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Peak San Gorgonio
Group Aqui Nomas Hiking
Trailhead Vivian Creek Trailhead

This was my first time hiking the tallest peak in Southern California, Mt. San Gorgonio. I tried to prepare myself by reading hiking blogs and watching videos from hikers whom have completed the hike. I’m kind of glad I did but the hike was still not what I expected. Just like for the San Bernardino Peak hike, my group met up at Mill Creek Ranger Station in Mentone to obtain a permit. We were able to secure one being second in line, yay! The Vivian Creek Trailhead is about 1/2 mile from the parking lot; at first you don’t think it’s far as you’re warming up but let me tell you, once you’re done with the hike and have to walk back to parking lot, it feels like an eternity.

The first section starting from the trailhead was a mile’s worth of steep inclines. It wasn’t too bad but not great either. I believe we gained about 1,000 ft. right away. The section ended at the San Gorgonio Wilderness sign- nice photo op and spot to catch your breath. The next section runs along Vivian Creek, which sounded amazing as we hiked the flat trail, among beautiful views of the forest. There were a couple of mosquitoes here and there; I was the only one from our group that had repellant in my Camelbak so we ran out quickly and hoped for the best. This section was pretty easy, a nice warm-up before the numerous and long switchbacks that were waiting for us. Again, our group was separated as we all have different paces. We met up right before the third section, at a sign towards High Creek. The switchbacks were steady inclines so not too bad. The trail did vary; sometimes it was rocky, sometimes just flat and easy to hike. Our group met up again about 3 times before we hiked the last, toughest mile to the peak. The trail was bare, full sun exposure. It was warm out throughout the entire hike, with a frequent cool breeze. Just when I thought I reached the summit, I saw the real peak and knew I had to keep on going. My body pretty much went on auto-pilot to the peak since I just wanted to get there already and refuel/rest.

Once I got to the peak, I felt a bit antsy and uncomfortable. Not sure what it was but I had to force myself to eat and drink. I didn’t feel like resting, just wanted to take a few pictures and get back down. Our group split up again, 3 of our hikers stayed behind to rest and get acclimated. The rest of us hiked down and met up at High Creek. I was definitely feeling tired on the way down but kept on pushing through to the end. I was also running out of water (started off with 3 liters) and had ran out of Gatorade at the peak, so I was rationing as much as I could and would eat trail mix instead of drinking water to regain my energy. Most of our group were already at the parking lot when I reached the San Gorgonio Wilderness sign. I ended up trail running as I was trying to avoid mosquitoes but failed- definitely got bit. The last part was the dreadful, the walk/hike to the parking lot. I realized how thirsty I was and drank all of the water I had left. I was third to last from our group, completing the hike around 7:30 pm. I felt accomplished as I just hiked the tallest peak in SoCal but that feeling was quickly overshadowed by how tired I was feeling. This was definitely the tallest and longest hike I have ever done. I wished I would have stopped and enjoyed the views a bit more but I was so focused on hiking to the peak.

One Response

  1. Great post!!! Thanks for the info. It took us 12 hours to complete San Bernardino Peak with 1 hour at the summit to refuel & rest & enjoy the view from above.
    How does San G Compare to San Bernardino?

    Thanks!
    B

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