Fish Creek Trail to San Gorgonio Mountain

👀 LATEST GEAR LIST: hikingguy.com/...
🌎MAPS & HIKE LINKS: bit.ly/3OKdeAH
♥️ SAY THANKS: hikingguy.com/...
Offering solitude and the easiest (but not easy) climb to San Gorgonio Mountain, the Fish Creek Trail is a great hike to escape the crowds. Getting to the trailhead is a challenge, but once there, you’ll start the hike just 3500 feet below the summit, and a well-designed trail helps you keep momentum as you climb to the highest point in SoCal. Unfortunately, there’s some damage from the 2015 Lake Fire, but it’s still a beautiful hike with great views and rugged wilderness.
🌎 Bucket List Hikes You Should Try:
bit.ly/bucket-...
✅More In This Area:
hikingguy.com/...
👀Subscribe For New Hike & Guide Videos
/ @hikingguy
👍Monthly Email For New Hike Updates:
hikingguy.com/...
🎆Instagram For Insider Hike Info:
/ hikingguy_com
#lahikes #losangeles
#hiking #hike #hikingvlog #hikinggear #hikingtrails #hikingandcamping #hikingandcampingforbeginners #hikingandcampingvlog #hikingandbackpacking #52HikeChallenge #backpacking #healthyliving #trails #outdoors #nature
Nestled in the breathtaking landscapes of Southern California, the Fish Creek Trail to San Gorgonio Mountain offers an unrivaled hiking experience that every outdoor enthusiast must explore. As the highest peak in the region, San Gorgonio Mountain promises panoramic vistas that leave you awe-inspired, while the journey through the Fish Creek Trail is an adventure in itself, immersing you in a variety of ecosystems and vibrant flora and fauna. This remarkable trail hike, known for its pristine surroundings and challenging terrains, has everything you need for a memorable escape into nature. From pine-laden forests and bubbling creeks to majestic mountain peaks, this Southern California trail captures the essence of untouched wilderness and provides an unmatched opportunity for both hiking and photography. Plan your next hiking adventure on the Fish Creek Trail to San Gorgonio Mountain, where nature's splendor unfolds with every step.

[@Sheety33]

On my bucket list. Nice job 👍🏻

[@markwaters4079]

Sad to see such devastation from the recent fire. Before this, it was such a beautiful green forest. More sad is that I see no saplings coming up. Too much ground cover prevents this recovery. I hope I'm wrong, but this is the new normal. Cuyamaca St. Park's amazing mixed conifer forest, 19 years ago was burnt at an unprecedented level. Minimal recovery, but not suprising. "1,000 year drought" is evident.

[@Hikingguy]

Yea it's hard to do a hike in SoCal where you don't see some fire damage - such a bummer that's climate is still a debate here in the USA

[@cory8242]

any bears?

[@Hikingguy]

I saw a bobcat once on this hike, but never any bears.

[@e.a.r.9155]

Black bears Yes. No GRIZZLIES tho

[@richardleneau]

As a primarily SoCal hiker, your videos are one of the best resources I have. All info, no glitz. Thank you for your channel. Proud sub.

[@Hikingguy]

Ah that is awesome to hear, thank you so much 🙏 & stay tuned for more hikes!

[@foxtrotunicorncharliekilo8990]

Hey buddy, how bad is the dirt road headed to the trailhead? Is it something a passenger car could handle? Thanks in advance

[@Hikingguy]

There are a few rutted spots. I've seen passenger cars there but you'll have to go slow. Check out the guide on my website for some more info & photos.

[@erict5878]

You told me this one was coming. You did not disappoint! Looks like a great one. At my age ( 72) I like slow and easy. Probably a 3 dayer for me! Thanks Chris! For me, ANY day in the mountains is a great day!

[@Hikingguy]

Ha agreed, any day in the mountains is a treat! And yea, taking 3 days to do this one will be a joy. There's lots of great camping spots.

[@brianpowell5082]

Back to back San Gorgonio hikes!! Kudos. Looks like a wonderful route!

[@Hikingguy]

Ha thanks, and yes, been spending a lot of time in the San G Wilderness lately. It's been a while since I really go deep given the fires, closures, pandemic, etc.

[@brianpowell5082]

@@Hikingguy It's a shame how much the El Dorado and Apple Fires burnt so much on top of the 2015 Lake Fire!

[@willbouldin9689]

Thanks for the great video. You mention on the guide a cool dispersed camping spot, are you able to disperse camp in the SGW? I thought you had to stay in the campsite you have a permit for?

[@Hikingguy]

There used to be an Explorer permit that let you camp anywhere, but I think these days you have to use the designated spots from the reservation system. Not sure if the Explorer permit is coming back or if people still have it. I have def seen evidence of dispersed camping outside of the allowed spots over the years. Again, not sure if its folks breaking the rules or who have the old permit.

[@willbouldin9689]

@@Hikingguy thanks! Is/was that permit at the SGW level or NF? I will give them a call.

[@Hikingguy]

@@willbouldin9689 think NF

[@BeerinBeautifulPlaces]

So informative! Thank you, I feel super prepared now!

[@HuskyMike]

Good stuff, HG. One of my favorite trails. Still trying to decide if it's worth driving back to the trailhead or just starting from Aspen Grove (which I haven't done yet).

[@Hikingguy]

Yea, good question. If you have the time and juice in your legs, I'd probably skip the longer drive and go from Aspen Grove. The drive is not much fun (for me at least). That makes it a pretty long day though.

[@peakbagger2014]

Hey what’s up man! My girlfriend and I said hi to you on your way down today! Nice meeting you

[@Hikingguy]

Ha awesome, thanks for saying hello! Just checked out your channel and subbed 👍

[@GhostlyBanes]

Wow your first full San Gorgonio video! Thanks!

[@Hikingguy]

Also have this guy on the site now > hikingguy.com/hiking-trails/best-la-hikes/san-gorgonio-hike-vivian-creek-trail/

[@johandebruto9264]

Nice. What is the satellite imagery that you’re using for that last discussion of the trail ?

[@Hikingguy]

Just the default Google Earth imagery

[@johandebruto9264]

@@Hikingguy very cool ! Thanks for the reply !

[@dilbertmcfly5986]

Way to go! Great explanations and very thorough. This makes Baldy look SO EASY.

[@stepheneikmeier1866]

Great Hike!!!! Did this over 30 years ago. It's one of my favorites. Thanks Cris.

[@JonathanShidler]

Thank you for this!

[@suzannehannahs6104]

Nice!! I saw this route, was wondering about the fire damage on this side.

[@adriantuschek5208]

Is the trail and dirt road to the trailhead open yet? I’ve been waiting 😬

[@Hikingguy]

Check the FS website - road prob open but prob still snow

[@StephanieHughesDesign]

Excellent video. For a first timer to hike Mount Gorgonio would you recommend hiking fish creek or South Fork trailheads? My small Fiat car may not be good to drive on rocky dirt roads.

[@Hikingguy]

South Fork is better for the first time, but wait until the snow is gone if going for the first time.

[@hernanlecea7041]

Is there any wildlife there?

[@Hikingguy]

just the usual stuff - you'll probably see some squirrels, etc. although one time I did see a bobcat run off in the distance

[@AbouttheJourney]

Love it! I enjoy following along on Google Earth and I really appreciate the ending 3d recap of your route. Really helps put things in perspective. The next time I make it to the lower 48, this hike is on my list! Thanks for the video. - Mike

[@Hikingguy]

Good to know, and glad it was helpful. Have fun up north! Subscribed

[@ColemanOutdoors]

Thanks Cris! I was thinking, I needed to try a different route in 2023. I know that's a little far out, but when I'm not hiking, I'm often thinking about it. Figured, HikingGuy had to have a Fish Creek guide. He does not disappoint! 😉

[@Hikingguy]

haha - yea, Fish Creek is a fun one but the road can be tough unless you can bomb through in a 4x4 - guessing its getting clobbered with snow in the next day or two...

[@ColemanOutdoors]

@@Hikingguy that's what I hear. What about a 2wd Tundra? I've got the clearance I'm sure.

[@Hikingguy]

@@ColemanOutdoors yea if you have clearance and you go slow you can pick your way through the tough parts

[@ColemanOutdoors]

@@Hikingguy cool...thanks!