Trail heads up side of south California divide

The Momyer Creek Trail climbs up the south side of the San Bernardino
Peak Divide.

This entry originally was written for and published by the Uken Report.

With temperatures across the Coachella Valley still hovering in the low 100s, you'll need to gain some elevation to hike comfortably. One good option is the San Gorgonio Wilderness, which surrounds Southern California's highest mountain.

Try the Momyer Creek Trail (1E06), which can be shortened to a 5.2-miles round trip day hike that gains about 1850 feet in elevation. Temps top out there at the mid-70's to mid 80's during early September, though the higher you go, the cooler it gets.

To reach the trailhead, from the Coachella Valley take Interstate 10 west across the Banning Pass. In Calimesa, exit right/northeast onto Sandalwood Drive; as the road curves north, it becomes Fifth Street and enters Yucaipa. When the street ends, turn right/northeast onto Oak Glen Road then left/north onto Bryant Street. At Calif. Hwy. 38/Mill Creek Road, go right/northeast.

You'll begin a gradual climb in the mountains alongside Mill Creek. Turn onto Valley of the Falls Drive by continuing straight-right/east, remaining alongside the creek. Upon coming to Forest Falls, watch for the Momyer Creek Trailhead on your left/north; it is listed as Forest Road 1S42 on maps but really is just a large parking area. The turn is about 100 yards before the fire station.

The trailhead is on the lot's northwest corner. You're starting at 5400 feet elevation in the Sand to Snow National Monument.

Creek crossing
Within 150 feet, the trail crosses the broad wash of Mill Creek and then a tributary, Alger Creek. At this time of year, you'd be lucky to see a trickle in either stream, but during spring, especially right after a snowfall or rain in the higher elevations, it can be fast moving and even deep. If that's the case, don't cross.

Next the trail switchbacks up a ridgeline at the bottom of San Bernardino East Peak, which tops out at 10,617 feet. The slightly higher Anderson Peak, at 10,840 feet is to the east while the slightly lower San Bernardino Peak, at 10,578 feet, is to the west.

If you're looking for solitude, this is a great trail to hike. It's rarely used but other than the rocky crossing of the Mill Creek wash is well-maintained and easy to follow.

The trail also will be green. Oaks and pines line the route.

If hiking in winter or spring, you'll likely encounter snow along the way, usually starting around 6200 feet.

Options
At about 2.6 miles, the trail splits. The Momyer Creek Trail goes left and continues up the ridge to the San Bernardino Peak Divide Trail, which will take you to each of the previously mentioned peaks. The Alger Creek Trail goes right and descends into a draw with Alger Creek at the bottom. Alger Creek Camp is on the trail to the right and about 1.1 miles away.

The split marks a good spot to turn back if looking for just a day hike. You're at about 7250 feet elevation.

Though the trail can be used to reach the top of Mount San Gorgonio, no wilderness permit is needed to hike this part of the route. Either an Adventure Pass or an America the Beautiful pass is needed for your vehicle, though.

The trail is named for Joe Momyer, who during the 1960s worked to protect what is now the San Gorgonio Wilderness from development and got it included in the Wilderness Act of 1964.

Learn more about national park day hiking trails in my Best Sights to See at America’s National Parks series.

Momyer Creek Trail top map. Click for larger version.