Southern California's Tallest Mountain Has Views Worth Climbing For
By Mina Elwell
VACATIONS
Located near San Bernardino, California, the difficult Vivian Creek Trail leads to the top of snow-capped San Gorgonio Peak and has some of the most beautiful views in California.
Vivian Creek Trail takes around 10 hours across challenging terrain. You'll experience the effects of the weather and the altitude as you climb steep and challenging switchbacks.
When you set out on this path, you'll be going uphill the entire way. The higher you go, the more impressive the views become, and you may spot the Vivian Creek waterfall.
If you're not used to such difficult treks, you'll need to train for it. Hiking guide Cris Hazzard recommends doing Sugarloaf Mountain, Ontario Peak, and Bighorn Peak first.
Before you set out, you'll need a $5 pass. Along the way, you can camp at Vivian Creek Camp, Halfway Camp, or High Camp, which is right before the summit switchbacks.