Mt. Wilson via Sierra Madre (Level 3 / Strenuous)

2014 was the warmup -- make 2015 the hiking year of your life!

Join the Wilson Smash campaign (a 4-pack weekly training hike up Mt. Wilson via Sierra Madre only) before punching your ticket for the Baldy Bash campaign (a future 4-pack). After shattering your goals with Smash and Bash, you will be primed for this Spring, Summer and Fall to hit the Sierra's, Rockies, Grand Canyon, Utah and everywhere else HikingOC ventures or da' heart desires (Arkansas anybody?).

The first two hikes up Mt. Wilson via Sierra Madre will be "moderately" paced and serve as a personal test for those who have been actively hiking this winter on a steady diet of strenuous local hikes in the OC. Training on Mt. Wilson shall allow your body and mind to appreciate altitude (i.e., oxygen, or the lack thereof) and attitude (i.e., pain with a big old smile). Hikes No. 3 and 4 will be limit pushers (i.e., look ma' no training wheels).

So, I must inquire, Wilson can you still have fun?

http://photos4.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/9/a/9/5/600_433599573.jpeg

Yes, the goal for the Wilson Smash campaign is for everyone to improve their fitness and confidence on a weekly basis. You must, however, know your limits but want to smash them -- SAFELY!

Wilson.... duh-dunt, duh-dunt! Wilson, duh-dunt, duh-dunt!

Da' Facts of Hike

• Distance: ~ 14'ish miles

• Gain: ~ 4700 ft

• Elevation: 5,712 ft ASL

• Trail type: Single/Double file, out and back same way

• Hike Duration: 8 hours (including lunch break up top)

• Water: carry minimum of 3 liters from trail head (no re-fill along trail)

• Pace: 2.0 MPH (total average)

• Shade: ~ 66% covered

• Buggy: Can be, so protect yo-self!

*** General Rating / Difficulty ***

This hike is rated Level 3/Strenuous due to terrain, pace and elevation gain. Click RATING TABLE (http://files.meetup.com/1554500/RATING%20TABLE.pdf) to learn more about hike levels. I reserve the right to admit/excuse any member from this hike. Know your limits!!!

*** What to Bring ***

Positive mental attitude, a lotta heart, hiking poles, plenty of WATER, hat/sunscreen, layers, snacks/light lunch and the Ten Essentials (https://www.meetup.com/HikingOC/messages/boards/thread/9535234).

*** What to Lose ***

Permanently rid yourself of any creepy nature and/or stalking tendency before attending this event. Do not attend this hike (or any other for that matter) and make any person uncomfortable, fearful or nervous about your presence. Hiking is and shall remain an enjoyable activity. Any personal interactions on this day shall be conducted in a positive, constructive and conscientious manner. Any failure to adhere to this ethos will result in immediate removal - pre-hike, mid-hike and/or post-hike - in addition to your removal from all future hikes.

*** DISCLOSURE ***

By joining the meetup, you agree to Meetup Terms of Service and release the Organizer and Assistant Organizers from any liability related to incidents that occur at Meetup gatherings. YOU ACKNOWLEDGE THAT WE ARE NOT PROFESSIONALS. YOU FULLY AND FREELY ASSUME ALL RESPONSIBILITY FOR YOURSELF AND YOUR SAFETY.

*** Hiking is a rewarding and pleasant activity in nature, but there are certain dangers and risks that you should be fully aware of and understand. Those include, but are not limited to, trip and fall injuries, bee stings, poison oak exposure, ticks, mountain lions, coyote, snake bites or wildlife. By signing up for this event, you freely accept and fully assume all such risks and agree to hold harmless the hike organizer, assistant organizers and other participants of this event.