San Gorgonio Wilderness Travel Guide

Trek Zone

National park

Facts and practical information

Nestled in the heart of the Angelus Oaks region in California, the San Gorgonio Wilderness is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts seeking adventure and tranquility. With its rugged terrain and breathtaking natural beauty, this hiking area offers a plethora of opportunities for exploration and discovery.

As you step foot into the San Gorgonio Wilderness, you will be greeted by a vast expanse of lush forests, towering peaks, and crystal-clear streams. The area is home to the highest peak in Southern California, Mount San Gorgonio, which stands majestically at 11,503 feet. Hikers from around the world come to challenge themselves on its trails, taking in the awe-inspiring vistas along the way.

The wilderness is a paradise for nature lovers, boasting an incredible biodiversity. As you traverse the trails, you may encounter a variety of wildlife, including deer, black bears, and mountain lions. Birdwatchers will be delighted by the sight of vibrant species such as the California condor and the endangered southwestern willow flycatcher.

For those seeking a more leisurely experience, the San Gorgonio Wilderness provides ample opportunities for camping and picnicking amidst the serene surroundings. Spend a night under the starry sky, lulled to sleep by the gentle rustling of leaves and the soothing sounds of nature.

As you explore the area, you will come across pristine alpine lakes, such as the enchanting Dollar Lake and the picturesque Fish Creek Meadows. These hidden gems offer a refreshing respite from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, inviting you to take a dip in their cool waters or simply relax on their shores.

The San Gorgonio Wilderness is a true outdoor playground, offering a range of activities to suit all interests and skill levels. Whether you are an experienced hiker, a birdwatching enthusiast, or simply someone seeking solace in nature, this captivating destination promises an unforgettable experience.

Established: 1964 (60 years ago)Elevation: 10036 ft a.s.l.Coordinates: 34°5'11"N, 116°49'5"W

Location

CaliforniaUnited States

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San Gorgonio Wilderness Top Attractions

San Gorgonio Wilderness Attractions - What to See and Explore

San Gorgonio Wilderness offers many attractions and places to visit. Here are the most important ones: San Gorgonio Mountain, Henry Washington Survey Marker, Big Bear Solar Observatory, Big Bear Lake. Below you will find a complete list of places worth visiting.

Nature • Natural attraction • Mountain
San Gorgonio Mountain
San Gorgonio Mountain, also known locally as Mount San Gorgonio, or Old Greyback, is the highest peak in Southern California and the Transverse Ranges at 11,503 feet.
Memorial
Henry Washington Survey Marker
The Henry Washington Survey Marker is a survey marker in San Bernardino National Forest in San Bernardino County, California. The marker served as the earliest initial points of the San Bernardino Baseline and Meridian, which in turn mark the starting points for the surveying and subdivision of land in Southern California.
Observatory with a room for scientists
Big Bear Solar Observatory
Big Bear Solar Observatory is a university-based solar observatory in the United States. It is operated by New Jersey Institute of Technology. BBSO has a 1.6-meter clear aperture Goode Solar Telescope, which has no obscuration in the optical train.

Outdoor recreation in scenic alpine area
Big Bear Lake
Big Bear Lake is a reservoir in the San Bernardino Mountains, in San Bernardino County, California, United States. It is a completely snow-fed lake, having no other means of tributaries or mechanical replenishment.
Park
Sand to Snow National Monument
Sand to Snow National Monument is a U.S. National Monument located in San Bernardino County and northern Riverside County, Southern California.
Natural attraction • Nature • Lake
Jenks Lake
Jenks Lake is a lake in the San Bernardino National Forest near Angelus Oaks in San Bernardino County, California. The lake offers several fish species including bass, catfish, bluegill, and rainbow trout. Trout season usually runs from April to October.
Nature • Natural attraction • Natural feature
San Bernardino Mountains
The San Bernardino Mountains are a high and rugged mountain range in Southern California in the United States. Situated north and northeast of San Bernardino and spanning two California counties, the range tops out at 11,503 feet at San Gorgonio Mountain – the tallest peak in all of Southern California.
Nature • Natural attraction • Natural feature
Transverse Ranges
The Transverse Ranges are a group of mountain ranges of southern California, in the Pacific Coast Ranges physiographic region in North America.
Nature • Natural attraction • Mountain
Jepson Peak
Jepson Peak is a summit, 1.2 miles west of San Gorgonio Mountain, in the San Gorgonio Wilderness. It is the second highest summit in Southern California, but most authors would not rank this peak because it has less than 300 feet of prominence and does not qualify as an independent peak.
Nature • Natural attraction • Mountain
Anderson Peak
Anderson Peak is a mountain on the Mount San Gorgonio crestline in Southern California's San Gorgonio Wilderness, which is part of the San Bernardino National Forest. It is 3.2 miles from Jepson Peak.
Park
Silverwood Lake
Silverwood Lake is a large reservoir in San Bernardino County, California, United States, located on the West Fork Mojave River, a tributary of the Mojave River in the San Bernardino Mountains.
Shopping
Dollar Lake
There are at least 76 features in the US named Dollar Lake, according to...
Observatories and planetariums
Robert Brownlee Observatory
Robert Brownlee Observatory is an astronomical observatory owned and operated by the Mountain Skies Astronomical Society. It is located in Lake Arrowhead, California, USA. The observatory was named for Robert Gregg Brownlee, a biochemist.
Natural attraction • Nature • Mountain
Cedar Lake
Cedar Lake is an artificial lake in the San Bernardino Mountains of California that has appeared in dozens of Western films. It is the centerpiece of Cedar Lake Camp, a private retreat center owned and operated by Cedar Lake Camp, Inc. a non profit public benefit corporation.
Natural attraction • Nature • Lake
Baldwin Lake
Baldwin Lake is a natural, intermittent, alkali lake in the Big Bear Valley of the San Bernardino Mountains, in San Bernardino County, California. It is located east of Big Bear Lake reservoir and Big Bear City.
Natural attraction • Dam • Lake
Lake Gregory
Lake Gregory is a reservoir in the San Bernardino National Forest of the San Bernardino Mountains in San Bernardino County, California. The lake and the surrounding area make up the Lake Gregory Regional Park adjacent to Crestline, California.
Natural attraction • Nature • Hot springs
Deep Creek Hot Springs
Deep Creek Hot Springs, DCHS, are natural hot springs located in the northern Mojave Desert section of the San Bernardino National Forest, near Hesperia in San Bernardino County, Southern California.
Nature • Mountain
Baldy Mesa
Baldy Mesa is a summit whose tallest peaks on its southern extremity, overlook the upper Cajon Canyon in San Bernardino County, California. Its tallest point is an unnamed 4,964 foot high hill on the southwest end of the mesa overlooking the upper Cajon Canyon.
Natural attraction • Nature • Valley
Crowder Canyon
Crowder Canyon, originally Coyote Canyon, is a valley in San Bernardino County, California. Its mouth was at an elevation of 2,999 feet / 914 meters at its confluence with Cajon Canyon.

Day trips

San Gorgonio Wilderness – popular in the area (distance from the center)

In the vicinity of San Gorgonio Wilderness, it's worth seeing attractions such as: Tahquitz Canyon (Palm Springs), Castle Park (Riverside), Cabot's Pueblo Museum (Desert Hot Springs).

24 milesSE
Canyon
Tahquitz Canyon, Palm Springs
Nestled within the desert city of Palm Springs, Tahquitz Canyon stands as a natural marvel, offering visitors a unique blend of cultural history and scenic beauty. This striking canyon, part of the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians reservation land, is renowned...
39 milesW
Amusement park, Theme park, Event space
Castle Park, Riverside
Nestled in the heart of Riverside, California, Castle Park offers a kingdom of family-friendly amusement where laughter and joy reign supreme. Founded in 1976, this cherished amusement park has been captivating visitors of all ages with its blend of thrilling rides...
21 milesSE
History museum, Museum
Cabot's Pueblo Museum, Desert Hot Springs
Nestled in the picturesque landscape of Desert Hot Springs, California, the Cabot's Pueblo Museum is a historical gem that offers visitors a unique glimpse into the pioneering spirit of the American West. This intriguing museum, fashioned in the architectural style of...
42 milesW
Arenas and stadiums, Baseball, Sport venue
LoanMart Field, Rancho Cucamonga
LoanMart Field, a quintessential American ballpark nestled in the heart of Rancho Cucamonga, California, offers a slice of classic baseball charm. This stadium is not just a venue; it's a destination for families and sports enthusiasts looking to indulge in America's...
29 milesSW
Museum, Military museum, History museum
March Field Air Museum, Riverside
The March Field Air Museum, nestled in the heart of Riverside, California, offers an immersive dive into the history of aviation and is a treasured landmark within the March Air Reserve Base. Established to preserve and present the dynamic history of military aviation...