Mt. San Gorgonio Summit Day - Oct 4
Details
# 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. Ray