Hiking Trail Guide: San Bernardino Ridge from Momyer Creek

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San Bernardino Ridge from Momyer Creek

Distance
13.5 miles

Elevation
5000 feet gain

Difficulty
10/10

City
Mentone ,CA (92359) Weather Map

Trailhead
From the 10 east freeway, exit University Drive in Redlands. Turn right and immediately left on Citrus. Follow Citrus to Judson/Ford turn left. Turn right on Lugonia (38). Continue east on Hwy 38, when it turns to climb, continue east on Valley of the Falls Road. Park at the signed lot for Momyer/Alger Creek Trail.

Cross Mill Creek, the trail is easy to find in most spots. It is very exposed in places, wear a hat. It is also rocky - wear good boots with ankle support. There is a lot of pokey chaparral at higher elevations, wear pants.

Follow the trail to the wilderness sign, a few hundred feet above the sign the trail dips or branches upward. Take the high road north. This trail is very steep and will take almost as long getting down in some parts as going up.

The most discouraging part of the trail is the section from 8400' to 9600' that is literally straight up the canyon. It is no-nonsense, but the trail eases up considerably after that. Be careful.

Description

From the south side, this is the shortest route to the top of the San Gorgonio Wilderness, but it is also the steepest. The first part is exposed, but quickly enters an oaken mixed forest as it climbs steeply into more lush surroundings.

A stretch of the trail from 8400' to 9600' is straight up on exposed slopes. Here is where the trail is rockiest and narrowest. All around you is thorny chaparral. You will never be more grateful to see switchbacks than at 9600'. Switchbacks, which by the way, are evenly graded and much easier than the trail below. At this point you also enter a Lodgepole forest which is a welcome relief.

This is a great trail to peakbag from with 4 peaks above 10,000 all within a mile and a half reach of the top. This trail is unmaintained, but very easy to follow. There are lots of downed trees, and you will have solitude. The views are nearly unrivaled. Take your time on this one, I pushed it to the top in 3 1/2 hours, but it was rough.

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