Foresee Creek Trail to San Gorgonio...

[hydromeo]

I am planning to take Foresee Creek Trail to Anderson Peak and then proceed to San Gorgonio (and back). Has anyone done this? Please post your experience.

Thanks
Raj

[Hikin_Jim]

Lots miles, but if you're up for it, go for it. For me, that would be more miles than I can do in a day. Pretty good trail the whole way, but there will still be a lot of snow this time of year.

HJ

[hydromeo]

Thanks HJ. My GPS software says it is 26mi RT. It also looks like 50% of the trail involves hiking above 9500ft line. I don't know how much mileage I can get with my winter gear. I am planning to start around 3:00AM and start the return journey between noon-1:00PM, wherever I am.

[KathyW]

Sometimes there are big snow drifts on the upper part of the Forsee Creek Trail even after the bulk of the snow has melted off. It's really annoying - you go from dry trail to huge snow drift over and over again. It sure can slow you down if conditions are like that.

[Hikin_Jim]

The section above Trail Fork Springs will probably have a lot of snow as well. I've lost the trail in through there before.

Also, where the trail contours around on the north side of Shields Peak, there's typically a lot of snow.

On the plus side, it's really beautiful up there right now, and the snow keeps the crowds down.

Post a trip report if and when you go.

HJ

[zippetydude]

I did it a couple years ago BUT I did it with no snow.

It's surprisingly easy once you gain the ridge at Anderson (again, with no snow) because the ridge is fairly level and you only gain 1500 from DLS to San G peak, then it's basically downhill all the way back. That section by Shields that HJ spoke of might be scary with snow! On the other hand, Anderson Flat and especially Shields Flat are beautiful in the snow. You might try it again after the melt-off if you don't make it all the way through.

Another fun option is to start at Angelus Oaks. As you make your way from San B (east peak) you can see San G off in the distance - it looks like it's impossibly far away. But, like before, the ridge is surprisingly level and it's really a very pleasant trail once you're up top. Hope you have fun!

z