East Peak of San Bernardino summit via Forsee Creek Trail hike attraction

Escape the crowd and conquer the San Bernardino East Peak trail! This badass hike takes you up the Forsee Creek Trail, winds along the breathtaking Bernardino Peak Divide, then brings you back to the start via the remote and rugged John's Meadow Trail. It's a challenging trek with a good amount of climbing, but the raw beauty of the San Gorgonio Wilderness makes it an unforgettable adventure. I usually complete this loop in a day, but there are several camping options if you fancy making it an overnight extravaganza.

Be warned, though: this area has experienced some forest fires in recent years. Although it's been reopened, watch out for John's Meadow Trail. It's in a sorry state and can be dangerous in parts. Stick to bagging the San Bernadino summits and return the same way. Thanks to Troy C for the heads-up!

Getting to the Trailhead

The Forsee Creek Trailhead is nestled in Angelus Oaks, just 15 minutes up CA-38 from the San Bernardino Peak Trailhead. The final stretch of the drive is on a bumpy dirt road with rough spots, but it's manageable in a low-clearance car if you take it slow. I managed with a Kia Niro, but I still yearn for the days of my old Jeep.

Here's the trailhead address you need: Forsee Creek Trail 1E06, 41017 Forsee Creek Rd, Angelus Oaks, CA 92305

Remember, you'll need a National Parks Pass or Adventure Pass to park in the lot. There are no toilet facilities or other amenities here.

Osprey Hikelite 26 - My go-to daypack. Light, tough, and keeps my back dry with the trampoline mesh.

Preparing for Your Hike

This is a grueling hike, so gear up accordingly. I generally get through 1 liter of water or beer every 4 miles on this hike, so expect to consume around 4-5 liters in total. There are some water sources en route, but they're not always reliable, so come well-prepared. The slopes can be steep, and trekking poles can be very helpful, especially on those primitive sections of John's Meadow Trail.

Norda 001 - Like a monster truck and a comfy pillow had a featherweight baby, for your feet.

In winter, you're up high on this hike, so be prepared for mountaineering conditions. Even in the summer, the temperature on the San Bernadino Peak Divide can get windy and chilly, so pack appropriately.

Before you go, check the weather conditions to see if there's any snow on your hike.

Garmin inReach Mini 2 - When I need 100% reliable SOS coverage, this is what I take in the backountry.

Essential Gear

Here are some essential items you'll want to bring on this hike:

AllTrails Plus - (30% off link) Up-to-date trip reports. Plus adds offline maps, off-trail alerts, and Garmin sync.

Osprey Hikelite 26: My reliable, lightweight, and water-resistant daypack.
Norda 001: Comfortable and lightweight trail runners—like someone had a bigfoot and a cloud had a baby.
Garmin inReach Mini 2: A compact and reliable SOS device for when things go south in the backcountry.
AllTrails Plus: In-the-loop trip reports, offline maps, alerts, and Garmin sync in one package. (Use this 30% off link).
Garmin Fenix 8: A reliable multisport watch with GPS, routing, and mapping capabilities.

Want to know why I use these? Check out my Top Gear Picks page.

Garmin Fenix 8 - Took a few updates to get right, but now it's rock solid for me. I use it for maps, tracking, and routing.

Maps and Directions

I opted for this route because it's beautiful and offers a good balance of challenge and reward. The climb takes you up Forsee Creek Trail, followed by a stunning stroll along the San Bernadino Peak Divide, and finally a return descent on the John's Meadow Trail, which bags you the San Bernadino East Peak. Alternatively, you can also explore Andersen Peak and San Bernadino Peak along the way.

Take a look at the CalTopo map and download the GPX file for a clearer understanding of the route.

Important: Due to recent trail damage, John's Meadow Trail is in poor condition, with debris, fallen trees, loose rocks, and potentially dangerous hazards such as ash pits. Your safety should be your top priority. Consider alternative routes or seek advice from the San Bernardino National Forest office for the latest trail conditions before planning your hike.

Happy trails, and may the wilderness be with you!

The Forsee Creek Trailhead is accessible from Angelus Oaks, following CA-38 for approximately 15 minutes from the San Bernardino Peak Trailhead, with the final stretch being a bumpy dirt road.
Upon reaching the trailhead, remember to pack necessary gear for the challenging hike ahead, taking into account the potential for steep slopes, limited water sources, and the unpredictable weather.
Prepare for the possibility of mountaineering conditions, especially during winter, as the hike reaches high altitudes, and even in summer, the temperature can drop significantly on the San Bernardino Peak Divide.
Equip yourself with essential gear such as the Osprey Hikelite 26 daypack, Norda 001 trail runners, Garmin inReach Mini 2 for reliable SOS coverage, AllTrails Plus for trip reports and offline maps, and Garmin Fenix 8 for navigation and tracking.
Consider the CalTopo map and download the GPX file for a better understanding of the route, but be mindful of the recent trail damage on John's Meadow Trail, as it is in a poor condition with hazards like debris, fallen trees, loose rocks, and ash pits.
Your safety should be a priority, so understand the trail conditions before embarking on the hike, seeking advice from the San Bernardino National Forest office if necessary.
armed with the right gear, maps, and knowledge of the trail conditions, embrace the challenge of this unforgettable adventure in the San Gorgonio Wilderness and enjoy the beautiful, raw scenery as you conquer the San Bernardino East Peak trail.