San Gorgonio Mountain, California, USA (11,499 ft / 3505 m): via various routes

February 4, 2009

Trip reports:

• February 4, 2009 ascent:
Mike Ostby and I started from the Vivian Creek T/H shortly after 7am and ascended Dobbs west ridge. Got to the summit by 11am or so. Tagged East Dobbs Peak first before heading off to Jepson Peak next. Finished off with San Gorgonio getting there by ~ 1:30pm. Left San G's summit around 2:30pm via Vivian Creek trail and were back at the car by ~ 6:30pm. A fun loop!.


• May 4, 2008 ascent:
On Sunday May 4th, we snow climbed the NE face of San Gorgonio approaching it via Fish Creek trailhead. I picked up Roman at his place around 8:30pm Saturday night. After he got a few last minute items, we're on our way just shortly before 9pm. Fish Creek is one of the more remote San Gorgonio trailheads. In fact, the last 7 miles is a switchbacking dirt road that takes about 40 minutes to drive (need a high clearance vehicle in a couple of places). Anyway, we got there just before midnight and quickly turned in as we're to meet Mike at 5am (Mike drove from Victorville early Sunday AM). Got up at 5am to 29 degrees......brrrr......nippy. Made some hot chocolate and we decided to wait for daylight. The 3 of us started hiking by ~ 6am. Our original route supposed to have been one of the north chutes but after seeing the NE face bowl we settled for it. Mike hiked with us till Mineshaft Saddle at which point he decided to turned back. Roman and I continued on and climbed the NE face. It was an easy snow climb as the slope wasn't more than 30-35 degrees and it wasn't that long either. We summited by 1pm or so. We stayed around for lunch and then came down the same way. I tried glissading but the snow wasn't smooth....it had little suncups/sastrugi? The hike out went uneventful and we got back to the car around 5pm. All in all, a fun day out in Southern California's highest peak.


• November 5, 2005 ascent:
After a nice lunch (brought left-overs from home: chicken, rice with tomatoes & onions) at the top of Dragon's Head, took me about 50 minutes to hike from the Dragon's Head (10,866') to San Gorgonio's summit (11,499') via its south slope. Climbed both peaks (Dragon's Head & San Gorgonio) in under 6 hours. Left the summit at 2:30pm. Got to my car at the Vivian Creek trailhead just before 6:30pm.


• June 12, 2004 ascent:
Summited San Gorgonio as part of the San Bernardino Mountain Traverse 9 peaks. A very long day!


• December 15, 2002 ascent:
Despite a questionable weather forecast, mdostby, Radu and I decided to try it out anyway. Went up via Vivian Creek trail. Carried crampons but were not really needed on this day. Didn't take an ice axe, just poles. Poles were very handy on the icy sections of the trail. Although the local forecast was calling for rain/snow, we lucked out and the storm system didn't make it to the San Gorgonio wilderness area. Got to the summit around 2:45pm and waited for mdostby who got there minutes later. We had an interesting time taking summit pictures in the 40mph winds to 60mph gusts there. Summit was very windy and chilly. My Gore-Tex jacket actually worked as a wind-resistant garment (see photograph above of me with the wind blowing me up like a balloon; I forgot to cinch down the waist strings).


• June 10, 2001 ascent:
Another trip up Gorgonio as a solo backbackping trip. Started at the Momyer trailhead (5,440') and camped at Saxton (8,560'). Had to hang my food as bears occasionally frequent this camp. Next day continued on passing through Dollar Lake Saddle, Dry Lake View and onto San Gorgonio's summit. Descended via Vivian Creek trail.


• September 9, 2000 ascent:
My first solo backpacking trip in the San Gorgonio wilderness. Made a loop. Started at South Fork trailhead (6,880') on Saturday. Went up via Dollar Lake/Dollar Lake Saddle/Dry Lake View. Camped Saturday night on San Gorgonio's summit. Next day (Sunday), descended via Mineshaft Saddle and Dry Lake/Lodgepole back to South Fork trailhead. Ran into a bear between Poopout Hill & Horse Meadows.

Additional info about climbing San Gorgonio can be found here.