| Peak | San Gorgonio |
|---|---|
| Group | TEAM GD - "Doing it for GREG" |
| Trailhead | Vivian Creek |
Team GD spent the night at Barton flats to be near trail head for an early start. We were on the trail at 6:20am. A ½ mile up the trail after crossing the stream (not much runoff) this hike starts. Steep and a real gut check. After about a mile it levels to more of a normal grade. If we were not in shape, we would have never recovered. The rest of this hike is doable but long. Gliding over saddles and in trees. The final push over the moonscape of rocks to get to the summit was not bad because you can see what you are trying for. 5 ½ hours to the top – 8.8mi after lunch, photos and time to think about my friend Greg (who we dedicated the 6 pack of peaks challenge to). We start back down stopping at High camp to pump water. Hard on the legs and knees that last section before crossing the stream. Total = 17.6 miles in 10 hours, 5,606 vertical ascent and max Pos. Gradient = 25.3% (STEEP). This is to date the longest, highest and furthest I have hiked in 1 day. I think not bad for a bunch of 50+ somethings….
