This monument links the San Gorgonio Wilderness to Joshua Tree National Park and the San Bernardino National Forest. It includes lush desert oases, stunning cultural sites, and thirty miles of the Pacific Crest Trail. It’s a favorite for camping, hiking, horseback riding, photography, wildlife viewing, and skiing.
The majority of roads surrounding Sand to Snow National Monument are paved and in good condition, though some are quite twisty. Driving within the monument is limited to site access and in places may require a high clearance vehicle or 4WD.
HIGHWAY 38 is a scenic road that provides access to the charming town of Forest Falls as well as many trails and campsites.
PACIFIC CREST TRAIL is the West’s most iconic trail. Northern Trailhead is off Highway 38, at Onyx Trailhead. Southern access is off I-10 at the Haugen Lehman Exit. This is a difficult trail. Open seasonally.
SAN GORGONIO PEAK is accessible from several trailheads. It can be very strenuous to get to the top, but with a spectacular view as a reward. Refer to a guidebook for details. Open seasonally.
WHITEWATER CANYON ROAD, just off Interstate 10, gives access to the scenic Whitewater Preserve, the headwaters of the Whitewater River and Santa Ana River (southern California’s longest river) and the lower Monument trails system.
BIG MORONGO CANYON PRESERVE is a lush and leafy wild oasis. Stroll the Mesquite Trail’s boardwalks through a marshy maze of willows and cottonwoods. Nearly 250 avian species have been spotted at this jungle-like wetland surrounding Big Morongo Creek.
There are no services available within the Monument itself.
Visitor information is available at Big Morongo Canyon Preserve, Mission Creek Preserve, Whitewater Preserve, Mill Creek Ranger Station and Barton Flats Visitor Center.
Climb to the top of Mt San Gorgonio – on a clear day you can see all the way to Mt. Whitney! It’s a tough hike, so be prepared.
Watch bird migration at Big Morongo Preserve. Be sure to bring binoculars! Peak season is late March through mid-May.
Hike part of the Pacific Crest Trail – Easy-ish: Cottonwood to Mission Creek. Challenging: Onyx to Whitewater
Whitewater Preserve – Take a family picnic and walk the 3.6 mile Whitewater Canyon Loop Trail, accessible year-round. After the hike it will feel so good to dip your feet in that cold, clear river water!