My wife and I are planning to go up the Fish Creek trail to the summit over the dates ____.  I was wondering if you could provide me with any information concerning the availability of permits for that area (which would include camping at Mineshaft Flat).

The SGWA is NOT the U.S. Forest Service, and is not involved with the issuance of permits or the keeping of records for the San Gorgonio Wilderness. We cannot tell you what permits are available for what dates. Please direct ALL such inquiries to the Mill Creek Ranger Station.


Why has the name of our organization changed? 

We changed our name to San Gorgonio Wilderness Association (from Volunteer Association) partially to be fairer to our contributing members who can monetarily support our public service but who are not able to volunteer. Our new name also enables the general public to immediately know we serve in and around the San Gorgonio (SG) Wilderness and are not associated with SG Pass, SG High School, etc..The SGWA is the same great organization with the same wonderful history; serving, protecting, and educating on the San Bernardino National Forest since 1989.

I've already made a donation to support the SGWA's efforts, but I can't afford the time to be a Volunteer Ranger. How else can I help?

There are several ways to help further. Please click here to find out more. 

Why was the Poopout Hill trailhead closed?  If due to excess traffic in the summer, why not open it in spring and then close it in June?  Isn't wilderness density controlled by the number of permits allowed anyway?

The "old" Poopout Hill trailhead was closed to reduce the environmental impacts on the South Fork Zone of the San Gorgonio Wilderness,  provide day-hiking and trail camping opportunities outside the Wilderness, and to provide improved trailhead facilities at the new trailhead.

In a nutshell, having a road AND trailhead so close to the Wilderness boundary was impacting the Wilderness inside the boundary as much as the area outside the Wilderness. Relocating the trailhead and parking area has significantly reduced the impacts placed upon this area.

Additionally, relocation of the trailhead has created another moderate cross-country ski route (using the Poopout Hill road).

What steps will you be taking to counter the arrival of Africanized honey bees in the wilderness? I think this is a very important issue to hikers who are hindered by large packs.

Wilderness is wild, and there are inherent dangers within its boundaries. The San Gorgonio Wilderness is home to mountain lions, rattlesnakes, mosquitoes and insects, cliffs, icy and rocky trails, and much more. To mitigate these dangers would be akin to "sanitizing" the Wilderness. This might be acceptable to some, but more than likely unacceptable to most who go the Wilderness to have a "wild" experience. It is important for each visitor to individually take steps to insure their personal safety while traveling in the San Gorgonio Wilderness. Some tips are found in the January 1999 issue of 4-Victor.

This summer a few friends and I are
planning to hike and climb Mt. San Gorgonio, and I was wondering if there's a pamphlet or booklet of some sort with the information on this website?

There are two great books with such information available from the SGWA Backcountry Store online: John Robinson's "San Bernardino Mountain Trails" and John Robinson's "A Wilderness
Preserved". We encourage you to purchase these books from the SGWA. Your purchase will help us continue our mission of preserving and protecting the San Gorgonio Wilderness and San Bernardino National Forest, and providing vital services and information to visitors like you.

What is the range of visible land from the top of San Gorgonio (e.g. how much of California can be seen from the top)? Since the Southland is a rather smoggy area with many days of low visibility, what is the best time to go for the best visibility and clearest air?

Winter and spring is generally the best time of year to take in the most expansive views. Coincidentally, it's the most difficult time for many parties to make the summit due to wind and snow. Throughout the year, great visibility can be found during periods of Santa Ana Winds and when high-pressure systems occur over Southern California. During these periods, winds can be extremely high (as high as 70+ miles per hour), but visibility promises to be great. On the clearest of days, one can see 100 miles out to San Clemente Island (south of Santa Catalina Island), and peaks of the High Sierra, Death Valley, and distant California desert are distinguishable.

The poorest visibility is generally found during the summer and during periods of onshore flows (marine layer, fog) which traps dust and airborne pollution, obscuring views with orange haze - Los Angeles Basin's famous "smog".

Just curious of the temperature for the Dry Lake, Dollar Lake area.  Wanting to know what to expect weather wise.

What is "durable campsites?" and why should they be a minimum of 200 feet from all meadows, trails, streams, lakes, and other campers?

Durable campsites are classified as areas that will or may withstand heavy, repeated use by tents and foot traffic. Bare (devoid of vegetation) areas are best. Campsites need to be as far from meadows, trails, streams, and lakes as possible because of A) regulations and B) damage that can occur from camping to close to these sensitive areas, e.g., water contamination, trampling of meadows, damage to sensitive/limited vegetation, etc. Giving other campers a wide berth respects their right to privacy and fulfillment of the wilderness experience of "solitude" and quiet. Much information can be learned at our Minimum Impact page.

Is Mt. San Gorgonio 11,502 feet or 11,499 feet in elevation? I have seen both elevations printed on maps.

The SGWA is NOT a hiking club - we are an all-volunteer organization working in and around the San Gorgonio Wilderness as Naturalists, Trail Patrol, Trail Crew, and serving other vital functions necessary for the care and preservation of the San Gorgonio Wilderness. If you think you are interested in volunteering, please have a look at our Volunteer Program page and apply online.

I noticed a patch offered through the SGWA's store proclaiming "I Climbed the Nine Peaks".  What are the names of the nine peaks that would satisfy this claim?

From west to east, they are San Bernardino Peak, San Bernardino Peak East, Anderson Peak, Shields Peak, Alto Diablo (a curious "pile of rocks" not recognized by the U.S. Geological Survey, but recognized by the Boy Scouts of America and many "locals"), Charlton Peak, Little Charlton Peak, Jepson Peak, and Mt. San Gorgonio. These peaks are generally linked up by Boy Scouts groups and others on a three-day outing beginning at the Vivian Creek Trail and culminating at the San Bernardino Peak trailhead. There are other peaks in the San Gorgonio Wilderness, but those listed above are all located along the several mile long ridge from San Gorgonio to San Bernardino Peak.

Is there any way for me to snowboard up there?  Do they ever have ski tours or are there any trails you can drive to and then ski down?

A number of options exist for skiers. San Gorgonio Wilderness trails are open 365 days a year, some more conducive to skiing than others. Accomplished ski-mountaineers and snowboarders enjoy descents of San Gorgonio and Jepson Peak via their north sides. None of the trails in the Wilderness are groomed (as this would violate the Wilderness Act) and are more easily skied by intermediate or better backcountry skiers due to highly varied terrain and snow conditions.

The nearest "drive-up" area (non-lift served) would be the gentle cross-country skiing of the Heart Bar and Barton Flats areas (both roadside Hwy 38). The only organized ski tours are likely to be conducted by different sections of the local Sierra Club Chapter.

Is hiking on the mountain considerably less crowded in January?  Is camping at that time of year limited to specific sites, or can you make camp anywhere (except the typical restrictions, close to water sources, etc.) on the mountain?

Yes. It is considerably less "crowded" in the San Gorgonio Wilderness - but don't be surprised to see a number of people on any beautiful winter weekend traveling the summer's busiest trails.

Camping restrictions are the same in winter as in summer - you must camp in designated camps. Should your party not return (for emergency reasons, e.g. hypothermic victim, avalanche, etc.), the efforts of Search & Rescue will be delayed if your camp is different than that which is stated on the permit.

I will be camping at a developed campsite near the San Gorgonio Wilderness. I was wondering if this campsite has fire pits and if fires are allowed this time of year? If camp fires are permitted is there a special permit necessary that we need to get from the ranger station?

All questions regarding Developed Campgrounds (outside the San Gorgonio Wilderness) should be directed to the Mill Creek Ranger Station. Opening and closing dates as well as fire restrictions may vary seasonally.

I am worried about the continued increase in regulations that govern the wilderness areas. I just don't feel good about changes just because a few chosen people get to make these regulations. In the future I will look very closely at any further donations to the wilderness.

The San Gorgonio Wilderness Association is a non-governing, non-regulating volunteer association, working in cooperation with the U.S. Forest Service. Our missions are to 1) preserve and protect the San Gorgonio Wilderness and outlying areas for future generations and 2) help the visiting public have safer and more enjoyable forest experiences. The SGWA DOES NOT make or enforce regulations, but we must inform the public about regulations while on patrol. Regulations are made and enforced exclusively by the U.S. Forest Service and other governmental agencies, and usually incorporate public comments, as did the recent Wilderness Plan. Unfortunately, large population increases and resulting large increases in forest use often require increased regulations to manage the improper actions of a very small percentage (but increasing number) of irresponsible people. These regulations enable the majority of us to continue enjoying a safe and clean forest with some opportunities for solitude in our wilderness areas.

The SGWA's abilities to clean the forest, maintain trails, report wildfires as they occur (by volunteer patrols), dispense education and information to forest visitors, assist lost and injured hikers, and perform other important and necessary services, are directly affected by donations and other sources of income (like merchandise sales). With decreasing budget and increasing public use, the Forest Service is often less able to protect all corners of the forest. Our work is therefore vital.                       

I am only going for a dayhike in the San Gorgonio Wilderness. Do I still need a permit?

All visits to the San Gorgonio Wilderness require a Wilderness Permit. This includes dayhikes, overnight trips, multi-day trips, and research visits.

Can you provide more accurate weather forecasting for the summit of Mt. San Gorgonio? What about a webcam?

Because Wilderness areas are federally protected by the Wilderness Act of 1964, no man-made improvements or structures may be installed within their boundaries. Therefore, the most accurate method of weather reporting for the area comes from the National Weather Service's San Bernardino Mountains forecast. A webcam would be great. If you can provide the location (outside the Wilderness) and the financial input required to install, operate, and maintain a webcam, please email us.

When does the Volunteer Program start and does it provide for room and board?

This question is asked often. Most details regarding the Volunteer Program can be found on the Volunteer Program page, including those above. The program does not provide room, board, or stipends, and is best suited to Southern California residents. 

What is the Adventure Pass and why do I need it?

This is a pass to use our local National Forests (Los Padres, Angeles, San Bernardino, and Cleveland). All forest visitors are required to display the Pass in their vehicles when parked on the Forest for recreation purposes. A Pass is not required for people stopping for information at Ranger stations, visitor centers, and other Forest Service offices. An Adventure Pass is not the same as a Wilderness Permit, so make sure you have both before driving to a San Gorgonio Wilderness trailhead.