Travel Tips

"He who has not ascended Grayback (San Gorgonio) is like a savage who listens to the tuning up of an orchestra and goes off pleased - thinking he has heard the concert" Theodore S. Van Dyke 1875

Highlights: Intense uphill (vertical mile), verdant forest, 360 view from the summit
Distance: 16 miles round trip
Elevation Gain: 5600 ft
Hike Time: we did it in 12 hours (2-3 hrs lost helping an ill hiker come down the mtn. in the dark). Avg time is 7-9 hrs for avg. hiker.
Difficulty: Strenuous
HikeType: Out and Back

This trail is definitely one of the most demanding in SoCal. Gaining nearly a vertical mile in less than 8 miles distance. On the way up, you will encounter no more than 400 yards of downhill, and around the same amount for flat trail. It is up the entire way, and most of that way is steep. So, the way back is really "EASY" on your knees.

The steepest sections are the beginning mile of the trail, after you cross the creek (take it easy on this part or you'll pay for it later) and the mile and a half after the saddle where you can first spot San Jacinto, close to the summit.

Lots of cool forest scenery on the way up!

The trails of San Grogonio Wilderness are filled with wildflowers.