And Done! Or Not Done? Today was my 18th peak of the Six (Eighteen) Pack of Peaks Challenge. San Gorgonio, the tallest peak in Southern California at 11,503’. What a fitting peak to end my challenge. I started this year with the goal of completing the Six (Eighteen) Pack of Peaks Challenge in 3 months. So much for goals. ;p Almost six months from the date I started and I just managed to complete my final peak.
Today’s hike started at Vivian Creek Trailhead. The Camp Ground and entrance is closed and was still closed when I came down in the afternoon. I couldn’t see how many vehicles were in the lower lot when I got there. There were at least 5 and an RV. I was able to park right up front in the lot. However, as I returned to the lot after my hike it was like walking into a zoo. Crazy amount of people. The lot was full and overflowed about a mile down the street. Even the Momyer lot was pack. I’ve never seen so many people trying to crowd in to the lot. It took me about 20 minutes just to get out of the lot. Most were not hikers, just families trying to access the creek and the falls. There was also a heavy police and ranger presence at the entrance and in the lot. Crazy!!!
So the last time I hiked San G from Vivian Creek I logged 17.55 miles. Today however, due to the parking location and some planned detours, I managed 19.65 miles and 5561’ in total elevation gain. I stepped off right around 0445 from the lower parking lot. No surprises throughout the hike. The trail is in excellent condition. The first patch of snow I saw on the trail was at about the 6 mile mark. It was about a 15 to 20 foot section and was easy to navigate. From that point on the snow was very minimal and easy to cross. I brought spikes, but didn’t even consider bringing them out. There is plenty of water from Vivian Creek Camp to Halfway Camp. Then again at High Camp which is the last water point at about 3.5 miles from the summit.
The summit was awesome! Blue skies, mild temps and little to no wind. There were only a handful of hikers at the summit. But, of course it was early still. I think around 1030am. On the way down I probably past several dozen hikers and campers who were on their way up. I also had the pleasure of running into Claudia and Andrew at High Camp as I was descending. The last time I saw either of them (aside from Facebook) was during last year’s Climb for Heroes. Shortly after continuing my descent, I ran into another friend, Wendy Claproth, as her and her friend were on their way up
So what’s next? ROUND TWO! Eighteen peaks again before the end of the year. I’m planning several group hikes and several multiple peak hikes over the summer and fall. I looking forward to the challenges. Although plans may change between now and the end of the year. ;p ;p