Mt. San Gorgonio is located in the San Gorgonio Wilderness (58,968 Acres). The Vivian Creek Trail is the shortest and steepest route to the summit of Mt. San Gorgonio. The total length of the hike is approximately 16 miles roundtrip with a 5,600 foot elevation gain. We used this hike as a training hike for Mt. Whitney and hiking to the summit in one day. For those hikers/backpackers looking to enjoy the experience more, backpacking is the definitely way to go. Backpacking on the mountain and spending multiple days on the mountain allows you the time to really enjoy the beauty of this hike. We would recommend camping at the High Creek Camp or the Halfway Camp if you are going to be spending multiple nights on your hike to Mt. San Gorgonio via the Vivian Creek Trail. The time we have backpacked on the way to the summit, we camped at the High Creek Camp which was very nice and only 3 miles from the summit.
One and two-tenths miles from the trailhead is Vivian Creek Camp (7,100 ft.). Campsites are located up slope to the right of the trail after reaching the stream: one is halfway up the slope, and the other is at the top of the slope (There is no camping within 200 feet of the trail or creek). One and three-tenths miles from Vivian Creek Camp is Halfway Camp (8,100 ft.). Water is obtained from the creek approximately 200 yards before camp. Two and three-tenths miles further is High Creek Camp (9,200 ft.). Water is also available at the high creek camp. The summit of San Gorgonio (11,502 ft) is 3 miles beyond High Creek Camp. For Current Water Conditions on Mt. San Gorgonio and water levels in the streams click Here to go to the San Gorgonio Wilderness Association's website. 
The Vivian Creek Trail is a very popular hiking trail to take to the summit of Mt. San Gorgonio and you will likely see other hikers on the trail as well as tents in the campsites. The trail is well maintained and is usually in good condition. This hike is very strenuous and only fit hikers should hike to the summit of Mt. San Gorgonio. It is a good idea to train on other hikes in preparation for Mt. San Gorgonio. A list of good training hikes is below. 
Further Thoughts: A map of the San Gorgonio Wilderness is always a good thing to bring along with you when you go hiking here. The San Gorgonio Wilderness Association Store has one for sale. This is a great hike which offers sweeping views of Southern California. It is truly a must do hike that is very challenging. One of the steepest portions of the hike to the top of Mt. San Gorgonio on the Vivian Creek Trail is in the first mile and a half after you cross the river near the beginning of the trailhead. The really steep portion ends once you reach Vivian Creek Camp. If you want an idea of the current weather and conditions of the San Gorgonio Wilderness, click Here for a live webcam of Mt. San Gorgonio courtesy of BigBearWeather.com. During the summer months always be on the watch for thunderstorms. Ashley and I have encountered thunderstorms a couple of times when hiking to the summit of Mt. San Gorgonio. Seek shelter immediately when a thunderstorm develops and do not stay on peaks or in open areas. If it looks like a storm is developing, head back down as the mountain will always be there.
We did our hike to the summit of Mt. San Gorgonio in mid June and there was still snow above 10,000 feet. When hiking Mt. San Gorgonio make sure to check trail and weather reports from the San Gorgonio Wilderness Association. There is snow on the Vivian Creek Trail much of the Winter and Spring (and in rare years until early summer) due to the high elevation of Mt. San Gorgonio. If there is snow on the mountain make sure you have the proper equipment before attempting this hike. When on this hike we brought crampons and poles. We really did not need the crampons, but the poles were necessary for this hike. Also make sure you bring a good windbreaker with you, especially if it is cold, because it is usually windy at the summit of Mt. San Gorgonio. When we got to the top there were 30mph winds. Always carry with you layers so you can stay warm in any situation. 
Most of the year there is plenty of water to filter along sections of the Vivian Creek Trail Some summer and fall months though, there may not be as much water in the springs/streams as compared to other years. Water information is provided by the San Gorgonio Wilderness Association. The most deceptive part about this hike is the false summit that is present on the hike. Just remember when you appear to be getting near the summit, you have a little bit further than you think. 
Lastly, the Vivian Creek Trail seems to always get a good share of bear activity. If you are doing an overnight hike it is probably a good idea to have a bear canister. The bottom line is, this is a must do hike for any Southern California Hiker. It is a major hike in our area and will give you bragging rights over other hikers. Time to Complete Hike: 7.5 - 10 hours.
Good Training Hikes: Mt. Baden-Powell, Mt. San Jacinto, Saddleback Mountain, Cucamonga Peak, Mt. Baldy.
MORE TRAIL WRITE-UPS ON MT. SAN GORGONIO
Mt. San Gorgonio (Via the Vivian Creek Trail, June 2010)(This Post)
Great info here, this is really valuable for planning my hike to this spot!
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