Santiago Peak popping out of a layer of smog over the Los Angeles Basin.

Location: N34.1101 W116.9539

A chipmunk is enjoying the magnificient view from the top of San Gorgonio Mountain, also known locally as Mount San Gorgonio, or Old Greyback. It is the highest peak in Southern California at 11,499 feet (3,505 m), located in the San Gorgonio Wilderness.

Several trails lead to the broad summit of San Gorgonio Mountain, which rises only a few hundred feet (100 m) above the tree line. Any route requires well over 4,000 feet (1,200 m) in elevation gain, with "Vivian Creek Trail" being the shortest but steepest at 16 miles roundtrip / 5600' elevation gain.

You will need a (free) wilderness permit to hike in any part of the San Gorgonio Wilderness, which can be obtained at the local ranger stations.

Location: N34.10507 W116.83295