Hike San Gorgonio Mountain via South Fork and Dry Lake Loop San Bernardino National Forest, CA

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You can knock about 700 feet of elevation gain off this hike if you don’t do Charlton, Little Charlton, and Jepson Peaks.

San Gorgonio Mountain, the tallest peak in Southern California, and is most commonly approached via the Vivian Creek Trail. But today I opted for the quieter, more expansive route from the north via the South Fork Trail. It’s a longer outing, but offers a satisfying loop with a skyline traverse and the chance to visit several minor peaks along the San Bernardino Divide.

All San Bernardino National Forest trailheads accessing the San Gorgonio Wilderness require advance permits, so make sure to get this before heading out here since they’re limited.

The hike began from the South Fork Trailhead. The early miles gradually climbed through mixed conifer forest before reaching the Dollar Lake Saddle. Dollar Lake itself was dry, not surprising this late in the season, but the saddle marked the beginning of the alpine terrain.

From there, I joined the San Bernardino Divide Trail, which follows the ridgeline. To the north, I could see out toward Sugarloaf Mountain and even, faintly, the Mojave Desert. To the south, the massive bulk of Anderson and San Bernardino Peaks dominated the opposite ridge.

I took short detours to tag Charlton Peak, Little Charlton Peak, and Jepson Peak. All three are little lumps along the divide and involved steep but straightforward off-trail ascents from the main trail. The slopes were rocky and open, making for efficient cross-country travel without bushwhacking.

The final push to San Gorgonio Mountain’s summit is gradual, crossing a wide, open alpine zone. There’s no dramatic final climb since the mountain is broad and rounded, but the views are of course excellent.

Rather than retrace my steps, I descended via the Sky High Trail, which arcs around the mountain, dropping toward Mine Shaft Saddle. From here, I followed the Dry Lake Trail down to South Fork Meadows and reconnected with the original trail back to the trailhead, closing the loop.

PEAKS ON HIKE
Elevation (ft) / Prominence (ft)

Peaks on hike

Elevation

Prominence

Charlton Peak

10806 ft

246 rise

Little Charlton Peak

10696 ft

96 rise

Jepson Peak

11205 ft

125 rise

Big Draw Peak

11171 ft

11 rise

San Gorgonio Mountain-Northwest Slope

11400 ft

n/a rise

San Gorgonio Mountain

11499 ft

8294 rise

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Starting up on the South Fork Trail.

A cabin along the way.

Entering San Gorgonio Wilderness, where you can see San Gorgonio Mountain in the distance.

Sugarloaf Mountain, north of the trail.

Junction with Dollar Lake Trail and Dry Lake Trail. I was headed for Dollar Lake Saddle First.

San Gorgonio Mountain up there.

Looking back down the lightly ascending trail.

Charlton Peak center, San Gorgonio Mountain left.

After Dollar Lake Saddle.

Looking back toward San Bernardino Peak heading toward Charlton Peak.

Jepson Peak on the right, Charlton left.

Looking back along the Bernardino Divide Trail.

Charlton Peak summit. Little Charlton visible center right, Jepson top right, Gorgonio center top.

Back on the official trail headed toward Jepson Peak.

Jepson Peak ahead.

Looking back toward Charlton and Little Charlton.

Looking down into the valley that houses Forest Falls, CA. Bernardino Peak center.

Jepson Peak summit, looking back.

Jepson Peak summit, looking toward San Gorgonio.

Looking back along the ridge from Jepson to Gorgonio.

Looking toward San Gorgonio Mountain.

View back as I near the summit.

San Gorgonio Mountain summit, looking west.

Back at the junction, heading along the Sky High Trail.

Bighorn Mountain seen center.

Descending toward Mine Shaft Saddle.

Plane crash site memorial.

At the base of San Gorgonio Mountain's boulder field. The trail is very well manicured, though.

Approaching Mine Shaft Saddle.

Heading into the meadows below San Gorgonio Mountain.

San Gorgonio Mountain left, Jepson Peak right.

At the north end of Dry Lake, looking back toward San Gorgonio Mountain.

Charlton Peak left, along the Dry Lake Trail as it hugs the mountainside.

Dry Lake Trail looking back toward San Gorgonio Mountain.

San Gorgonio Mountain left, Jepson Peak right.

Approaching the junction with Dollar Lake and South Fork Trails. Head back the way you came.

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Hire/refer me as a web developer or send me a few bucks if you find my site useful. I’m not sponsored, so all fees are out-of-pocket and my time preparing trip reports is unpaid. I really appreciate it!