San Gorgonio Summit Camp, near San Bernardino, California, is a rugged spot for those looking to tackle the heights of Southern California's tallest mountain. This location is all about the adventure, with minimal amenities that keep you close to nature and away from the distractions of modern life.

The camp is known for its unique rock barrier sites that provide some wind protection, making it a bit easier to set up your tent at high elevations. Visitors rave about the breathtaking views, especially at sunrise and sunset, with one camper noting, “Amazing view of the sunrise in the AM.” Just remember, this isn’t a place for the faint of heart; the hike to the summit is steep and challenging, but the payoff is worth every ounce of effort.

If you’re up for it, the trails around here offer stunning scenery, including lush forests and rocky landscapes. Just be prepared for varying weather conditions, as temperatures can drop significantly at night. As one reviewer put it, “Please prepare accordingly.” Whether you're a seasoned hiker or just looking for a memorable experience, San Gorgonio Summit Camp is a fantastic base for exploring the wild beauty of the San Bernardino National Forest.

Limited, but free wilderness permits for day hiking and overnight camping are required for the San Gorgonio Wilderness and the Cucamonga Wilderness Permits – they are issued by the San Gorgonio Wilderness Association, a Forest Service partner.  Parts of the San Gorgonio Wilderness, including the San Bernardino Peak Trail, are still closed due to the El Dorado fire.

Upon completion of your reservation request. you will receive a download. Please retain this download as your permit reservation. You may keep a copy on your phone and show it to a ranger as verification of your permit or you can print it out. If you do not receive a permit use the contact link here: https://www.sgwa.org/contact-us

The Vivian Creek Trail is the shortest and the steepest route to the summit of Mt. San Gorgonio, located in the San Gorgonio Wilderness on the Sand to Snow National Monument. One and two-tenths miles from the trailhead is Vivian Creek Camp (7,100'). Campsites are located upslope to the right of the trail after reaching the stream: one is halfway up the slope, and the other is at the top of the slope (no camping within 200 feet of the trail or creek). One and three-tenths miles from Vivian Creek Camp is Halfway Camp (8,100'). Water is obtained from the creek 200 yards before camp. Two and three-tenths miles further is High Creek Camp (water available - 9,200'). The summit of San Gorgonio (11,499') is 3 miles beyond High Creek. The upper end of this trail offers outstanding views of Yucaipa Ridge and Galena Peak, as well as sweeping panoramic views from the top of Mt. San Gorgonio. General info: No water available. No campfires allowed. Portable gas stoves are allowed with a valid California Campfire Permit. No camping within 200 feet of the trail or creek Wilderness Permit Required - this is a very popular trail, especially on summer weekends. It is suggested you request your permit in advance. Wilderness Permit applications are accepted up to 90 days in advance of your trip. Permits can be obtained from sgwa.org. Fee: Adventure Pass Required $5/day or $30/year. Interagency Passes also accepted.

San Gorgonio Summit Camp

Forest Falls, CA is a great camping destination for adventurers of all types. There are tons of hikes and other fun activities to partake in, as well as sights to see and explore. Discover great camping spots near Forest Falls, reviewed by campers like you.

Forest Falls

The Best Camping Near Forest Falls, California

**Campground Review:**

This camp is just as it states. Summit camp. The summit of San Gorgonio! The tallest mountain in Southern California. This camp is very minimal; it sits just under 11,501 ft. These are not your typical campsite either. Each "site" is a little rock "hotel" to act as a barrier between you and the wind that is blowing more times than not, up to 40+ mph. In the center of each hotel is mostly just a sandy dirt which was nice. Only needed to moved maybe 2 little rocks before setting up the tent. It was nice to not have to worry about it since the tent I own does not have tarped bottom, and someone... me... forgot the footprint for it. So I wasn't worried in the slightly setting up my tent, where as normally I would have scoured the ground before setting it up. There are 4 sites to the North side of the summit. This is where we choose to stayed because we made friends with two groups that were camping at the summit as well. These 4 sites over look Joshua Tree, Crestline area, and Big Bear Lake. To the East of the summit about 75 feet there are about 4 more rock hotels. The view on these are spectacular! You can see Joshua Tree, San Jacinto Mountain, Palm Springs, Moreno Valley/Perris, Rancho Cucamonga, and further on a clear day. ( Side Note: Southern California has had a lot of fires recently, so visibility was not the best. But it is said, on a very clear day from the summit, you can see Mt. Whitney! Best believe I was still looking when I was there too! ). We were lucky enough to have a beautiful, clear, not-windy night and morning. Just out of my tent I could see the sun rising. We made our way completely out of the tent to just sit in silence and enjoy the breath taking sunrise! I give this campground a 5 out of 5 stars due to views and how well the rock hotels have formed over the year and didn't need any upkeep to keep us comfortable!

Please note the last water source is about 3-4 miles below at High Creek Campground. Water does need to be filtered!

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**** Product Review ****

As a Ranger for The Dyrt, I get to test products. At this campground as well as on my way up to this campground, I tested [Boost Oxygen](https://www.boostoxygen.com/) . As an avid hiker I was excited to take the up to the tallest peak in Southern California

Background on our trip:

We used this on Vivian Creek Trail up to the summit of San Gorgonio. While hiking up 5,840 ft in just under 9 miles ending at 11,501 ft we used Boost Oxygen to help fuel us up the steep terrain and get us to the top of San G! We tested on this trip the [Tasteless Oxygen 22 oz. can](https://www.boostoxygen.com/store/).

Some things we loved about Boost Oxygen

1.  Cutting my breaks by more than half_._ There are more than few steep sections of this hike that are difficult for even the most seasoned hiker out there. While hiking up these steep trails would get winded, per usual, we stop to take a break (a normal break for us would late 2-5 minutes in order to catch our breath and let our muscles take a break). This time around we would pull out our Boost Oxygen and inhale 2-3 slow deep breaths.With in seconds we would feel rejuvenated. Our breathing was back to normal and with our bodies getting almost straight oxygen it felt like it went straight to our muscles, they would instantly feel revived and ready to keep trekking up the mountain. That would allow us to be on our way in just under 45 seconds of stopping! When on a long trail that you have a time limit, it was extraordinary to know that we were making even better timing than normal by cutting our break by more than half by just using Boost.
2.  How much is really in the 22 oz can? Well we put this to the test. Climbing to the summit, my boyfriend and myself ( to which I have referred to as we ), we did not skimp on using the oxygen because we really wanted to know how much could be contained in the can that weighed almost nothing. The answer to that; more than enough!We did try out Boost Oxygen twice so far and both trips we each shared one can for the whole trip and there was still oxygen left in each can. What I noticed and thought was an added bonus was when it did start getting lower there was a small change in pressure of what would come out when you would squeeze the trigger. However, after you notice that pressure change, there was still enough for 20+ breaths before it was completely out.
3.  I have also tested the [Peppermint tasting 22 oz. can](https://www.boostoxygen.com/store/) on this same trail. I very much enjoyed the peppermint taste in the oxygen. It is very light and fades away pretty quickly. I felt very alert after using the peppermint taste, and just like the tasteless oxygen can, we would feel revived with just a few breaths of Boost. During a long day of hiking this is crucial. Mis-stepping due to tiredness can have a long lasting injury attached to it. So after using boost and feeling refreshed was reassuring to me. I knew I was getting assistance to help me down the mountain safely.

Conclusion of this product. 5 out 5! I recommend this product for any hike. Not just ones up to summits. Hiking is a very strenuous activity and Boost Oxygen is right there to be by your side and assist you in achieving all your hiking accomplishments!

Ranger Review: Boost Oxygen at Vivian Creek Summit Camp, CA

There were steep inclines and narrow trails. but beautiful views. Avoid the area should there be rain due to dangerous flash floods. 

Steep Incline

very steep, narrow incline. definitely worth it. 

not an easy hike

This was probably one of the most epic camping experiences ever, but I wouldn't do it again.  The hike to the peak was nuts - we stayed at halfway camp in negative degree weather - and then summited on day 2.  My hands turned yellow from holding my pack and accidentally cutting off circulation and my boyfriend got altitude sickness with 50 feet to go.  It was rough.  But we summited right at sunset and after a quick celebration picture we hurried to set up our tent and crash.  There are a few "campspots" that people have outlined with a rock barrier to protect from wind, although it was still insanely difficult to set up camp in that blowing wind and cold air.  One quick sip of whiskey and then we were out like a light.  Morning came fast and the wind never quit so we packed up camp and hiked down for 20 minutes before pulling out coffee to have breakfast in peace.  There were a couple kids who hiked in shorts and barely any equipment - they were crazy &amp; in love and I'm sure didn't know what they were getting themselves into.

A once in a lifetime experience

Vivian Creek is one of the campsites on the way to Gorgonio Peak. We camped at the Peak. It is a long hike mostly due to the altitude. The last few miles seem like they take forever. We ended up getting to the peak camp around 10pm. It was pretty cold and dark by then. There are plenty of rock barrier campsites to protect us from the wind. Amazing view of the sunrise in the AM. Definitely worth heading up to the peak for a great view of the sunset/sunrise if you get the chance. Not many people camp up there. When we were there only 1 other individual was camping at the peak.

Photos of San Gorgonio Summit Camp

Real photos from real campers