SGW: Aspen Grove to San Gorgonio Mountain.

[Hikin_Jim]

Someone was recently asking me about the route from Aspen Grove to the summit of San Gorgoino Mountain. I took the time to type up the route (below). Hope at least a few find the info helpful.

HJ

Take a look at this map of the area.

A= The Aspen Grove Trailhead
B= The point at which the trail crosses the creek. Note that the trail has been re-routed since the topo was created and is on the west side of the creek in this section.
C= The junction with the trail coming in from the Fish Creek trailhead parking area. You can also enter from the Fish Creek trailhead, but it's a dirt road to get back in there. Some prefer just to go from Aspen Grove since it's less dirt road driving. Careful even on the drive to Aspen Grove. There are a couple of rough spots. I've always been able to make it in a normal passenger sedan, but just keep your eyes open. If your permit is for Aspen Grove, stick with it, but keep this alternate trailhead in mind for the future.
D= Last water
E= End of first major switch back. More on this later.
F= Fish Creek Saddle. No water here, but you can cut down on an abandoned trail to Lodgepole spring if you have to.
G= Zahniser-Lake Saddle
H= Mine Shaft Saddle. The Sky High Trail to the summit starts here.
I= Where you cross the SE ridge of San Gorgonio, just past the end of the switchbacks.
J= Where the SE ridge of San Gorgonio turns more westerly
K= The summit of San Gorgonio (now re-measured at 11,502')
L= The junction of the Sky High Trail and the San Bernardino Peak Divide Trail.

From the above, the trail starts at the signed Aspen Grove trailhead (parking available) at the saddle at point "A" on the map. It's easy to identify. As you drive up the road, the first open saddle you come to is it. Hike down the trail. The trail crosses the creek (this topo map is outdated) at point "B" and then proceeds up the creek. There's good water in the creek. You eventually come to the junction at "C." Turn right (west) here. Shortly you'll cross Fish Creek. This is the last really good water. Proceed from there to "D" the start of the switchbacks up to Fish Cr Sdl "F." This is your last water. It's usually a bit sluggish, but if you go up stream a bit, you can usually get water. Often dry in late season. Head on up the Switchbacks. On the climb up, I usually stick to the trail. On the way down, I will often short cut the section from "F" to "E". It's a bit steep in places, but very doable. Get back on the trail at "E". You have to look sharp for point "E." The section from "E" to "D" is too brushy in my opinion to really save you any time.

From Fish Cr Sdl ("F"), head over to the trail junction at Zahniser-Lake Saddle ("G") and then about 0.1 mile to the three way junction at Mine Shaft Saddle ("H"). Pick up the Sky High Trail here and proceed up the steep east face of San Gorgonio. Possible snow patches, but shouldn't be a big deal. Look for a wreck of a C-47 on the way up. Frank Sinatra's mother reportedly died here. Just past the top of the switchbacks, you'll cross the SE ridge of San Gorgonio ("I"). I recommend that you turn right here and follow the ridge via point "J" up to the summit ("K"). This will save you from hiking out to the trail junction at point "L" and then doubling back to the summit. This is my preferred route (the SE ridge). I estimate that it saves you at least an hour. Return the way you came.