Wow, this was a day! 18.5 miles and just shy of 10 hours out in nature. All the other hikes we have completed this year have been in the 8 – 12 mile range so we knew that this was going to be a long day walking. We prepared by getting a hotel in San Bernardino so that we could get an early start (although that plan went out the window due to some lost sunglasses and forgotten bug spray). The weather was perfect, warm but not too hot and the trail was in good condition.

I was feeling much better than our previous hike at Mt Baldy, and although this was longer (and as steep in places) I found this to be easier, but much longer, to hike. Consistent with online descriptions of the trail, the first mile or so is a steep climb but it wasn't something that we found to be too difficult, after that middle part of the trail was a relatively easy hike. The San Gorgonio wilderness is a pretty area to hike and we thoroughly enjoyed the views as we worked our way up past the two campgrounds and up the switchbacks just past the High Creek camp. However, the last 2 miles to the summit were an effort! The longer distance relative to our previous hikes, the significant incline and the altitude made the last stretch to reach the summit made this the hardest stretch of any of our hikes this year. After having no real concerns making it up the first 7 miles, those last two were slow going and we were happy to finally reach the summit and we enjoyed a well earned lunch. One thing to note, while the temperature for the majority of the hike was pleasant, the last half mile is windier and much colder so an extra layer is recommended.

The way down was just an exercise of getting back to the car that just kept on going. We made good time down the mountain and made it back well before the sun started to fade, but we were feeling the effects of this hike for the next couple of days. Overall, this was a really enjoyable hike and the last couple of miles really make you earn that summit.