San Gorgonio & Galena Peaks: via Vivian & Off-trail ~ 24 Miles / 7.5K' Gain

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What: Bag SoCal's highest peak San Gorgonio (11,502') via Vivian (ho hum), then boondoggle off-trail (yummy) to explore the Mill Creek Jumpoff & Galena Peak (9,330') eventually descending via Vivian. We'll travel to Forest Falls and our starting point at the Vivian Trailhead, then hike the trail up to San Gorgonio Peak (11,502') where we'll stop for a long afternoon food break & to enjoy the great 360 degree views looking out north to Big Bear, south across to San Jacinto Peak, etc. Then on the way down we'll leave the Vivian trail to hike some rugged cross-country / off-trail to explore the Mill Creek Jumpoff & Galena Peak (9,330') & then double back to the Vivian Trail above High Creek to descend down via the Vivian trail again passing through High Creek, Halfway Camp, & crossing Vivian Creek to finish at the Vivian Creek Trailhead under a big giant full moon "spotlight". Along the way we'll see any remaining mountain flowers, cross a couple of creeks, enjoy the forest trees, & have great view of peaks & the surrounding areas & do some very rugged off-trail exploration where few people go. Couple of notes: there can be bears at the trail head where we'll park so make sure the inside of your car is "clean" / free of food or other scents or use a bear can in your trunk; also a Forrest Adventure Pass is required at the Vivian trail head for vehicles / parking so bring it for yourself or someone else to use if you have one. This is a great way to acclimate for any trips you might be doing later to the Sierra's or other altitude destinations & will be another great day "out n' about" in the mountains. See some pics of this hike:

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Details: This hike is estimated to be around 24 miles long with around 7,500' of elevation gain (uphill) depending on how far we get off-trail & is mostly on trails but will have several miles of very rugged, exploratory cross-country / off-trail hiking for variety. Estimated hiking time is around 8:00 AM - 8:30 PM (or later?) with a long break at the peak to enjoy the views & have some "real food".

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Bring: either a minimum of 4 quarts or liters of H2O with electrolytes (more like 5 if you're a heavy drinker or it's hotter than normal) ... or ... alternatively bring 2 quarts along with a water filter or other water treatment device (filter, steri pen, etc) to treat water @ High Creek on the way up & again later on the way down (& perhaps over near the Mill Creek Jumpoff IF there's water there); snacks to eat throughout the day WHILE MOVING, "real food" for the mid-afternoon lunch / food break at the peak, layers for any wind up high (jacket or fleece, beanie, gloves, etc.); hat / sunglasses / sunscreen, a headlamp since we'll likely finish after dark (note: there's a full moon, but it might be a bit cloudy), any "drugs" or first aid you need, hiking poles are helpful, gaiters optional for off-trail, etc. Pre-hydrate by drinking ahead of time all day Fri. & again in the AM Sat. & on the drive out to the hike & freeze some of your water for the hike since it will be hot & humid out.

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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, pauses for pictures, or water filtering as necessary; I'll take a long break at the peak to eat "real" food / enjoy the view in the afternoon; I prefer to hike at a faster than average pace if possible & there will be rugged off-trail exploration.

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Weather Links:

Vivian Trailhead (AM start only): http://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?lon=-116.92527&lat=34.09202#.Vd2P8bJViko

San Gorgonio Peak (11.5K elev. in the afternoon): http://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?lon=-116.82578&lat=34.09946#.Vd2NA7JViko

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Contact me if you have Q's: 619-315-9731 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. Please no +1s or guests - all attending must be group members who are signed up for this hike. This is for liability reasons & also to allow me to see the profiles of the hikers so that I can get a feel for the group beforehand. It's quick, easy, free, so please just sign up.

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