San Bernadino Peak via San Bernardino Peak Divide Trail
15.8 mi
Distance
7 hrs 32 min
Time
terrain
4,669 ft
Elev Gain
Overview
This is a difficult out and back trail to San Bernardino Peak in San Gorgonio Wilderness.
This trail goes by Limber Pine Bench and Limber Pine Spring.
Sights to See
Rate this Hike
★★★★★
Solo hiked Fri 09/01/2023 – Angelus Oaks TH-San Bernardino West/East Pks-Anderson Pk-Alto Diablo Pk-Shields Peak-Gerhardt Pk. Early start with an electrical storm in the distance but dry with only a little wind. Great views off the first 4 peaks before the clouds moved in with a few sprinkles. Limber Pine Spring is still a mini waterfall and great place to filter some extra water on the way up. The San Bernardino Ridgeline is a scenic, beautiful hike in itself, much like Ten Thousand Foot Ridge. There are plenty of the original USFS carved tree blazes marking the ridge route but the trail path itself is well defined right now. Several fallen trees to navigate with a few small washout areas but nothing unsurmountable - unless you’re on horseback or leading stock. Most people would have a lot of fun scrambling up the Shields Peak rock pile – I certainly did. Was very luck with the weather today as the clouds didn’t roll in until after the fourth peak (Shields) and then there was a fine cooling mist all the way down with no bugs. Conversed with a lot of nice people on the way down including the trail runners, making it to the car just as the rain started (the day’s weather felt like it was timed as if would be on a movie set). Gerhardt Peak was an ant hill compared to the others but a new peak for me. Highly recommend this hike, even if the turnaround is SB Peak. Logged 24.1 miles/6118 vertical ft. with Gaia _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Hiked early 10/25/2022. Trail was in better shape than expected and easily traversed - just a few fallen trees that were easily bypassed. Had awesome views during the entire climb. Actually expected more fire damage from reading the reviews but you do get to see how the ecosystem is recovering. The area above Limber Pine Camp was spared from fire for the most part. Summit was cold but not very windy with incredible views. Limber Pine Spring was partially iced over but still flowing for filtering. Did not see anyone all day and my truck was the only vehicle at the trailhead. This hike is hands down worth the beautiful views you get to enjoy!
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It’s 18 miles total but the long trail makes gradual climb fun!
The first three miles have plenty of shades but after that it’s pretty much exposed. Bring more than 3 quarts of water if you don’t want to collect and filter stream water near the top.
1/2 mile dirt road to trail parking lot was full of jagged edge rocks. My sedan clearance was fine. Small parking lot so be there early.
It took me 6:00 hours ascending and 3:20 hours descending.
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Public Tracks
San Bernardino Peak (10/17/15, 6:51:30AM)
Peak #4 of 6 in the SoCal Six-Pack of Peaks Challenge.
Get my detailed trail guide, useful resources and loads more photos here:
https://socalhiker.net/hiking-san-bernardino-peak-trail/
San Bernardino Peak
Start@ 5766 Frontage Road, Angeles Oaks (fire station)