[Jeff]

Hi Jae,

Yes, there is typically snow there in the winter, though conditions can vary depending on the latest weather. The hike logs are a good place to check conditions:

https://socialhiker.net/six-pack-peaks-challenge/southern-california/hike-logs/sawmill-mountain/

The last successful hikes up Sawmill were in mid-March. More recently, the road to the Nordic base was closed due to snow, but you can call the ranger station to confirm the latest status.

I hiked Sawmill and Pinos in the snow and used trekking poles and carried micro pikes and snowshoes. The microspikes were most helpful, but there were some sections en route to Sawmill where I put on snowshoes for a section. Probably didn't need to, but I had them, and carried them, so why not use them. The microspikes and trekking poles definitely helped though and I would recommend.

socialhiker.net

Sawmill Mountain Hike Logs

Sawmill Mountain

[Jeff]

Hi Shane,

Yes, you can hike the peaks from any trail, starting from any trailhead, mainly because it's not a competition where your time is compared to anyone else's, or a race to finish “first”. The Six-Pack of Peaks Challenge is designed to be a personal challenge. It should be a challenge for you.

We have some people who have completed the challenge for nine consecutive years (2024 will be their 10th). To keep it fresh, some have used different trails and routes from year to year. Others have hiked them (where permissible) as an overnight backpacking trip. Still others have completed summits as winter mountaineering treks (where winter snow is a factor).

And while it's not a competition, some have strived to hike all the peaks in the shortest time they can, or to complete the challenge twice in the same year.

The common thread? It should challenge you. The definition of challenge can be different. For many, it's a challenge to simply fit the range of hikes into their busy schedule, plan the drives and get it done while balancing everything else in life.

Hopefully the challenge motivates you to explore a bit outside the areas you might normally visit, or to push yourself a bit. Wherever you are at, I hope you find your challenge.

[Jeff]

I'm sending out additional 2023 finisher packets today (well, packing them anyway… for drop off at the post office tomorrow morning).

Here is the current status of finisher packets for all 2023 challenges (completed mailings in bold):

FINISHER PACKETS SENT

• Arizona Summer (complete)
• Arizona Winter (complete; note that this is the 2023 challenge)
• Bay Area (complete)
• Central Coast (partial)
• Central Oregon (complete)
• Pacific Northwest (complete)
• San Diego (complete)
• Southern California (partial)
• Utah (partial)

FINISHER PACKETS PACKAGED TODAY (3/3/24)

• Adirondacks (complete)
• Appalachian (complete)
• Central Coast (complete with the exception of Liz Fuentes — need mailing address)
• Colorado Rockies (complete)
• Lake Tahoe (complete)
• Las Vegas (complete)
• New England (complete)
• New Mexico (complete)
• Northern California (complete)
• Southern California (27 more… still over 100 to send)
• Utah (complete)

If you think you should've received a 2023 finisher packet but have not, please contact us on our support portal: https://support.socialhiker.net

[Jeff]

Fingers crossed that you get those permits!

Going up Half Dome via the cable route is something that I've done twice. The only piece of gear that I used were leather gloves (nothing fancy). I did see some people with Via Ferrata lanyard, but I didn't notice if they were wearing a climbing harness. What I've heard is that nobody rents these out due to liability issues. You may be able to find a harness and Via Ferrata lanyard used on Craigslist or FB marketplace, but you'll need to know how to properly wear the harness and use the lanyard.

Know that the vast majority of people to do the cable route up and down Half Dome use no clips or harness and have zero problems. Using clips can actually complicate things, distracting you from the surroundings and introducing risk.

There's a great blog post you can read on this very subject here. https://yosemitehouse.com/half-dome-safety-gear

My most recent trip of Half Dome I was accompanied by my girlfriend (now my wife). She got part way up the cables and panicked. I was up ahead of her, turned around and came back down to where she was and talked her through it.

The key is to don't worry about being slow or holding other people up. Wear leather gloves (the steel cables will have “frays” that you don't want to get into your hands). Work your way from one 2×4 to the next, stopping and resting at each as needed. Take your time.

Going back down, use your gloved hands as brakes to control your speed.

And most importantly, be aware of conditions. Don't attempt it if it is raining or even wet. The most important piece of safety gear is the gray matter between your ears.

I've attached a photo of my wife climbing up Half Dome (she's wearing the blue tank top and facing the camera). As you can see, there are 2x4s where you can stand and give your arms a bit of a rest. She made it to the top!

[Jeff]

I’m devoting Monday and Tuesday this week to catching up on those welcome packets. You’ll get an email with a tracking link when your packet ships.

[Jeff]

You finished in 2021? Just checking to be sure you didn’t mean 2023. I’m working on sending out finisher certificates. I have someone coming over Monday to help me pack them. You’ll get an email with a tracking link when it ships.

[Jeff]

Tough call. Difficultly is somewhat subjective and varies based on current conditions (I.e. snow). I’d look at five factors:

1. Proximity to other hikes
2. Mileage
3. Vertical gain
4. Top elevation
5. Current conditions

All of the hikes in the challenge are easily done in a day (or less) from Salt Lake City. Some of them have longer mileage and/vertical gain that should be factored in.

I could probably do three over three days, but I’d be happier doing two. 😉

[Jeff]

It depends. Are you looking to work your way up to longer, harder hikes? If so, I’d suggest Mount Umunhum next.

[Jeff]

Hi Sonia! I took 75 finisher packets to the post office two hours ago. I’m working my way through them.

[Jeff]

And yours was one of them! 😃

[Jeff]

No, as soon as you sign up for the challenge, you can start logging hikes (no need to wait for the hiker tag or welcome packet).

[Jeff]

Esteban, I will reship your finisher packet. No worries.

[Jeff]

Mandie is correct. You have through December 31st.

[Jeff]

I can't really get more specific than in my response yesterday, where I said “…I’m sending welcome packets out to the Legacy Challengers first, then by date registered. I have a few hundred to pack and ship, so it will likely run into next week before I can catch up.

I have the pins, the stickers, etc. and most of the “ingredients”. When your welcome packet ships, you’ll get an automated email with a tracking link so you can check the delivery progress.

I’ll post updates here in the forum.”

The issue is that items like carabiners, shipping materials and other key items keep getting delayed, so I cannot rely on the dates they give me. See the UPS screenshot for a case in point.

[Jeff]

Hi Joshua, Nicolas and others waiting patiently for their welcome packets.

Today I have printed the remaining finisher certificates for the 2023 NorCal and Bay Area challenges. According to UPS, mailing tubes will arrive by 9pm tonight, so they can be shipped tomorrow.

I'm sending welcome packets out to the Legacy Challengers first, then by date registered. I have a few hundred to pack and ship, so it will likely run into next week before I can catch up.

I have the pins, the stickers, etc. and most of the “ingredients”. When your welcome packet ships, you'll get an automated email with a tracking link so you can check the delivery progress.

I'll post updates here in the forum.