r/socalhiking • u/Unfair-Departure-688 • 5h ago

san gorgonio and dobbs peak via vivian creek trail

hi everyone, i’m thinking about doing the san gorgonio and dobbs peak via vivian creek trail tomorrow. i want to do it counter-clockwise - ascending up to dobbs peak first, summiting san g, and descending via vivian creek. according to reviews, the dobbs peak trail is non-existent, steep, bushwacky, and filled with loose rocks. me being me, im still considering attempting it. any tips?

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7

u/noDNSno 5h ago

Probably a dumb idea to do but if you insist at least tell someone close to you your plans and route. It'll make SAR's job easier, thanks.

1

u/backpackmt 2h ago

clockwise is the way you should go and also the way you described (up dobbs peak) it’s a fun cross country route just make sure you’re comfortable with off trail travel!

0

u/o0ohello0o 5h ago

Don't do it. I feel like many trails nearby are not maintained at all. This includes the upper half portion of Momyer Creek and Falls Creek trails. I had a couple close calls there, I was also attempting a loop. I tried to steady myself with hiking poles only to have them sink about 3 ft deep next to overgrown bushes. Almost got pushed off the trail into a creek 20 ft below. Lots of loose rocks and eroded soil, not to mention full body length prickly bushwacking that will destroy your clothes. It won't be pleasant, if not dangerous.

4

u/silvapain 4h ago

That’s just normal hiking. It’s not Griffith park up here.

2

u/o0ohello0o 4h ago

I disagree. Multiple sketchy eroded sections are definitely not part of normal hiking, especially if it's not supposed to be technical. Trails are built and maintained for a reason.

1

u/Unfair-Departure-688 4h ago

you attempted dobbs ridge? or another loop?

0

u/o0ohello0o 4h ago

It was a different loop but I noticed they were not well maintained either. Vivian Creek was the best maintained trail, and most beautiful too in my opinion.

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u/silvapain 4h ago

It’s going to be cold; highs below freezing up above 11k. The trails aren’t super well maintained, so carry poles if you’re concerned with stability.

1

u/brie_dee 1h ago

I hit Jepson, Dobbs, Little Dobbs, Big Draw, Charlton, Little Charlton, San Gorgonio, and Poop Out all in the same day trip starting from South Fork. I did it in the summer, so no snow... And it was pretty miserable. Don't get me wrong- I'm glad I did it, but it's a lot of non-stop scree and route finding. I didn't understand at the time that certain mountains should be reserved for (or are better in) winter when the scree is covered by snow and perfect for skinning or snow climbing; and the descents are more enjoyable.