up above the tree line, with the entire Southern California landscape spread out beneath you as the sun rises, is an experience that truly connects you to the grandeur of the state.

While the hike is demanding and requires careful preparation regarding gear, water, and wilderness permits, the effort is profoundly worth it. The unique "rock hotels" at the summit camp provide a pragmatic and surprisingly effective shelter against the elements, demonstrating the ingenious ways one can adapt to and thrive in such a rugged environment. For locals seeking to push their limits, escape the mundane, and immerse themselves in a truly spectacular natural setting, Mt San Gorgonio Summit Camp is a pinnacle experience. It reinforces the idea that some of California's most breathtaking natural wonders are reserved for those willing to embark on the journey, making the views, the solitude, and the accomplishment all the more precious and deeply rewarding. It’s an adventure that strengthens both body and spirit, right in the heart of the Golden State.

Mt San Gorgonio Summit Camp

Forest Falls, CA 92305, USA