Anderson Peak (California)

Anderson Peak

Anderson Peak is a high summit in Southern California’s San Bernardino Mountains, rising along the western side of the San Gorgonio high country. Located within the San Gorgonio Wilderness and San Bernardino National Forest, the mountain is part of a rugged chain of 10,000-foot peaks extending toward Jepson Peak and San Gorgonio Mountain.

Although Anderson Peak is less famous than nearby San Gorgonio, it is an impressive destination in its own right. Its high elevation, substantial prominence, long wilderness approaches, and proximity to several neighboring summits make it especially appealing to experienced Southern California hikers and peak baggers.

🏔️ Overview

Anderson Peak stands near the crest of the San Bernardino Mountains, west-northwest of Jepson Peak and San Gorgonio Mountain.

The summit is surrounded by the steep slopes, conifer forests, rocky ridges, springs, and high-elevation terrain characteristic of the San Gorgonio Wilderness. Unlike mountains that can be reached by a short trail or nearby road, Anderson Peak normally requires a long and strenuous wilderness hike.

Modern LiDAR-based measurements compiled by Peakbagger place the summit at approximately 10,871 feet (3,314 meters). Older maps and hiking references commonly list an elevation of about 10,840 feet (3,304 meters), so both figures may still be encountered.

⚡ Fast Facts

Fact	Details
Continent	North America
Country	United States
State/Province	California
County/Region	San Bernardino County
Mountain Range	San Bernardino Mountains
Parent Peak	Jepson Peak
Elevation	Approximately 10,871 ft / 3,314 m
Prominence	Approximately 901 ft / 275 m
Isolation	Approximately 2.78 mi / 4.47 km
Nearest Higher Neighbor (NHN)	Jepson Peak, east-southeast
Key Col	Dollar Lake Saddle
Coordinates	Approximately 34.1246° N, 116.8944° W
Protected Area	San Gorgonio Wilderness
Managing Agency	U.S. Forest Service

📍 Location

Anderson Peak is located in San Bernardino County in Southern California, within the San Gorgonio Wilderness portion of San Bernardino National Forest.

The mountain occupies the high ridge system east of San Bernardino Peak and San Bernardino East Peak and west of Shields Peak, Jepson Peak, and the main San Gorgonio massif.

This location places Anderson Peak within one of the greatest concentrations of high summits in Southern California. Several nearby peaks rise above 10,000 feet, allowing experienced hikers to combine Anderson with neighboring summits on demanding multi-peak trips.

📏 Elevation & Prominence

Peakbagger’s modern LiDAR-based data places Anderson Peak at approximately 10,871 feet (3,314 meters).

Older topographic maps and peak lists commonly give an elevation near 10,840 feet. The difference reflects changes in surveying and elevation-measurement methods rather than any meaningful change in the mountain itself.

Anderson Peak has approximately 901 feet (275 meters) of topographic prominence. Its key saddle is Dollar Lake Saddle, which separates it topographically from the higher terrain around Jepson Peak.

The summit has an isolation of roughly 2.78 miles (4.47 kilometers). Its nearest higher neighbor is Jepson Peak, located to the east-southeast.

For a fuller explanation of this measurement, see What Is Mountain Prominence?.

🪨 Geology

Anderson Peak is part of the San Bernardino Mountains, an east-west-trending range within Southern California’s Transverse Ranges.

The geology of the broader San Gorgonio region records a long history of igneous activity, metamorphism, faulting, uplift, and erosion. U.S. Geological Survey mapping shows that the wilderness contains extensive granitic and metamorphic rocks, including ancient crystalline formations that predate the modern mountain landscape by hundreds of millions of years.

The present-day San Bernardino Mountains owe much of their relief to tectonic deformation associated with the regional fault systems of Southern California, including the nearby San Andreas Fault. Uplift and erosion have produced the steep canyons, rocky ridges, high plateaus, and dramatic elevation changes that define the range today.

Anderson Peak is therefore part of a landscape shaped by both very old bedrock and comparatively recent tectonic uplift.

🌿 Flora & Fauna

The approaches to Anderson Peak cross several ecological zones as they rise from lower-elevation forest and chaparral into cooler high-mountain terrain.

Conifer forests dominate much of the upper San Gorgonio region, with trees adapted to cold winters, dry summers, strong winds, and seasonal snow. Lower elevations transition toward oak woodland, chaparral, and other drought-tolerant plant communities.

Wildlife found within the broader San Gorgonio Wilderness includes mule deer, black bears, mountain lions, bighorn sheep, small mammals, raptors, and numerous other mountain bird species.

The wide elevation range of the San Bernardino Mountains creates an unusual meeting place for desert-influenced, montane, and subalpine ecosystems.

Parts of the forest near the Forsee Creek approach were burned during the 2020 El Dorado Fire. Hikers may encounter burned trees, recovering vegetation, loose debris, and other lingering effects of the fire.

🥾 Hiking & Climbing Routes

Anderson Peak is primarily a hiking summit rather than a technical climbing objective in normal snow-free conditions. However, the long approaches, major elevation gain, high altitude, and sections of cross-country travel make it a strenuous outing.

Forsee Creek Trail

The Forsee Creek Trail is one of the principal approaches to Anderson Peak.

The Hundred Peaks Section describes a route of about 13 miles round trip with approximately 4,220 feet of elevation gain. The U.S. Forest Service lists roughly 4,360 feet of total elevation gain for Anderson Peak via Forsee Creek, so mileage and climbing totals can vary depending on the exact route and measurement method.

The route follows the Forsee Creek Trail into the San Gorgonio Wilderness and climbs toward Trail Fork Springs and the high divide. The final approach to Anderson Peak leaves the main trail for the summit.

In normal snow-free conditions, the route is generally considered Class 1, although hikers still need to be comfortable with wilderness navigation and off-trail travel.

From San Bernardino East Peak

Anderson Peak can also be combined with San Bernardino East Peak.

From San Bernardino East Peak, hikers can return to the ridge trail, continue east, and then leave the maintained trail for Anderson Peak. The Hundred Peaks Section describes this connection as approximately 1.5 miles one way with about 360 feet of additional elevation gain.

This makes Anderson Peak a natural extension of a longer trip along the San Bernardino crest.

From Shields Peak

Hikers approaching from the east can combine Anderson Peak with Shields Peak.

The two summits are separated by roughly 1.5 miles of trail and cross-country travel. Strong hikers sometimes include both peaks as part of a longer traverse of the high ridge.

Momyer Creek Trail

The Momyer Creek approach is considerably longer and more demanding.

The Hundred Peaks Section describes a route of roughly 16 miles round trip with about 5,170 feet of elevation gain. This option is a serious full-day wilderness hike and requires strong fitness, careful pacing, and adequate water.

🏔️ Field Guide Tip: Anderson Peak is a high-elevation wilderness hike where mileage tells only part of the story. Carry navigation tools, sufficient water, extra layers, a headlamp, and the other items covered in The Ten Essentials for Hiking. Check current trail conditions, weather, fire restrictions, closures, and permit requirements before leaving the trailhead.

🎫 Permits and Wilderness Regulations

Wilderness permits are required for day hiking and overnight trips in the San Gorgonio Wilderness. Permits are issued online through the San Gorgonio Wilderness Association, a Forest Service partner.

Current Forest Service regulations also limit group size to 12 people and prohibit campfires within the wilderness. Regulations, trail conditions, and closures can change, so hikers should confirm current requirements before every trip.

🌤️ Best Time to Visit

For ordinary hiking, the most accessible period is generally late spring through fall, after most winter snow has melted and before the next major snow season begins.

Conditions above 10,000 feet can be dramatically different from those in the surrounding Southern California valleys.

Summer

Summer generally provides the easiest snow-free access, but hikers should be prepared for:

Strong sun
High UV exposure
Limited water on exposed ridges
Afternoon thunderstorms
Rapid temperature changes

Fall

Early fall can offer excellent hiking conditions, with cooler temperatures and less heat exposure than midsummer.

However, shorter daylight hours become increasingly important on routes that can take most of a day.

Winter and Early Spring

Snow and ice can transform Anderson Peak into a much more serious mountain objective.

Winter travel may require traction equipment, winter navigation skills, appropriate clothing, and experience evaluating mountain hazards. Snow can persist at high elevations well into spring.

🧭 Nearby Mountains & Attractions

Anderson Peak lies among several of Southern California’s most notable high summits.

Jepson Peak

Jepson Peak rises east-southeast of Anderson Peak and is its nearest higher neighbor.

San Gorgonio Mountain

San Gorgonio Mountain is the highest mountain in Southern California and dominates the eastern portion of the San Bernardino high country.

San Bernardino Peak

San Bernardino Peak lies farther west along the crest and is one of the best-known summits in the range.

San Bernardino East Peak

San Bernardino East Peak lies between San Bernardino Peak and Anderson Peak and is commonly combined with Anderson during longer peak-bagging hikes.

Shields Peak

Shields Peak lies east of Anderson Peak and is another logical addition to a multi-summit traverse.

San Jacinto Peak

Farther south, San Jacinto Peak rises across San Gorgonio Pass and forms another of Southern California’s major high-mountain landscapes.

💡 Fun Facts

Anderson Peak rises above 10,800 feet, placing it among Southern California’s highest summits.
Modern LiDAR measurements place the summit slightly higher than the traditional 10,840-foot figure found in older references.
Jepson Peak is Anderson Peak’s nearest higher neighbor.
Anderson Peak’s key saddle is Dollar Lake Saddle.
The summit is included on the Sierra Club Hundred Peaks Section peak list.
Anderson can be combined with San Bernardino East Peak and Shields Peak on demanding multi-summit hikes.
The mountain lies within the federally protected San Gorgonio Wilderness.
Portions of the surrounding forest were affected by the 2020 El Dorado Fire and continue to recover.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

How high is Anderson Peak in California?

Modern LiDAR-based measurements place Anderson Peak at approximately 10,871 feet (3,314 meters) above sea level. Older maps and hiking references commonly list an elevation of about 10,840 feet (3,304 meters).

Where is Anderson Peak?

Anderson Peak is in the San Bernardino Mountains of San Bernardino County, Southern California. It lies within the San Gorgonio Wilderness and San Bernardino National Forest.

What is Anderson Peak’s prominence?

Anderson Peak has approximately 901 feet (275 meters) of topographic prominence.

What is the nearest higher mountain to Anderson Peak?

Jepson Peak, located east-southeast of Anderson Peak, is its nearest higher neighbor.

Is Anderson Peak difficult to hike?

The summit normally does not require technical climbing in snow-free conditions, but the standard routes are long and strenuous. Significant elevation gain, high altitude, wilderness navigation, and rapidly changing weather make Anderson Peak best suited to well-prepared hikers.

What is the main trail to Anderson Peak?

The Forsee Creek Trail is one of the principal approaches. A commonly used route is about 13 miles round trip with more than 4,000 feet of elevation gain.

Do you need a permit for Anderson Peak?

Yes. Wilderness permits are currently required for day hiking and overnight trips in the San Gorgonio Wilderness. Hikers should verify current rules before visiting.

Can Anderson Peak be hiked with other mountains?

Yes. San Bernardino East Peak and Shields Peak are natural additions to an Anderson Peak trip. Much longer itineraries can connect additional summits along the San Bernardino crest.

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