South Fork Trail Head Upper SART

Hello, fellow California wilderness seekers and avid hikers! If the call of the wild, the scent of pine, and the challenge of high-altitude trails truly resonate with you, then the South Fork Trail Head, leading into the Upper Santa Ana River Trail (Upper SART) area, is a gateway you absolutely need to know about. Located near Angelus Oaks in the majestic San Bernardino National Forest, this isn't a traditional campground with developed sites; rather, it serves as the primary access point for a transformative backcountry experience in the revered San Gorgonio Wilderness. For us Californians, having such pristine wilderness accessible, yet demanding respect and preparation, is a truly special opportunity.

The South Fork Trail Head is synonymous with serious hiking and wilderness exploration in Southern California. It's the starting point for some of the most rewarding and challenging trails in the region, leading deep into the San Gorgonio Wilderness, home to Southern California's highest peak, Mount San Gorgonio itself. This area appeals to those who are well-versed in Leave No Trace principles and are prepared for self-sufficient adventures. It offers an unparalleled chance to truly disconnect from urban life and immerse yourself in an untamed, high-alpine environment.

While you won't find amenities like flush toilets or picnic tables at the trailhead itself, its value lies in the access it provides. It's where your journey begins into a landscape of towering forests, pristine meadows, and breathtaking views that stretch for miles. For experienced hikers and backpackers among us in California, the South Fork Trail Head offers an unparalleled opportunity to test endurance, find solitude, and witness the raw, untouched beauty of our mountain wilderness. It’s a place that commands respect for nature and rewards those who venture into its depths with unforgettable experiences.

The South Fork Trail Head Upper SART is located at 44593-44599 I- 45 Srv Rd, Angelus Oaks, CA 92305, USA. It's important to clarify that "I-45 Srv Rd" in the address is likely a misidentification for a local service road or forest road that leads to the trailhead, as Interstate 45 is in Texas, not California. The accurate access is typically via well-known routes within the San Bernardino National Forest from the Angelus Oaks area, specifically leading to the South Fork Trailhead, which is a key entry point for the San Gorgonio Wilderness.

Access to the trailhead usually involves driving on State Route 38 (CA-38) from the Redlands/Mentone area, heading east towards Big Bear. The turn-off for the South Fork Trailhead is well-marked and leads onto a forest road. This forest road can be unpaved and may be rough in sections, but it is generally passable by most standard passenger vehicles, though a higher clearance vehicle might be more comfortable. Always check the current road conditions with the Forest Service before heading out, especially during or after inclement weather or in the shoulder seasons.

Due to its location within a wilderness area, specific regulations apply to this trailhead and the trails beyond. Hikers planning to enter the San Gorgonio Wilderness, especially for overnight trips, typically need a wilderness permit, which are often limited in number and require advance reservation or day-of pickup depending on the season and specific rules. The trailhead is situated at a significant elevation, generally around 6,800 feet, meaning visitors should be prepared for mountain weather and higher altitudes. For Californians, this accessible yet challenging entry point makes it a prime starting location for serious wilderness adventures.

As a wilderness trailhead and not a traditional developed campground, South Fork Trail Head Upper SART offers very limited, basic services designed to facilitate access to the backcountry while upholding Leave No Trace principles.

• Parking Area: A designated parking lot is available at the trailhead for vehicles, though space may be limited during peak seasons.
• Trailhead Information Kiosk: Typically, a bulletin board or kiosk provides essential information, including trail maps, wilderness regulations, permit requirements, and safety warnings.
• Vault Toilets: Basic vault toilets are usually provided at trailheads to manage human waste, though availability and cleanliness can vary. It is always wise to bring your own hand sanitizer.
• No Potable Water: There is no potable water source available at the trailhead or along the wilderness trails. All visitors must bring their own water or have the means to filter/purify natural water sources.
• No Trash Service: Visitors are strictly required to pack out all trash and waste. No trash cans are provided.
• Wilderness Permit Access: The primary "service" is serving as an official entry point for the San Gorgonio Wilderness, which requires a wilderness permit for overnight stays and often for day use during peak periods.
• Bear Boxes (Potentially): While not guaranteed at all trailheads, some wilderness entry points may offer bear-resistant food storage lockers for day-use visitors to secure food. Backcountry campers must carry approved bear canisters.
• Dog Restrictions: Dogs are typically not permitted in the San Gorgonio Wilderness area, including on the trails originating from this trailhead, to protect wildlife and the fragile ecosystem.

• Gateway to San Gorgonio Wilderness: The most significant highlight is its role as a primary access point into the vast and challenging San Gorgonio Wilderness, home to Southern California's highest peaks.
• Access to Mount San Gorgonio: This trailhead is one of the main routes to summit Mount San Gorgonio (11,503 ft), offering a strenuous but highly rewarding hike with incredible panoramic views.
• Upper Santa Ana River Trail (Upper SART): The trail itself follows the upper reaches of the Santa Ana River, providing a scenic route through diverse ecosystems.
• Stunning Alpine Scenery: Hikers will encounter pristine pine forests, high-altitude meadows, and rugged mountain terrain, especially as they gain elevation.
• Opportunities for Backcountry Camping: With a valid wilderness permit, this area allows for authentic dispersed backcountry camping, offering profound solitude and immersion in nature.
• Diverse Ecosystems: Experience a transition from lower elevation forests to subalpine and alpine environments, showcasing a variety of flora and fauna.
• Wildlife Viewing: Opportunities to spot local wildlife, including deer, various bird species, and potentially bighorn sheep in the higher elevations.
• Solitude and Tranquility: Despite its popularity among serious hikers, the vastness of the wilderness allows for a sense of isolation and peace, especially away from the immediate trailhead.
• Year-Round Access (with conditions): While snow can close the access road in winter, the trailhead generally offers a longer hiking season than higher elevation areas, though winter wilderness travel requires advanced skills and equipment.
• Challenge and Reward: The trails originating from South Fork are often strenuous, offering a significant physical challenge rewarded by unparalleled natural beauty and a strong sense of accomplishment.

Address: 44593-44599 I- 45 Srv Rd, Angelus Oaks, CA 92305, USA (Note: 'I-45 Srv Rd' is likely an error for local forest roads leading to the trailhead.)

Phone: For accurate and up-to-date information on the South Fork Trail Head, wilderness permits, trail conditions, and fire restrictions, it is essential to contact the managing district of the San Bernardino National Forest.

Mountaintop Ranger District and Discovery Center:Phone: (909) 382-2790Address: 40971 North Shore Drive, Highway 38 Fawnskin, CA 92333

Wilderness Permit Reservations:For San Gorgonio Wilderness Permits, reservations are typically made online via Recreation.gov. Specific quotas and reservation windows apply. It is crucial to check the official US Forest Service and Recreation.gov websites for the most current permit requirements and procedures.

For Californians, particularly those residing in Southern California, the South Fork Trail Head Upper SART is not just a point on a map; it's a vital artery into the untouched heart of the San Bernardino Mountains and the majestic San Gorgonio Wilderness. This location is incredibly suitable for locals because it offers an authentic, challenging, and profoundly rewarding wilderness experience right in our backyard, without the need for extensive travel to more distant national parks.

The accessibility via State Route 38 makes it a viable option for a serious day hike or an overnight backpacking trip for those living in the greater Los Angeles area. While it requires preparation – bringing your own water, packing out trash, and securing a wilderness permit – these are exactly the practices that seasoned California hikers and backpackers embrace to preserve our precious natural spaces. This trailhead appeals to our innate desire for adventure and provides a genuine escape from the urban hustle.

The features and highlights, from the strenuous ascent to Mount San Gorgonio to the serene beauty of the Upper Santa Ana River Trail and the opportunity for true backcountry solitude, are precisely what draw so many of us to the mountains. It’s a place to test one's limits, witness spectacular alpine scenery, and immerse oneself in an ecosystem teeming with unique wildlife. For those who value the challenge, the quiet, and the raw beauty of California's high country, the South Fork Trail Head offers an unparalleled opportunity to connect with the wilderness on a deep and personal level. It truly embodies the spirit of self-reliant exploration that many Californians cherish in their outdoor pursuits.

South Fork Trail Head Upper SART

44593-44599 I- 45 Srv Rd, Angelus Oaks, CA 92305, USA