Not So Casual Hikes Orange County

Altitude Series: South Fork to San Gorgonio via Dry Lake (~22.5mi/4,724ft)

Sat, Jun 27 · 6:30 AM PDT

South Fork Trail, South Fork Trail 1E04, 40800-40894 Jenks Lake Rd W, Angelus Oaks, CA 92305, Angelus Oaks, CA, US

Join us for the next hike in our Altitude Series, a structured training track designed to build endurance, pacing, and elevation tolerance for larger mountain routes, including Mt. Whitney and other high-altitude objectives.

This route climbs San Gorgonio Mountain from South Fork Trailhead through forested lower sections before continuing toward Dry Lake and the upper San Gorgonio Wilderness. From there, we’ll continue to the summit of San Gorgonio Mountain, the highest peak in Southern California at 11,503 ft.

Route distance is ~22.5 miles round trip with ~4,724 ft of elevation gain. Target time is 8 to 10 hours depending on pace, conditions, and stops. Expect a long endurance-focused day at altitude with sustained climbing, extended time above 9,000 ft, and rocky terrain.

Here’s the full activity from our recent Altitude Series benchmarks, including all splits and details, to give a clear sense of how each day flows:

[Altitude Series] Cucamonga Peak | Benchmark 1 | NSC | Hike | Strava
[Altitude Series] Mt. Baden-Powell | Benchmark 2 | NSC | Hike | Strava
[Altitude Series] Big Horn and Ontario Peak | Benchmark 3 | NSC | Hike | Strava
[Altitude Series] Mt. Baldy | Benchmark 4 | NSC | Hike | Strava
[Altitude Series] San Bernardino Peak | Benchmark 5 | NSC | Hike | Strava
[Altitude Series] San Jacinto via Marion Mountain | Benchmark 6 | NSC | Hike | Strava
[Altitude Series] San Gorgonio via South Fork | Benchmark 7 | NSC | Hike | Strava

Who This Hike Is Suited For:

• Hikers comfortable with 15+ mile routes
• Ability to sustain a steady climbing pace on long uphill terrain
• Ability to maintain continuous forward movement for 8–10 hours
• Experience fueling and hydrating during extended efforts

Group Size & Admission Policy: Group size is intentionally limited to maintain safety, cohesion, and steady mountain pacing on long, sustained routes.

All hikers will initially be placed on the waitlist. Admission is based on pace compatibility and experience with sustained elevation routes.

First-Time Participants:
If you have not previously hiked with us on a comparable route, please message the organizer with:

1. Date of your most recent 15+ mile hike
2. Distance, elevation gain, and completion time
3. Your average moving pace
4. Comparable peaks or routes completed

Submission of this information does not guarantee admission. We intend to keep the group intentionally small and will admit hikers off the waitlist as space allows, based on overall pace compatibility and training alignment.

Trailhead: South Fork Trailhead
Parking: South Fork Trailhead parking area. Adventure Pass required.
Route Map: https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/california/south-fork-trail-to-san-gorgonio-mountain-via-dry-lake?u=i&sh=pxabuh

Essentials:
• Water, minimum 4L
• Electrolytes
• Snacks/fuel
• Hat, sunscreen, sunglasses
• Hiking poles recommended, especially for the descent
• Offline maps/navigation recommended

Note on Punctuality & RSVP: Please be on time. We’ll wait up to 5 minutes past the start. If you’re running late, you can post your ETA in the event discussion, but the group may still begin without you. If your plans change, please update your RSVP so we know who to expect on the trail.

Disclaimer & Safety Notice: Not So Casual Hikes are challenging outings designed for hikers in strong shape who know their limits and show up prepared. Organizers are volunteers, not guides, and cannot be responsible for your pace, navigation, or safety.

We hike at a steady pace and the group may spread out. Please be prepared to navigate independently if you fall behind, though we’ll aim to check in at major junctions when possible.

By signing up, you accept full responsibility for your fitness, gear, hydration, and navigation, and agree to hold harmless the Organizer, Co-Organizer, Assistant Organizers, and fellow participants for any incidents or injuries. Participation also means you agree to Meetup’s Terms of Service.

Hiking carries inherent risks, including trip/fall injuries, bee stings, poison oak, ticks, snakes, coyotes, or mountain lions. Be prepared for sun exposure, heat, wind, or other conditions depending on the day.

July 4th in Crystal Cove: Lizard, Laurel, Willow & Emerald (8-11mi)

Sat, Jul 4 · 6:30 AM PDT

Pacific Ridge Trailhead, Ridge Park Rd, Newport Beach, CA, US

If your July 4th plans start later, spend the morning on the trail with us.

Join us for an ~11-mile loop hike through Crystal Cove State Park and Laguna Coast Wilderness. This route features diverse landscapes, taking you along Bommer Ridge, Lizard Trail, Laurel Canyon, Willow Canyon Road, and Emerald Canyon, with a stop at Old Emerald Falls for a rewarding finish.

Optional Shorter Route (~8 miles):

If you prefer a less strenuous option, you can bypass Emerald Canyon. After reaching Willow Canyon Road, return to the trailhead via Bommer Ridge. This alternative route still offers great views and an excellent workout, covering approximately 8 miles.

Please Note: Not So Casual means our hikes double as a workout — brisk pace, solid climbs, and an endurance challenge paired with a friendly, supportive group vibe. Come prepared with gear, water, and your best effort, and you’ll fit right in. The group moves at a steady, moderate-to-fast pace and may not wait if you fall behind, so please know your limits and be ready to hike at this level — or plan to finish on your own, ideally by pairing up with someone at a similar pace.

Meeting Details:

• Location: Pacific Ridge Trailhead, Ridge Park Road, Newport Beach, CA 92657
• Meeting Point: Ridge Park Entrance (at the dead end of Ridge Park Road near the trailhead sign).
• Parking: Free street parking available.

Hike Details:

• Difficulty: Moderate to challenging
• Distance/Elevation Gain:
• Full Loop: ~11 miles, ~1900 feet cumulative gain.
• Shorter Route: ~8 miles, bypassing Emerald Canyon.

Essentials:

• Traction hiking shoes
• Water (2L+; electrolytes recommended)
• Sunglasses & sunscreen
• Hat or sun protection

Route Details:

Start: Ridge Park Entrance
Trail Sequence:
Bommer Ridge - Lizard Trail - Laurel Canyon - Willow Canyon Road - Emerald Canyon (optional: continue to the REI Bridge, then return to Old Emerald Falls) - Bommer Ridge back to trailhead

Shorter Option:
After Willow Canyon Road, skip Emerald Canyon and return via Bommer Ridge to the trailhead.

From the Trail:
We also share lessons from the trail in a short Not So Casual Hikes newsletter on training, discipline, and showing up.
https://notsocasualhikes.beehiiv.com

Note on Punctuality & RSVP: Please be on time — we’ll wait up to 5 minutes past the start. If you’re running late, you can post your ETA in the event discussion, but the group may still begin without you. If your plans change, please update your RSVP — it helps us know who to expect on the trail.
Disclaimer & Safety Notice: Not So Casual Hikes are challenging outings designed for hikers in strong shape who know their limits and show up prepared. Organizers are volunteers—not guides—and cannot be responsible for your pace, navigation, or safety. We hike at a steady pace and the group may spread out. Please be prepared to navigate independently if you fall behind, though we’ll aim to check in at major junctions when possible. By signing up, you accept full responsibility for your fitness, gear, hydration, and navigation, and agree to hold harmless the Organizer, Co-Organizer, Assistant Organizers, and fellow participants for any incidents or injuries. Participation also means you agree to Meetup’s Terms of Service. Hiking carries inherent risks, including trip/fall injuries, bee stings, poison oak, ticks, snakes, coyotes, or mountain lions. Be prepared for sun exposure, heat, or marine layer conditions depending on the day.