About us
Welcome to the Santiago Peak Hiking Club!
Together, we embrace the spirit of learning, training, and challenging ourselves to conquer higher peaks across Southern California. Every hike is more than an adventure. It is an opportunity to grow, reflect, and develop the resilience and leadership skills we can apply to our daily lives.
As we tackle each challenge together, we strive to become stronger individuals, better community leaders, and supportive teammates who encourage one another to achieve what once seemed impossible. This journey is about far more than the summits we reach. It is about the personal and professional growth we experience along the way.
I am excited to share this adventure with each of you and look forward to everything we will accomplish together.
I enjoy hiking because it offers me much more than physical exercise. It is a personal ritual that grounds me.
I have a deep respect for the mountains. Their vastness, unpredictability, and quiet strength remind me how small I am in the grand scheme of things, while also teaching me the incredible power of taking one step after another toward a meaningful goal.
When I hike, I disconnect from the distractions of everyday life and reconnect with myself. The trail becomes a place to reflect, breathe, and reset. Every climb challenges both my body and my mindset, testing my patience, discipline, resilience, and determination.
In those quiet, demanding moments, I find clarity. **In leadership, I call these moments "Pause. Think. Leap Forward."**The mountains give us the opportunity to pause, reflect on where we are, think deliberately about the path ahead, and then move forward with confidence and purpose. The mountains do not care about titles, careers, or accomplishments. They simply ask that we show up, remain present, and keep moving forward. In return, they offer perspective, humility, and a renewed appreciation for the journey.
For me, hiking is not simply about reaching the summit. It is about becoming a better version of myself with every step. I hope this club becomes a place where each of us grows stronger, inspires one another, builds lasting friendships, and discovers that our greatest accomplishments often begin with the decision to take the next step.
If you sign up for a hike and later decide you can't make it, please let me know at least one day in advance. This helps us plan accordingly and keeps things organized for everyone. Thank you for your consideration!
See you on the trails.
Dr. Ray
Everyday Leadership
Upcoming events
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Mt. San Gorgonio Summit Day - Oct 4
Vivian Creek Trailhead 1E08, 41900 Falls Rd, Forest Falls, CA, US# Mt. San Gorgonio Summit Hike
Elevation: 11,503 ft AMSL
Dear Friends,We are planning a challenging summit attempt of Mt. San Gorgonio at 11,503 feet AMSL, Southern California's highest peak.
This is a long, strenuous, and highly rewarding hike for experienced hikers comfortable with significant mileage, elevation gain, altitude, and extended time on the trail.### Hike Details
Peak: Mt. San Gorgonio
Elevation: 11,503 feet AMSL
Trail: Vivian Creek Trail
Distance: Approximately 22 miles round trip
Elevation Gain: Approximately 5,500 feet
Estimated Hiking Time: 13 to 15 hours
Difficulty: Very Challenging / Hard
Meeting Time: 4:45 AM
Trail Start: 5:00 AM sharp
Participants should have recent high-altitude hiking experience and ideally have successfully summited a 10,000+ foot mountain within the past 90 days.### Getting to the Trailhead
We will meet at the Vivian Creek Trailhead. Please plan for approximately a 2-hour drive from Orange County and carpool whenever possible.
Vivian Creek Trailhead Location:
https://bit.ly/2KuJBRB
Please arrive no later than 4:45 AM so we can complete a quick gear check and begin hiking promptly at 5:00 AM.
An Adventure Pass is required for parking. A day pass is approximately $5 and can typically be purchased in advance from outdoor retailers.### Recommended Schedule
The night before the hike, try to be in bed by approximately 9:00 PM.
On the morning of the hike:
2:00 AM: Wake up and get ready
3:00 AM: Be on the road
4:45 AM: Arrive at Vivian Creek Trailhead
5:00 AM: Begin hike### Communication
Cellular service is extremely limited or unavailable in this area. Once you arrive at the trailhead, consider placing your phone in Airplane Mode to conserve battery.
Anyone carrying a satellite communicator or satellite-capable device should make sure it is fully charged, activated, and tested before the hike.### Gear Check
Please come prepared for a long day in the mountains:
• Light, moisture-wicking clothing layers. Avoid cotton.
• Hiking shoes or boots
• Windbreaker or lightweight shell
• Trekking poles
• Light gloves and beanie
• Minimum 3 liters of water. A 3-liter hydration bladder is highly recommended.
• 1 x 1-liter wide-mouth empty bottle
• Personal water filter
• Electrolytes
• Food and sufficient trail snacks
• Sun hat
• Sunscreen
• Sunglasses
• First aid kit and Moleskin/blister treatment
• Headlamp (500 lumens) with extra batteries
Mt. San Gorgonio is a serious endurance hike. Preparation, hydration, pacing, nutrition, and teamwork will be essential. Our goal is not simply to reach the summit, but to have everyone complete the hike safely and enjoy one of Southern California's great mountain adventures.See you on the trail!
-Dr. Ray5 attendees
Past events
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