Rabbit Peak (6,640') from the Salton Sea ~ 17 Miles / 7,000' Elevation Gain

What: Rabbit Peak (6,640') the hard way - from the Salton Sea side. We start below sea level (-100'), cross the rocky desert floor, then climb relentlessly all day up to the peak (one section has well over 2,000' gain in a mile). This hike is not to be underestimated as it hikes harder than it's rated: it's usually about 16 hours of hiking time (that's right - no joke: 16 hrs to do 17 miles!). There are sections that are full of rock & cactus; steep climbs; places where you have to use your hands to climb up rocks; a very brushy section up high; etc. So sign-up to the wait list 1st, then I'll add you if I know you or think you're up to it.

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More info: We'll start our cross-country (no trails) desert hike about 100' below Sea Level @ the south end of Filmore Street, a dirt road in the middle of farming & citrus fields. We'll cross the very rocky desert floor (alluvial fan), then spend much of the day picking our way through rock & cactus while climbing (sometimes very steeply) up to eventually bag Rabbit Peak (6,640' - an Emblem peak on the Desert Peaks List) the high point of the southern Santa Rosa Mtns. where we'll sign the peak register & have a food break mid-afternoon. As we work our way back down we'll finish in the moon light long after dark (note: there's a great big, bright almost full moon that's up high in the sky at dark to serve as a giant spotlight as we finish well after dark - 11 PM?). See the pics:

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Details: this desert hike is approx. 17 cross-country (no trails) miles long with approx. 7,000' of elevation gain (uphill) as an estimate, BUT note that it hikes much harder than it's rated. Estimated hiking time: it's usually around 16 hours long, so approx. 7:00 AM - 11:00 PM or later depending on what the group can do & how things go returning in the moonlight long after dark.

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Bring: a minimum of 6 - 7 quarts or liters of H2O with electrolytes (you may need more if you drink a lot normally, I've had people go through 8) & have several liters / quarts in bottles that you can drop off & pick back up later on the way out in order to lighten your load for awhile, lots of snacks to eat WHILE MOVING (keep them handy), "real food" for the break @ the peak mid-afternoon, layers (jacket or fleece, beanie, gloves, etc for any wind up high & for late in the day & after dark), hat / sunglasses / sunscreen, a headlamp or light with FRESH / NEW BATTERIES for our long after dark descent & finish (many hours hiking in the dark: 3.5 - 4?), first aid, poles, gaiters, plastic comb & pointy tweezers for getting any cactus out, etc. It's critical to pre-hydrate by drinking ahead of time all day Fri. & again during breakfast in the AM Sat. & on the drive out to the hike.

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Other Tips For A Long Day: be prepared for a very long, rugged desert hike - bring lots of water with electrolytes in it (6 - 7 quarts or liters minimum, possibly more like 7 or 8 quarts for some who drink heavily; have @ least 2 liters/quarts in bottles that you can drop off on the way in & pick back up on the way out); pre-hydrate all day on Fri & on Sat. AM at breakfast / & also while driving out to the hike; wear white or lighter colored clothing as your first base layer to reflect the sun and stay cooler; bring electrolyte chews, pills, or tablets (shot blocks, etc.); have plenty of snacks including some salty things; hat / sunglasses / sunscreen; gaiters to keep stuff out of your boots; ... what else?! ....

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My hiking style: we'll stay together as a group for both camaraderie & safety; we snack & drink while we move except for short bathroom breaks or pictures as necessary; I'll take a 1/2 hr break at the peak mid-afternoon to eat real food / sign peak register; I prefer to hike at a bit faster then average pace if possible depending on what the group can do.

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Weather Links:

Desert Floor (start & finish only): http://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?lon=-116.12469&lat=33.41962#.U0I70ahdV5v

Rabbit Peak (6,640' - where we'll be mid-afternoon): http://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?lon=-116.23661&lat=33.43194#.U0J0pKhdV5t

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Contact me ahead of time if you have Q's: 619-315-9731 cell or stevefausset@gmail.com

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My Meetup Rules:

1. *WAIVER OF LIABILITY: This group, its organizer, assistant organizers, event organizers will not be held responsible for any injuries or accidents that may occur carpooling to and from hikes, or for any injuries or accidents before, during, and after group hikes. If you sign up and come on this hike outing you are acknowledging that you freely and voluntarily assume all risks of injuries and damages and agree to participate in the hike/outing.
2. No +1s or guests allowed - all attending must be group members that are signed up for this hike. This is for liability reasons & to allow me to see the profiles of those in our hiking group before we hike to screen & get a feel for the group.