Snowshoeing for Newbies in the San Gorgonio Wilderness

UP THE TRAIL TIME: 8:00 AM

NO ANSWER THE PESKY QUESTIONS, NO GO ON THE PRETTY SNOWSHOE HIKE

This trip is planned to be in the 5 to 6-mile range round trip. Between the extra weight carried and exertion level this will be the equivalent or a 10 to 12-mile 3 season hike.

ABOUT THIS TRIP: THIS IS RESTRICTED TO NEWBIES OR THOSE WITH VERY LIMITED SNOWSHOEING EXPERIENCE. THIS IS NOT A CRUISE CONTROL TRIP, SINCE WINTER HIKING IS NOT A CRUISE CONTROL ACTIVITY.

The route will be determined by the participants. There are a lot places fun places to go. We can discuss them during the day. Figure on traveling off trail at least half the time.

This is not like regular go-go-go summer hike. Think of winter travel as a fashion show…on with jacket, off with the jacket, windstopper hat on, windstopper hat off, baseball hat on…etc. You need to stay as dry as possible. Bring extra gloves, hats, etc.

If you bring your GPS receiver and maps, I will show how to get unlost in about 20 seconds.

REQUIRED: Snowshoes, Trekking Poles, High Gaiters and 10 Hiking Essentials

RECOMMENDED: Glacier Glasses or very dark sunglasses, Microspikes and enough clothing and extra food to survive a night out in the wild if you really screw up.

OPTIONAL: GPS

DIRECTIONS: From I-10, exit University Ave. Go north through U of Redlands to Lugonia (CA-38) where you should turn right but only if you want to reach Mill Creek Ranger Station in Mentone, which is located just beyond Bryant. If you start hiking up the Vivian Creek Trailhead, you know you’ve gone too far.

WHOM DO I SUE: This is not an official organization chartered to make certain any level of safety greater when you venture into the Wilderness by your lonesome, if you want something like that seek out the Sierra Club with their rules, regulations and signed waivers of liability. Do not expect organizer(s) to check the qualifications of anyone you are hiking or climbing with. Any questions asked of you when you sign up is to ensure the organizer(s) safety, nothing more. If you have doubts about going on this particular meetup, you should find someone you trust, go alone or choose not to participate.