San Gorgonio peak
San Gorgonio rises to 11,499 ft in Pacific-Ranges within the Central And Southern California Ranges range.
Spanning an area of approximately 160 square miles (414 square kilometers), the mountain offers a challenging yet rewarding mountaineering experience for enthusiasts. During the winter season, San Gorgonio receives a significant amount of snowfall, with snowpack depths ranging from 5 to 15 feet (1.5 to 4.6 meters) depending on the year. This makes it an ideal destination for winter mountaineering and backcountry skiing.
Several creeks and rivers are fed by the runoff from San Gorgonio's snowpack. The Whitewater and Santa Ana Rivers, as well as Vivian Creek and Mill Creek, are among the waterways that benefit from the mountain's snowmelt. These water sources provide essential freshwater supply to the surrounding regions and support a diverse ecosystem.
San Gorgonio takes its name from Saint Gorgonius, a Roman soldier who was martyred for his Christian beliefs. The mountain has also been referred to as "Old Greyback" due to its distinct gray appearance and prominence in the area. While there aren't significant legends or lore specific to San Gorgonio, its rich history includes being a sacred place for Native American tribes and serving as a training ground for World War II soldiers. Today, it remains an iconic peak for mountaineers seeking a challenging ascent and awe-inspiring views of the Southern California landscape.
For trail conditions and access, search Wikipedia or the local land manager's site. Browse other peaks in the Pacific-Ranges range.
Streamflow near San Gorgonio
USGS streamgauges in the basin drained by this peak. Spring snowmelt from the summit feeds these flows.
| Gauge | Streamflow | View |
|---|---|---|
| Little Bear C Ab Lk Arrowhead A Lake Arrowhead Ca | 0 cfs | → |
| Willow C Bl Lk Arrowhead A Lake Arrowhead Ca | 0 cfs | → |
| San Luis Rey R A Cole Grade Rd Nr Pauma Valley Ca | 0 cfs | → |
| Grass Valley C Bl Grass Vly Lk Nr Lk Arrowhead Ca | 0 cfs | → |
| Devil Cyn C Nr San Bernardino Ca | 3 cfs | → |
Plan around incoming weather
Same NOAA / yr.no feed Snoflo's iOS app uses. Watch the precipitation column -- snow at this elevation typically lags the radar signature by a few hours.
Next 5 days, hour by hour
Temperature line with weather symbols on top, snow + rain accumulation as columns, humidity as a dotted line.
5-day forecast table
Every 3 hours, broken out across temperature, snow, rain, humidity, and wind.
| Time | Condition | Temp (°F) | Snow (in) | Rain (in) | Humidity (%) | Wind (mps) | Wind dir |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loading detailed forecast… | |||||||
15-day forecast
Daily temperatures, snow, and rain projected over the next two weeks.
What's around San Gorgonio
Ski areas, river runs, fishing spots, campgrounds, parks, reservoirs, and boat launches within driving distance of San Gorgonio.
Ski areas
- Mountain High Resort
- Las Vegas Ski & Snowboard Resort
- Bear Mountain
- Mt. Waterman
- Snow Summit Mountain Resort
- Cuyamaca Peak
River runs
- South Fork Headwaters To San Gorgonio Wilderness Boundary/Sf Diversion Dam
- South Fork Meadows To San Gorgonia Wilderness Boundary
- Headwaters To San Gorgonio Wilderness
- East Fork Headwaters To Confluence With South Fork
- Middle Fork Headwaters At Middle Fork Jumpoff To Confluence With North Fork
- North Fork Headwaters At Mine Shaft Saddle To Nf Boundary
Get San Gorgonio on your phone.
Save this peak as a favorite and get push alerts when storms move in, fresh snow falls upstream, or NWS issues a weather warning. Free, account optional.
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Set up an alert
Custom alerts are configured in the Snoflo iOS app. Open the app, navigate to this peak, and tap the bell icon to set thresholds for snowfall, temperature, or wind.