The 5 Most Amazing Peaks around Redlands

The Redlands area offers a diverse range of mountain peaks. Some popular choices include Box Springs Mountain Peak, which overlooks Riverside and Moreno Valley, and Onyx Summit, known for its challenging climb through the San Bernardino Mountains. For stunning vistas, Zanja Peak in the Crafton Hills is also a favorite.

The highest peak in Southern California is San Gorgonio Mountain, also known as "Old Greyback," standing at 11,503 feet (3,506 m). It's located within the San Gorgonio Wilderness, approximately 20 miles east of Redlands, and offers panoramic views stretching for miles. It's also the only mountain in Southern California with a summit significantly above the treeline.

Yes, San Bernardino Peak holds significant historical importance. Its summit, at 10,649 feet (3,246 meters), served as the initial point in 1852 from which all of Southern California was surveyed. A monument, Washington's Monument, marks this spot near the summit.

The mountain peaks around Redlands offer breathtaking and expansive views. From San Gorgonio Mountain, you can see the San Bernardino and San Jacinto Mountains, and the entire Inland Empire. San Bernardino Peak provides spectacular vistas of multiple mountain ranges. Even more accessible peaks like Zanja Peak in the Crafton Hills offer 360-degree views of Yucaipa, Redlands, and the larger mountain ranges on clear days. San Jacinto Peak, visible from Redlands, can even offer views of the Pacific Ocean and the Salton Sea.

For a more accessible experience, the Crafton Hills, including Zanja Peak, offer over 22 miles of interconnected trails suitable for hiking and mountain biking. These trails feature varied terrain from gentle hills to steeper ascents, providing local panoramic views and rich biodiversity, making them a good option for families.

For experienced hikers, the trails to San Gorgonio Mountain, such as Vivian Creek Trail and South Fork Trail, are strenuous, often involving over 4,000 feet of elevation gain. The hike to San Bernardino Peak is also considered challenging, with about 5,700 feet of elevation gain over roughly 17 miles round trip. Additionally, San Jacinto Peak offers the arduous "Cactus to Clouds" trail, gaining approximately 10,700 feet from Palm Springs.

San Gorgonio Mountain is unique for being the only mountain in Southern California with a summit significantly above the treeline, featuring a distinct, rocky terrain often called "Old Greyback." The Crafton Hills are home to diverse wildlife, oak groves, wildflower meadows, and unique flora like California lilac and a rare wild paeony. San Jacinto Peak boasts diverse ecosystems, from pine forests to subalpine woodlands.

Beyond hiking, the Redlands area offers various outdoor activities. You can find numerous road cycling routes, including loops around Caroline Park and Panorama Point, as detailed in the Road Cycling Routes around Redlands guide. There are also running trails, such as loops from San Bernardino Asistencia, which you can explore in the Running Trails around Redlands guide.

Yes, a free permit is required for hiking in the San Gorgonio Wilderness area, which includes San Gorgonio Mountain. It's always advisable to check with the local forest service or wilderness management offices for the most current permit requirements before planning your trip to any wilderness area.

The best time to hike the higher peaks like San Gorgonio and San Bernardino is typically from late spring to early fall (May to October) when snow has melted and weather conditions are more stable. Lower elevation areas like the Crafton Hills can be enjoyed year-round, though summer months can be very hot, making early morning or late afternoon hikes preferable. Winter hiking in the higher San Bernardino Mountains can involve snow and ice, requiring specialized gear and experience.

Both San Gorgonio Mountain and San Bernardino Peak offer challenging hikes suitable for experienced individuals. San Gorgonio, being the highest peak in Southern California, generally involves greater elevation gain and longer distances on its most popular routes (e.g., Vivian Creek Trail). San Bernardino Peak also presents a significant challenge with substantial elevation gain over a long distance (around 17 miles round trip), but it is often considered slightly less strenuous than San Gorgonio's most demanding routes.

Yes, San Jacinto Peak offers a unique way to reduce the ascent with the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway. This tramway takes visitors from 2,643 feet to 8,516 feet, making the summit more accessible for those who wish to experience the high-altitude environment without the full strenuous climb. Additionally, Onyx Summit is accessible by road, offering stunning vistas from your vehicle or a shorter walk.