Hiking Trail Guide: Shields Peak - Forsee Creek Trail

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Shields Peak - Forsee Creek Trail

Distance
13 miles

Elevation
4400 feet gain

Difficulty
10/10

City
Angelus Oaks ,CA (92305) 70.18 miles from you Weather Map

Trailhead
From the 10 east, exit University Avenue in Redlands, turn right off the exit, and then turn left onto Citrus. Make another left onto Judson/Ford. Follow it to Lugonia Avenue (38), make a right. Follow the 38(it turns to Mentone Blvd and then into Mill Creek Road) to Mill Creek Ranger Station where you must get a wilderness permit for Forsee Creek. Continue east past Mountain Home Village, and follow the 38 as it turns to your left up the mountain. Continue past Angelus Oaks and turn right onto Jenks Lake Road. Follow the signs for Forsee Creek trail. A high clearance vehicle is recommended but not necessary. Park at the trailhead.

The trail is easy to follow, but overgrown in spots, it is steep and narrow in places. Follow it to Jackstraw Springs, then make the left and upward turn to Dollar Saddle. At the Peak Divide Trail turn left. You must go cross country to reach Shields Peak, although there is a makeshift use trail on the north slope.

Description

This is a wonderful hike to the high country of the San Gorgonio Wilderness. The views from the crest are superb, and very worthwhile. While there is water en route, it will need to be filtered, and by late summer is not dependable. Also, there are several great spots to camp along the way.

This trail is steep, but not as steep as the entrance from the south side of the wilderness. The drop-offs become a lot more apparent on the way down, and this trail is not recommended for acrophobics or small children. You gain lots of elevation and the views get better and better as you reach higher elevations.

On a clear day, you can see Catalina, the Angeles Forest, San Jacinto, Toro Peak, the Tehachapis, and Mt. Charleston in Nevada. The views from the top are breathtaking, and if you are used to lower elevations, the hike might be as well. While you're here, why not top Anderson?

Get permits in advance for busy weekends, during the weekyou might not see another soul.

Map / Directions: