San Gorgonio
San Gorgonio Mountain or “Old Greyback”, is the highest peak in Southern California at 11,503 feet (3,506 m)
It is not a particularly craggy mountain, and from a distance, it only appears to be an extremely high hill, earning it the name of greyback. Despite not being particularly striking in appearance during the summer, it is the only mountain in Southern California with a summit a significant distance above the tree line. As such its bright white winter snow cap, unobstructed by vegetation, makes the mountain noticeable from many miles away. The mountain hosts the longest recorded line of sight in the contiguous United States; it is plainly visible from the summit of Mount Whitney, 190 miles away.
There are four well trekked trail heads for approaching this mountain: South Fork, Fish Creek, Momyer, and Vivian Creek. This page will detail the trek from Vivian Creek trail head.
Quick Hike to the Observatory
An easy, quick hike on wide, dirt fire roads.
Done and dusted in about 1 hour over a distance of less than 2 miles.
Family-friendly
Dog-friendly
Mt. Wilson Hike
A 12 mile round trip.
A steep, rugged trail.
This is an advanced hike / trot / run covering a 6,500 ft ascent from Sierra Madre to the top of one of the most visible mountain tops in Southern California.
Easy-Breezy Trails
An easy, beginner hike on wide, dirt fire roads.
Usually done in about an hour over a distance of less than 2 miles.
Family-friendly
Dog-friendly
Mt. Baden-Powell
At 9,407 feet (2,867 m) in elevation, Mount Baden-Powell is traditionally considered to be the 4th or 5th highest peak of the San Gabriel Range.
Mt. Baldy
Mount San Antonio is the third tallest peak in southern California. At an elevation of 3,066m (10,060′) this summit truly rewards the peak bagger with 360º panoramas and a well earned rest at the top of your world.
Fern Dell to Mt. Hollywood
Meeting at The Trails Cafe, This easy/moderate hike on wide dirt roads up past the Observatory then continuing on to Mt. Hollywood to take in the vistas and snap a few goofy summit pics. This hike should take about 2 hours round trip.
Mt. Lowe Sunset Hike
An out-n-back sunset hike to one of the most photographed peaks in the San Gabriel front range. A Camera and a Headlamp are must-haves for this one.
Snowshoeing at Buckhorn
Want to get in a snowshoe trek before the season window closes in the Angeles National Forest?
Mt. Hollywood
A Griffith Park Classic! Smooth, wide trails past iconic vistas that include the Hollywood Sign and the Griffith Observatory. Family friendly, dog friendly with free parking and a cafe for breakfast, or lunch. Click here to download or print PDF Photos from this trek Previous Next Previous Next