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Vivian Creek Trail 1E08
The trailhead is reached by turning east off Highway 38 to Forest Falls, then continuing until the road ends at the top and east end of Big Falls Picnic Area. Park here above the picnic area where there are a handful of parking spots. If full, drive down to bottom entrance area where there is an overflow parking lot. This is also the parking area for the Big Falls Trailhead. If this lower lot is full or you do not have your Forest Adventure Pass with you, park in the smaller gravel lot to the left. Do not park in the picnic area sites -- please take care to read all signage!
About the trail...
The Vivian Creek Trail is the shortest and the steepest route to the summit of Mt. San Gorgonio, located in the San Gorgonio Wilderness Area. There are three designated wilderness campsites on this trail: Vivian Creek Camp at 7,100' (no camping within 200 feet of the trail or creek), Halfway Camp at 8,100' (water is obtained from the creek 200 yards before camp), and High Creek Camp at 9,200' (water flows the best in this creek right below the camp).
The summit of San Gorgonio (11,499') is 3 miles beyond High Creek, which you can also camp at. The upper end of this trail offers outstanding views of Yucaipa Ridge and Galena Peak, as well as sweeping panoramic views from the top of Mt. San Gorgonio.
At a Glance
| Current Conditions: |  The parking lot in Forest Falls, CA, for Falls Picnic Area, Big Falls Trailhead and Vivian Creek Trailhead, will be closed to vehicle and pedestrian traffic on Wednesday, January 5, 2022. Southern California Edison will be performing aerial operations for pole replacement in the area. There is no legal parking on local streets outside the parking lot. A small upper portion of the trail burned in the 2020 Apple Fire. Potential hazards include falling trees and limbs and loose rocks. Portions of the trail may be damaged or blocked with debris. |
|---|---|
| Operational Hours: | The kiosk entrance gate is open during the daytime hours for parking up above at the trailhead. If closed in the early hours of the morning, you must park in the lower overflow lot. |
| Fees: |  Adventure Pass Required $5/day or $30/year. Interagency Passes are also accepted to park at trailhead, and in lower overflow parking lot below picnic area. Do not park in picnic area for hiking this trail.. For more information, please visit our recreation pass page. |
| Permit Info: | Free day use and overnight permits are required. Reserve and check availability on the San Gorgonio Wilderness Association website: sgwa.org/wilderness-permits/ |
| Usage: | Light |
| Restrictions: |
 Pack out what you pack in and Leave No Trace! |
| Closest Towns: | Forest Falls, Mentone, Yucaipa |
| Restroom: | Pit toilets |
| Information Center: | Mill Creek Visitor Center 34701 Mill Creek Road Mentone, CA 92359 1-909-382-2882 Thursday thru Monday. (Closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays) |
General Information
Directions: The trailhead is reached by turning east off Highway 38 to Forest Falls.Activities
Day Hiking
Backpacking
Location