[Jeff]

Hi Angelique and welcome to the Six-Pack of Peaks Challenge!

1. For the SoCal Challenge, your VW Golf should be fine up to all 11 peaks currently in the challenge, with the possible exception of Santiago Peak (depending on which trailhead you use).
2. I've personally hiked all six of the original SoCal Six-Pack of Peaks as both day hikes AND overnight trips — with the exception of Mount Baldy (yet). Many of the peaks are “dry” most of the time, so you'll need to carry enough water to hike in, hike out, and for dinner and breakfast. It's a fun way to do the hikes, or to do them differently if you've never done that before.
3. Layer, layer, layer. The weather can be unpredictable in the mountains. People take the tram up from Palm Springs, and can get caught in snow. I like to use https://www.mountain-forecast.com as one of the resources I check. When moving, layer down. When you stop, layer up.
4. Many trailheads do not have any facility (no pit toilet or porta-potty). Be prepared for the possibility that you'll have to hide behind a bush or tree. Bring some TP and a zip-lock bag, and pack out your used TP. If you need to do #2, find a spot about 50 ft off trail, dig a hole at least 6″ deep and bury your poo (but still pack out the used TP). The nice thing about doing this outdoors is that you don't deal with the typical stench found in most pit toilets. Some actually prefer it. Just don't forget that you can't do this once you get back into “civilization.” 🙂

[Jeff]

We typically have a number of people who complete all the peaks in the challenge. I like the “SoCal Sweep” name though. We might have to create a special badge for that. 😉

[Jeff]

Hi Daniel! Don't worry… we haven't sent out the 2021 SoCal certificates and patches yet.

We wanted to give all the challengers ample time to log their hikes. We always have a few stragglers who realize at the end of the year that they didn't log some (or even any) of their hikes yet, so we leave the hike log form open for the first 7-10 days of the new year.

Also, across the various challenges we have over 700 finisher certificates to mail out! My wrist gets sore just thinking about all those signing all those certificates, but man is it worth it.

We will post an update here when they start going out.

[Jeff]

Hi Danielle!

You're welcome packet was mailed on 12/29 (you should've received an “order complete” email). I've emailed you to confirm that we have the correct mailing address. Look for my email and we will fix this.

We are still running behind on welcome packets, generally. Yesterday we caught up on all new registrations through January 2nd.

[Jeff]

Hi Michelle! You are part of both of those challenges. You can check this on your profile. Go to Groups and you will see them both listed.

If you have trouble logging a hike, contact support@socialadventures.net and we will help you.

[Jeff]

Hi Michelle! I see the 2021 finisher badge on your profile, and you are number 370 on the finisher list: https://socialhiker.net/six-pack-peaks-challenge/southern-california/finishers-2021-socal-six-pack-of-peaks-challenge/

Congratulations!

Finishers: 2021 SoCal Six-Pack of Peaks Challenge

[Jeff]

Hi Joyce!

San Jacinto is a great place to practice in the snow. That was one of my first snow summits. The fact that you're going prepared to turnaround without hitting the summit is a huge factor in your favor.

The big issue on San Jacinto is whether there is tread already established in the snow, and if it's accurate. Navigation is much more difficult in snow.

The other question I have: Have you had any training in how to travel in crampons and use an ice axe for self arrest? When I hiked up San J in the snow, it wasn't frozen or crusty, so neither crampons or ice axe where required. Instead, I was post-holing. What I really needed were snowshoes.

If the snow was frozen and/or consolidated (packed) where you didn't sink in, I would suggest microspikes over crampons.

You can check the Long Valley webcam to get an idea of current conditions:

https://pstramway.com/long-valley-cam/

[Jeff]

It's a great idea. Right now, our supplier doesn't offer bandanas (either square or triangular “dog” bandanas). I've looked at options out there, but they are pricey. Our cost would be ~$17 per bandana, without any markup.

I ran across a local vendor who does neat triangular bandanas with snaps for dogs. I was interested, then I saw they were selling for $35 (her designs). I passed.

If I could find a source where I could either order on demand or purchase some reasonable quantity in bulk and keep the cost down, I'd consider adding them. I'll keep looking, but if you or anyone else knows of a good source, let me know!

[Jeff]

Jason, a timely post. We are looking at dropping Mission Peak (too crowded), adding Rose Peak back in (and hopefully Mount Sizer). We are always looking for a few more good peaks to consider, so let's hear your suggestions!

[Jeff]

Payton hit the nail on the head. 🙂

It's loosely based on the “First Day Hikes” organized by the association of state parks. We are trying to come up with some additional surprises like this throughout the year.

Incidentally, though I didn't hike one of the Six-Pack of Peaks mountains on New Year's Day, I do have a tradition of hiking Pilot Butte in Bend in time to catch the sunrise.

[Jeff]

Yes, it's on your profile as well!

[Jeff]

Our Lucy is fluffy, too. And she loves the snow!

[Jeff]

What a cutie! Bentley has similar coloring to Lucy.

[Jeff]

Thanks Jon! This looks pretty awesome. I'll be in touch with them to see what we can do.

[Jeff]

Hi Roland! I see your finisher badge on your profile here: https://socialhiker.net/members/rolandinc/

And you are #64 on the Finishers List: https://socialhiker.net/six-pack-peaks-challenge/northern-california/finishers-2021-norcal-six-pack-of-peaks-challenge/

Finishers: 2021 NorCal Six-Pack of Peaks Challenge