🏔 Wilderness
San Gorgonio Wilderness
About This Permit
San Gorgonio Mountain (~11,499–11,502 ft) is the highest peak in Southern California, rising from the San Bernardino Mountains above Palm Springs. Permits are required year-round for all day hikes and overnight trips and are managed by the San Gorgonio Wilderness Association (SGWA) — not recreation.gov. Summer weekends are highly competitive. The summit offers clear-day views from the Pacific to the Nevada desert.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit to day hike San Gorgonio?
Yes — a day use permit is required year-round, regardless of season. Permits are managed by the San Gorgonio Wilderness Association (SGWA) and must be booked through permits.sgwa.org, up to 90 days in advance. Recreation.gov is not used for this wilderness.
What is the easiest route to the San Gorgonio summit?
The South Fork Trail from Onyx Summit is the most direct, gaining roughly 3,600 feet over 8 miles one way. The Heart Bar / Fish Creek route is longer but gentler. All routes use the same quota permit system.
How far in advance should I book a San Gorgonio permit?
July and August weekends book out weeks to months ahead via permits.sgwa.org (up to 90 days in advance). Mid-week permits and shoulder season dates typically have more availability, but permits are required year-round so plan accordingly. PermitAlert will text you the moment a cancellation appears.
Key Facts
- State
- CA
- Season
- Year-round; permits required for all visits (day and overnight) regardless of season; snow likely November – April above 9,000 ft
- Quota
- Trailhead-specific quotas year-round; 144 day hikers per trailhead per day; overnight quotas also apply
- Trailhead
- South Fork, Heart Bar, San Gorgonio, or Dollar Lake Saddle trailheads
- Entry Point
- San Bernardino NF; permits required year-round through SGWA (permits.sgwa.org)
- Difficulty
- 3/5(Competitive)
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