Dry Lake - Mt. San Gorgonio Backpack

The most dramatic mountain scenery in Southern California is the upper elevations of the San Bernardino National Forest. Hikers are treated to great stands of pines, diminutive mountain meadows, steep gorges and gullies, and of course, the region’s tallest peak, Mt. San Gorgonio. During this weekend backpack we’ll savor the scenery, spend two nights at Dry Lake, and for those up to a challenge, summit 11,500‘ Mt. San Gorgonio. 7/26 Friday 10:30 AM – We gather at the South Fork trailhead. From Redlands, follow Highway 38 to Jenks Lake Road to the South Fork trailhead parking lot. You must display an Adventure Pass to park here. From here, it’s a 7 mile hike (with a 2,000’ elevation gain) to the campsites at Dry Lake, which sits at just over 9,000’ above sea level. Expect a leisurely pace with breaks along the way. The water sources at Dry Lake are unpredictable (so we may have to tote water 3 miles from the creeks at South Fork Meadow; I’ll check with the rangers closer to our departure date). The campsites at Dry Lake are nestled among Jeffery Pines and offer sweeping vistas of “Old Greyback”. This is a primitive campsite and there are no amenities. Its bear country and you must store your food in a bear canister. The only fires allowed are our camp stoves. 7/28 Saturday 8:30 AM – We’ll hike to the summit of San Gorgonio. Carry a day-pack with lunch; bring water & sunscreen and protection for varying weather conditions. It’s a 6 mile climb from our campsite to the summit. Our pace will be leisurely but deliberate. If the high elevation proves troublesome you can always return to our campsite. We’ll have lunch at the summit. 7/29 Sunday A leisurely departure to our vehicles What to bring: This is a backpack, so you must carry everything you’ll need for this weekend. This includes a tent, appropriate clothing for warm sunny day and cold nights. We’re approaching the mountain monsoon season, so thunderstorms are a possibility. You’ll probably prefer to hike in boots, but may want sandals for tootling around the campsite. Bring your food and a camp stove and utensils. You must secure your food in a bear canister. Bring a canteen/plastic jug (to tote water) and filter (if you have one). The campsite can be a bit buggy at sunset. Carpooling is a way to save gas and connect with fellow hikers. If you’re willing to drive, please let me know (and your starting point), and I’ll pass your contact info along. There is a fee for this trip, which is co-led with Great Outdoors and Gay Outdoors. There is a $15 fee, which I’ll collect at the trailhead to reimburse trip leader for costs paid associated with the trip. Bring cash (exact denominations) or a check made payable to Great Outdoors. You must agree to rules regarding proper food storage in a bear resistant canister & regulations regarding fires.