San Gorgonio-Jenks Lake-A Great Weekend Destination

Travel — By on September 6, 2011 at 10:42 am
 
 
 

Jenks Lake, a 6-7 mile hike near the San Gorgonio Campground is a scenic and beautiful location.

By Nancy Somers

A great weekend destination is close by in the San Bernardino Mountains. San Gorgonio campground is a great place get away from the city and relax. There are many great hiking and mountain bike trails. The campground itself is great for a leisurely bike ride. You will enjoy the scenery and it is a great place for bird watching. You can see Blue Jays, Woodpeckers, and more. The flowers are beautiful and plentiful from all the winter rain and snow. In fact there was still snow on the mountains in June. 

 

 

Jenks Lake Ducks.

It is an easy drive up from Hwy 210 in Redlands on Hwy 38. The road is well maintained and it takes about 30-40 minutes. The campsites are spacious among the Pine and Oak trees. There is a picnic table and fire ring at each site. Firewood is available for a fee. There is a campground host to assist you. The campground has flush toilets and hot showers. You usually don’t need reservations except on holidays. The fee is $20 per night plus a fee for extra vehicles. It is about 6000 ft elevation so it does get chilly at night. If San Gorgonio is full you might try Barton Flat campground about 1 mile away. About 6 miles away is Angelus Oaks, with a store and cabins. Big Bear Lake is about 30 miles from San Gorgonio. 

 

A great day hike is to Jenks Lake. About 6-7 miles roundtrip. You hike through Barton Flats and then up a fire road to the Lake. This lake looks like it is in the High Sierra’s. This is a beautiful small mountain lake stocked with rainbow trout and you may also find bluegill, bass, and catfish. No motorboats allowed. Canoes and kayaks are for rent. It is so peaceful and beautiful. There is also a trail to hike around the lake. Even if you can’t go camping at one of these campgrounds this is a great place to come for the day and have a picnic and hike.

 
 

 

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