San Gorgonio is not only the highest Mountain in Southern California, but also one of the best trips in the region. Old Greyback can be tackled from several different trails. I have done three:
1) South Fork-the longest route at almost 24 miles r/t
2) Moymer-the most desolate route
3) Vivian Creek-the most heavily used route
Out of the three, I enjoy the South Fork Trail the most. At the outset, you will need a free wilderness permit to enter the San Gorgonio Wilderness. It is available at the Mill Creek Ranger Station down the hill in Mentone on I-38. There is a quota, so it is best to download the permit application a few days in advance and fax it over to the rangers. They will return it promptly via fax.
To get to the South Fork Trail Head, take 38 to Jenks Lake Road, hang a left and proceed a couple of miles. There is a parking lot, but you will need an Adventure Pass to park there. To leave anything in your car would be foolish, as San Bernardino County is infested with tweekers who will ransack your car and steal your battery.
The first few miles are rather easy until you get to the Dollar Lake Junction, at which point you get to a set of relentless switchbacks. These continue until you get to Dollar Lake Saddle, which is a nice place to have lunch. After Dollar Lake Saddle, you continue in a SW direction up a gradual path to the summit. You will walk right by the plane wreck, but the main attractions here are not manmade. Take a look at those contorted pines. Imagine what these trees have seen in their lifetimes! The wildlife here is superlative also. From the summit, take a look at the West, the desert to the South and East, and possibly a glimpse of the Sierras from the North.
Please pack your trash and waste out. Enjoy.
San Gorgonio is not only the highest Mountain in Southern California, but also one of the best trips in the region. Old Greyback can be tackled from several different trails. I have done three:
1) South Fork-the longest route at almost 24 miles r/t
2) Moymer-the most desolate route
3) Vivian Creek-the most heavily used route
Out of the three, I enjoy the South Fork Trail the most. At the outset, you will need a free wilderness permit to enter the San Gorgonio Wilderness. It is available at the Mill Creek Ranger Station down the hill in Mentone on I-38. There is a quota, so it is best to download the permit application a few days in advance and fax it over to the rangers. They will return it promptly via fax.
To get to the South Fork Trail Head, take 38 to Jenks Lake Road, hang a left and proceed a couple of miles. There is a parking lot, but you will need an Adventure Pass to park there. To leave anything in your car would be foolish, as San Bernardino County is infested with tweekers who will ransack your car and steal your battery.
The first few miles are rather easy until you get to the Dollar Lake Junction, at which point you get to a set of relentless switchbacks. These continue until you get to Dollar Lake Saddle, which is a nice place to have lunch. After Dollar Lake Saddle, you continue in a SW direction up a gradual path to the summit. You will walk right by the plane wreck, but the main attractions here are not manmade. Take a look at those contorted pines. Imagine what these trees have seen in their lifetimes! The wildlife here is superlative also. From the summit, take a look at the West, the desert to the South and East, and possibly a glimpse of the Sierras from the North.
Please pack your trash and waste out. Enjoy. 
