Vivian Creek trail question

[Florian]

About how long is the hike from Vivian Creek to San Gorgonio summit? It's been many years since i've hiked it. Also, are permits generally available for a weekday hike without prior reservation? Are permits available via self-serve station or only in person at Mill Creek station? If only in person what time does the station open?

Thanks for any tips or suggestions.

-Florian

[Florian]

Sorry, one more question... Do i need to buy an Adventure Pass to park at the trailhead?

-Florian

[KathyW]

http://sgwa.org/Wilderness_Mileage.pdf

Yes, you need an Adventure Pass.

Good luck getting a self-serve permit - they are rarely available for the Vivian Creek Trail this time of year. It's a good idea to reserve a permit for Vivian Creek, but there are a few available for walk-ins if you're at the Ranger Station when it opens.

Here's all the information you'll need:

http://sgwa.org/permit.htm

[Hikin_Jim]

About how long is the hike from Vivian Creek to San Gorgonio summit? It's been many years since i've hiked it. Also, are permits generally available for a weekday hike without prior reservation? Are permits available via self-serve station or only in person at Mill Creek station? If only in person what time does the station open?

Thanks for any tips or suggestions.

-Florian

It's about 9 miles from the trailhead to the top. Some older documents list 8 miles, but the trail has been re-routed enough that it's now closer to 9.

Regarding permit availability, I'd call the ranger station:
MILL CREEK RANGER STATION
34701 Mill Creek Rd.
Mentone, CA 92359
(909) 382-2881

Personally, I always just fax in a request. That way I don't have to worry about when they're open, what permits are available, etc. You fill out this request: http://www.sgwa.org/Permit_Dayhike.pdf, fax it in, and they fax or mail it back to you.

Sorry, one more question... Do i need to buy an Adventure Pass to park at the trailhead?

-Florian

Yes.

[Norris]

Hi Florian, most people take between 8 and 12 hours to day-hike Vivian Creek. My best time is 8, but I'm sure some folks can do it in much less time, e.g. super-fit trail runners not carrying a pack. Yes, you need an Adventure pass to park at the trailhead.

[Florian]

Thanks everyone for all the info and super quick replies! I really appreciate it.

-Florian

[hvydrt]

Jim, I believe the vivian creek trail is more like 7.8 miles each way. Thats what Tom Harrison's Map show and also the sgwa trail mileage map.

[magikwalt]

Jim is correct about the faxing of your request. So far I have been lucky and received everyone I have sent back on the same day. I usually fax it over before leaving for work.

[zippetydude]

Florian: For a weekday hike, I would be surprised if you had any trouble getting a permit - weekends are the tough times. I've generally just self-issued a permit, and you can do it anytime, since they leave them out overnight. That being said, Jim gave better advice - the faxing thing is very easy and the staff are real nice if you have questions.

For time required, it takes me about hour longer to do Skyline than it does to get to the peak from Vivian. I think Vivian is way easier. From the peak on down, if you have bad knees or something like that it can be tough, otherwise it's just a pleasant walk back down.

z

[Florian]

Thanks all for the further suggestions. I'm planning to hike the South Fork trail on a weekday in the middle of June with a friend. I just mailed in that request today. (Don't have convenient access to a fax machine.) When i do Vivian i think i'll call Mill Creek station and ask them what the status is for self-issue weekday permits.

-Florian