San Gorgonio Mountain via Sky High Trail and Dry Lake Trail(edit)

Sights to See

• San Gorgonio Mountain
• San Gorgonio Trail Camp
• Dry Lake

Rate this Hike

★★★★★


Temecula Dan 2 years, 3 months ago
Solo day hiked 6/12/25 – the 3 saints over the last 3 weeks, San Jacinto-Antonio-Gorgonio in great weather. Zahniser-San Gorgonio-Jepson-Little Charlton-Charlton peaks on this loop. Went up really early on the Dry Lake Trail to just before Mineshaft Saddle before following Zahniser Peak’s NW ridge line to the summit for the sunrise which was well worth it. After signing the register, I headed down to the Sky High Trail for the scenic uphill trek around the north, east and south sides of San G. One of the highlights of taking Sky High are the great views of Dragon’s Head, Bighorn Peak and the Tarn. It’s been a while since I’ve climbed the northwest chutes of Dragon’s Head or stood in the middle of the Tarn (highly recommend) so I’ll have to put it on “the list.” After leaving the San Gorgonio summit, I took the SB Peak Trail northwest to the base of the Big Draw boulder stack (SE side of Jepson) before starting the cross country ridge run/climb for the other peaks. This part of the trek was the most fun, staying on or as close to the rocks on the north (Jepson Bowl) side of the ridge with great views the entire way. After reaching the Charlton summit and putting a new, bagged register in the beat up ammo box (on its side with no lid), I descended the talus field on the NW side to Dollar Saddle. Taking a WNW line down would have been on more stable ground but what fun would that have been? From here, I took the South Fork Trail back to South Fork Meadows and filtered a nice cold liter from the creek. Had my permit checked here by a friendly ranger before having a lengthy conversation about the San Gorgonio, the eastern Sierra and fly fishing. He did mention that there was a black bear with her two cubs at the far side of Horse Meadow which would have been nice to see as I’ve not seen a bear in San Gorgonio for years. Only a few fellow hikers on the last stretch before reaching a very empty parking lot. I brought a 3 L bladder and a 1 liter bottle for the loop which was ample, the liter from the creek being a luxury for mixing energy/electrolytes. You can carry less and filter from Dry Lake, Lodgepole Spring or Dollar Lake/Spring. I didn’t take the Dollar Lake Spur but a SGWA report from two weeks ago said the spring was flowing well. Much thanks to the trail crews for the deadfall removal and cutbacks on the South Fork and Dry Lake trails – best condition in years! Logged 20.8 mi /33.5 km & 5106 ft / 1556.3 m with Gaia
★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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