2 min
Overview
Wilderness. A word for regions wilder than what wild alone can describe. Desert to tundra, it is weirdly defined by the variety of texture it represents underneath the allure of remote, even foreboding adventure. And while easily compared across ecosystems, this breadth of texture is just as easily found across opposite sides of a backcountry trail. John’s Meadow is a perfect example. The well-kept trail to this former campground in the San Gorgonio Wilderness sports spectacular views, a creek crossing, and the feeling of near solitude in the dense forest of the San Bernardino Mountains. If you can make it up the rocky access road, and tough out the path’s initially steep grade, you’re in for a worthy wilderness experience. Officially designated in 1964, the San Gorgonio Wilderness has grown to encompass just shy of 100,000 acres on the eastern slope of the San Bernardino Mountains. It’s one of five wilderness areas within San Bernardino National Forest, but the only one found within the fledgling Sand to Snow National Monument, established by President Barack Obama in 2016. True to that name, the Wilderness area is sandwiched between the Mojave desert to the east and snowcapped peaks to the west, playing host to multiple ecosystems across 9,000 feet of elevation change. With over forty trails accessed across eight trailheads, it’s a veritable backcountry treasure chest. CA-38 will take you into the national forest, a winding, picturesque drive with a number of turnouts worth dawdling in. But the adventure starts on Forsee Creek Road, a dirt track filled with rocks and divots. If you can, opt for a vehicle with higher clearance and four-wheel drive, and take it slow. Parking is fortunately not a concern up at trailhead. There aren’t likely to be many people crowding this hike, there’s plenty of space, and it’s free—unlike the parking at Barton Flats, where you can also pick up the trail. For a wilderness area, the trail is practically pristine, fantastically maintained end to end. The first quarter mile is the
Trail Stats
10.5 km
241 m
2229 m
2057 m
—
Photos
Trail photo
No caption provided.
Trail photo
No caption provided.
Trail photo
No caption provided.
Trail photo
No caption provided.
Trail photo
No caption provided.
Trail photo
No caption provided.
Trail photo
No caption provided.
Trail photo
No caption provided.
Trail photo
No caption provided.
Trail photo
No caption provided.
Trail photo
No caption provided.
Trail photo
No caption provided.
Trail photo
No caption provided.
Trail photo
No caption provided.
Trail photo
No caption provided.