Ambassador Spotlight: Sonia Pancratz

Tell us a little bit about yourself. What do you do when you’re not hiking? 

I am married and a mom of three teenage boys and also four dogs.  I enjoy spending time with family and friends.

I love to travel and explore our beautiful world.  I am a Dental Hygienist as well as a Professional Photographer.

I enjoy living life to the fullest.

What has the Six-Pack of Peaks Challenge meant to you? 

The Six-Pack of Peaks has been a great way to incorporate my love of the outdoors with travel and adventure.  I have met so many great people and new friends while summiting these peaks.

What is your favorite hike in the Six-Pack of Peaks and why? 

I love Mt. Baden Powell because the view is so beautiful and the old gnarly tree near the top always makes me smile.

I also love Mt. Baldy because the view at the summit is so wonderful.  Truly all of these mountains have been fun exploring.

Share one of your most memorable adventures. What makes it so special? 

I have done the Six Pack of Peaks Challenge for the past two years.  I started doing the challenge immediately after learning about it and after moving to SoCal from Texas. In 2021 I did the challenge three times and completed the San Diego Six-Pack of Peaks Challenge as well. I finished the San Diego and SoCal Challenge two years in a row. I'm in my third year now.   

The past two years I have backpacked with friends to the summit of San Gorgonio for the Fourth of July and watched the fireworks over the  cities below.  I set my tent up on the edge of the mountain and I enjoyed the sunset and sunrise from my tent. Truly stunning!

What’s one piece of gear that you never hike without?

I never hike without my ten essentials, headlamp x2 + extra batteries, water filter, extra jacket and an extra knee brace.

Share a quote, song, or another inspirational item that helps get you through the toughest hikes/life moments.

I downloaded the “Rocky” theme songs and play them in my mind or in an earpiece upon reaching each summit

What upcoming adventures are you looking forward to in the year ahead?

I've already started the Six Pack of Peaks for 2022.  I use these hikes to train for Mt. Everest Base Camp, of which I am heading there in March of 2022.

As well as Mt. Whitney and other backpacking trips.

Share a fun fact about you that most people wouldn’t know.

I tried out for Survivor 3, and also The Price is Right…I've been skydiving, scuba diving with sharks and have been bitten by a rattlesnake. 

Is there anything else you wish I would have asked you or anything you would like to add? 

I love adventures and trying new things.  I love helping others reach their goals too

Editors note: Sonia just celebrated her birthday a few days ago and is heading out soon on an epic trip to hike Mount Everest Base Camp! Go to her profile and wish her luck and safe travels 🙂

You can find Sonia here on Social Hiker, and on Instagram @sonia_hikerbabes_malibu