Mountain Training Series – Bedford Peak via Silverado Motorway (~7–7.5 Mi)

Join us for the first hike in a mountain-style training series designed to prepare for longer, higher-elevation hikes such as the Southern California Six-Peak Challenge, San Gorgonio, San Jacinto, and Mt. Whitney.

This introductory route climbs Bedford Peak via the Silverado Motorway. The route prioritizes sustained elevation gain and continuous uphill travel rather than mileage. The standard route is approximately 7–7.5 miles round trip and typically takes around 4 hours, depending on pace and breaks.

Expect a steady climb on rocky terrain, limited shade, and expansive views across the Santa Ana Mountains. While shorter than some of our usual routes, this hike delivers a solid climbing workout and meaningful time on feet, making it an ideal entry point into the series.

Limited Group Size: Group size will be intentionally limited for this hike to keep things organized on a sustained, uphill route. While the trail itself is straightforward, there will be no backup leads or sweep, so please be comfortable hiking at a steady, moderate-to-fast pace and navigating independently if you fall behind. We’ll aim to regroup at major junctions or logical stopping points. If the event fills up, please join the waitlist — we may open more spots as space allows.

Details:
Location: 31330 Silverado Canyon Rd, Silverado, CA 92676
Meeting Point: Maple Springs Trailhead / Silverado Canyon Road parking
Parking: Limited near the trailhead; carpooling up Maple Springs Road is encouraged.
Distance / Elevation: ~7–7.5 miles with ~2,000+ ft cumulative gain
Duration: ~4 hours, depending on pace and breaks
Important: Parking is within Cleveland National Forest. A Forest Adventure Pass is required and should be purchased in advance.

Essentials:
• Traction hiking shoes
• Water (at least 2L; electrolytes recommended)
• Light snacks
• Hat, sunscreen, sunglasses
• Hiking poles (recommended if you normally use them)

Route:
We’ll start near the end of Silverado Canyon Road and follow the Silverado Motorway, an old fire road that climbs steadily toward Bedford Peak. The route gains elevation consistently with minimal flat recovery. We’ll turn around near the peak and return the same way.

AllTrails route info: Bedford Peak – AllTrails

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.