Departure: approx. 9:45am

Time to Summit: 58 minutes 48.2 seconds

Time to Descend: 58 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 56 minutes 48 seconds

After a couple of trips up Mount Wilson earlier this month to get my legs and lungs used to moving uphill again post-COVID, I decided this weekend I was ready to begin the challenge. I plan on doing all 9-Peaks (some I'll snag two in a day like Ontario and Cucamonga) but I figured I'll go by order of increasing elevation for the first few and start with little Sitton.

I went alone with an ultra-light gear load: 2-Liters water in camel back, basic first aid, energy bar and gels, field knife and some electronic navigation tools. All together I think I was carrying between 5-7 pounds the whole trip. I took such a light load anticipating my feet would want to move swiftly over the mellow inclines of this hike (which I was correct and this ‘hike' turned into more of a run). I hadn't been up this trail since my days of high-school cross-country some 20ish years ago, so while it was familiar, a lot had changed: mainly regarding the view from the top.

Also the steep final ascent has become more washed out and the water run-offs are much deeper than two decades ago despite obvious efforts of trail maintenance (thank you whoever you are for keeping it up the way you have), but with proper shoes and good balance it wasn't difficult to negotiate. Some hiking poles might have been useful a few times, but the added weight wouldn't have been worth it overall-at least for me.

All-in-all it was a pleasant spring day with gorgeous views and there couldn't have been a better opportunity to start this challenge with a quick time.

I plan on doing Strawberry Peak this coming weekend, either 4/3 or 4/4… anybody who would like to join please reach out to me!!! I plan on trying to run as much as possible, but will happily keep it to a moderate hiking pace if it means enjoying some company.

-Chris

661.312.3108