Vivian Creek Camp

For those of us living in California, the majestic peaks of our national forests call out to the adventurous spirit within. When the desire to truly escape the urban hustle and immerse ourselves in rugged wilderness takes hold, destinations like Vivian Creek Camp in the San Gorgonio Wilderness stand out. This isn't your typical roadside campground; it's a true backcountry gem, offering an unparalleled experience for those willing to earn their views. This article is crafted for fellow Californians, providing a detailed and factual guide to what makes Vivian Creek Camp a challenging yet incredibly rewarding destination for your next multi-day trek.

California boasts an incredible diversity of landscapes, from our iconic coastlines to our sprawling deserts and, of course, our magnificent mountain ranges. Vivian Creek Camp, nestled within the San Bernardino National Forest, represents the quintessential Southern California high-elevation wilderness experience. It's a place where massive trees provide a serene canopy, a babbling creek adds a calming soundtrack, and the air is crisp with the scent of pine. Designed for the prepared and experienced backpacker, it serves as a critical stop for those embarking on the demanding ascent of Mount San Gorgonio, the highest peak in Southern California. If your ideal adventure involves a strenuous hike, pristine natural beauty, and a deep connection with the wild, Vivian Creek Camp should be on your radar.

Our aim here is to provide comprehensive and factual information to help you plan your wilderness journey. We’ll delve into its specific location and the demanding nature of its accessibility, detail the essential services available in this primitive setting, and highlight the remarkable features and challenges that make it such a memorable spot. We’ll also provide crucial contact information for permits and planning, and conclude by explaining why Vivian Creek Camp is perfectly suited for us locals who seek a genuine, challenging, and profoundly rewarding wilderness experience in our own backyard.

Vivian Creek Camp is located in the San Gorgonio Wilderness, near Forest Falls, CA 92339, USA. More specifically, it's situated at an elevation of approximately 7,100 feet, roughly 1.2 miles from the Vivian Creek Trailhead. This trailhead is accessed by turning east off Highway 38 to Forest Falls. The drive itself is manageable, though once you arrive at the trailhead, the true adventure begins.

Accessibility to Vivian Creek Camp is exclusively by foot, as it is a backcountry wilderness campsite. The Vivian Creek Trail is renowned as the "shortest and the steepest route" to the summit of Mount San Gorgonio. The initial climb to Vivian Creek Camp, covering 1.2 miles, involves a significant elevation gain of about 1,120 feet, making it a "brutal initial climb" and "challenging due to how steep it was, not really technical though." This necessitates a good level of fitness and preparation for backpacking with gear. While the trail is generally considered "nice," and "not really technical," the steepness should not be underestimated. It is a popular trail, especially on summer weekends, so expect "considerable traffic early in the morning" with day hikers starting as early as 5:30 am. An Adventure Pass or Interagency Pass is required to park at the trailhead. This camp is the first of three designated wilderness campsites along the Vivian Creek Trail, preceding Halfway Camp (8,100') and High Creek Camp (9,200').

As a wilderness backcountry camp, Vivian Creek Camp offers very limited services, emphasizing self-sufficiency and Leave No Trace principles. Campers must be prepared to carry in and carry out everything they need. The available services are:

• Designated Campsites: The camp features designated wilderness campsites, typically cleared, flat spots within the trees. These sites are located upslope to the right of the trail after reaching the stream, with one halfway up the slope and another at the top. Regulations state no camping is allowed within 200 feet of the trail or creek.

• Clean Pit Toilets: A significant amenity for a backcountry camp, visitors have praised the "clean bathrooms on site" or "pit toilets." These are basic facilities but are generally well-maintained.

• Natural Water Source: A stream (Vivian Creek itself) is available at the entrance to the site, providing water to filter. It is critical to "always filter" or treat all water from natural sources to ensure it is safe for consumption. Campers should check water flow conditions beforehand, especially during drier seasons.

• No Potable Water: There is no treated, potable water available. All water must be filtered or treated by the camper.

• No Campfires: Open wood fires and charcoal barbecues are strictly prohibited within the San Gorgonio Wilderness. This is a crucial regulation to prevent wildfires in this sensitive ecosystem. Portable gas stoves are allowed with a valid California Campfire Permit, which can be obtained for free online.

• No Electricity or Hookups: There are no electrical hookups, Wi-Fi, or reliable cell service. Campers should be prepared to be entirely self-sufficient in terms of power for devices and communication.

• No Trash Receptacles: All trash and waste must be packed out by the camper. "Pack it in, pack it out" is a fundamental principle of wilderness camping here.

• Challenging and Rewarding Hike: The Vivian Creek Trail is known for its steepness, making it a demanding but highly rewarding hike. The challenge of the ascent adds to the sense of accomplishment upon reaching the camp and beyond.

• Beautiful Scenery and Huge Trees: The hike itself is stunning, with "huge and wonderful" trees providing a lush, forested environment. The "creek adds a serene touch bumping up the visual feels," contributing to a picturesque wilderness setting.

• Gateway to Mount San Gorgonio: Vivian Creek Camp serves as the first designated overnight stop on the shortest and steepest route to Mount San Gorgonio (11,499 ft.), Southern California's highest peak. This makes it an ideal basecamp for experienced hikers aiming for the summit.

• Serene Creek Environment: The presence of Vivian Creek flowing near the camp provides a soothing natural soundtrack and a convenient water source (for filtering), enhancing the backcountry experience.

• Wildlife Encounters: Being in a true wilderness area, there's potential for wildlife sightings, including deer, which have been observed in the vicinity, and other forest creatures.

• Sense of Accomplishment: Reaching Vivian Creek Camp after the strenuous initial climb offers a significant sense of achievement, making it a satisfying overnight destination for backpackers.

• Disconnection and Solitude: While popular with day hikers, the camp offers a profound sense of "getting away from it all." The absence of campfires further emphasizes quiet and natural immersion.

Address: Forest Falls, CA 92339, USA

Phone: (909) 382-2882

Mobile Phone: +1 909-382-2882

These phone numbers are for the San Bernardino National Forest's Mill Creek Visitor Center, which is the primary point of contact for information regarding the San Gorgonio Wilderness, including Vivian Creek Camp. Crucially, free wilderness permits for day hiking and overnight camping in the San Gorgonio Wilderness are required and issued by the San Gorgonio Wilderness Association (SGWA), a Forest Service partner. Permits must be obtained online through sgwa.org, and it's highly recommended to apply up to 90 days in advance, especially for weekend trips due to quotas. The Mill Creek Visitor Center is open Friday through Sunday, 9 AM to 4:30 PM, for general inquiries. Always check the SGWA website and the San Bernardino National Forest website for the most up-to-date conditions, fire restrictions, and permit information before planning your trip.

For us Californians, Vivian Creek Camp represents an iconic wilderness challenge and a truly immersive escape right in our own backyard. We understand the allure of our mountains, and the "brutal initial climb" up Vivian Creek Trail isn't a deterrent but a badge of honor, preparing us for the serene beauty that awaits. The "huge and wonderful" trees and the "serene touch" of the creek are precisely why we venture into these wild spaces – to experience nature in its purest form, far from the urban sprawl.

The fact that it's a backcountry camp with "clean bathrooms on site" but requires you to "filter your own water" and prohibits campfires speaks to the type of outdoor enthusiast who thrives here: someone who prioritizes self-reliance, respects Leave No Trace principles, and seeks genuine wilderness immersion. We know that "on weekends expect considerable traffic early in the morning" from day hikers, but we also know that by choosing to camp here, we gain the privilege of experiencing the quiet magic of the mountain before and after the crowds. It’s a "great little spot to camp" precisely because it's not over-developed; it remains a wild place.

Vivian Creek Camp is perfectly suited for experienced California hikers and backpackers looking for a serious challenge and a deep connection with the San Gorgonio Wilderness. It's an essential overnight stop for those aiming to conquer Mount San Gorgonio, offering critical access to a stunning, high-altitude environment. For those of us seeking to truly disconnect, test our endurance, and be rewarded with unparalleled natural beauty and a profound sense of accomplishment, Vivian Creek Camp is an indispensable part of the California wilderness experience.

Vivian Creek Camp

Forest Falls, CA 92339, USA