Overview
On maps Dragons Head is Peak 10866 located south of Mount San Gorgonio in the San Gorgonio Wilderness. It's name comes from the summit block that appeas to some like a reptilian head.
The San Gorgonio Wilderness in part of the San Bernardino National Forest in Southern California. Located approximately 75 miles east of Los Angeles, the 58,969 acre San Gorgonio Wilderness contains two small lakes, meadows, streams, 100 miles of trail, densely forested northern slopes, and rugged terrain. Elevations range from 4,400 feet to 11,499 atop namesake Mt. San Gorgonio. Eleven of twelve peaks in the Wilderness recognized by U.S. Geological Survey maps are over 10,000 feet in height, with Mt. San Gorgonio being the highest.
Getting There
We started out at the Fish Creek Trailhead to get to Dragons Head. To reach the trailhead, turn right (south) off Highway 38 about 6 miles past the Barton Flats Visitor Center on Forest Service Road 1N02. Follow 1N02 until it forks right to 1N05. Follow 1N05 (not intended for low-slung autos) about 7 miles to the trailhead (8,180').
When To Climb
The road to the Fish Creek Trailhead is closed in the winter, so the best time of the year would be from April through October.
The San Gorgonio Wilderness during an average year may be snow-free from June through December. Brief thunder and lightning showers are a common occurrence during the afternoon generally in the months of July and August. Average summer temperatures are 75º F to 80º F degree highs, with nighttime lows of upper 40's and lower 50's (Fahrenheit).
The San Gorgonio Wilderness generally receives it's first snows in late December - during drier years not until mid to late January. Snowpack can and may exceed ten feet in some areas during the winter and spring. Daytime winter highs are approximately 30's to 40's, with nighttime lows around 0-20 degrees Fahrenheit (dependent upon elevation and localized weather occurrences).
Camping
For car camping information see:
Car Camping in the San Gorgonio Wilderness Area
If you want to do the trip as an overnight backpacking trip. Camping, with a permit, is available at:
Fish Creek Trail Camp (8,600') - 1.7 miles from the trailhead and water is available (normally) approximately 1/2 mile beyond Fish Creek Trail Camp where Fish Creek crosses the trail.
Fish Creek Saddle (9,900') - 5 miles from the trailhead. Water is obtained from Lodgepole Spring (9,000'), seven-tenths of a mile down a trace trail toward Dry Lake.
Mountain Conditions
The San Gorgonio Wilderness Association (a volunteer organization) maintains a very good website with lots of information and a message board:
The San Gorgonio Wilderness Association Site
Permits - Red Tape
PERMITS - A Visitor's Permit is required to enter the Wilderness. Permits are free. The trails do have quotas that limit the number of hikers or backpackers per day.
Permits may be obtained in person at the Mill Creek Ranger Station located at 34701 Mill Creek Road, Mentone, CA 92359 (909) 382-2882. Permits may also be obtained by mail up to 3 months in advance by faxing or mailing the permit application to the Mill Creek Ranger Station. Fax (909) 794-1125
Here's a link to the permit application:
Permit Application
ADVENTURE PASS - An Adventure Pass is also required for recreating in the Angeles, Cleveland, Los Padres or San Bernardino National Forests. The Adventure Pass costs $5.00 for a day or $30.00 annually.
For more information on the Adventure Pass, go to this site:
Adventure Pass Information
External LinksImages
|
