June 27 Get together and San Gorgonio hike update

[Ellen]

Howdy Z,

What a wonderful invitation, thanks

I'm in for any Saturday except July 11 as I'll be back in Sonoma wine country imbibing (er...vacationing).

I'll be happy to provide my whole wheat molasses bread. I also make some pretty deadly peanut butter chocolate chip cookies.

Miles of smiles,
Ellen

[KathyW]

Great idea Zip. I'm not sure if I can do any of those dates, but if I can I will.

[zippetydude]

Okay, I'm seeing a "can't make it" for the 13th and for the 11th, so we now have a date: June 27th.

Now, how about trail choice?

If there's a preference for Vivian, we can probably still get permits there.

If we're looking for a short trail to leave extra time for the get together, San Bernardino Peak trail is very nice and only about 16 miles round trip with about 5600 ' elevation gain.

If we're hoping for an early start and longer mileage, we could always do the loop from South Fork Trailhead. I think that works out to 22+ miles, though, so it might be kinda long.

So, does one of those sound best, or are there other suggestions?

z

[magikwalt]

Isn't SB Peak Trail about 16 miles round trip? Would that be about 7 hours for us non-trail running types? I may need to bring a horse so that I can socialize afterwards!

[zippetydude]

Hi Walt! Glad you posted. I'm just trying to see if all you crazy Skyline addicts would be satisfied with a shorter workout, or if a hard day on the trail would be favored. I tried to mention a familiar trail (Vivian), a shorter alternative (see below) and a hard workout, to see what would be best. I'm fine either way.

In response to your question, yes, it's about 16 miles roundtrip, but it's much easier than Skyline. Remember, it only goes up a little over half of what Skyline does, and the return trip is all smooth downhill on a nice dirt trail in a cool forest...

Perhaps an alternative would be to do Limberpine Bench, which has a stunning view almost as nice as the peak and is just 12 miles round trip, with only about 3300 feet elevation gain? I seldom go to the peak, as the best view is actually about 7 miles up at the stone bench just before Washington Monument. That might be an alternative as well.

How does that sound?

z

[tinaballina]

July 11th would be good, what about june 20th?

[magikwalt]

I would expect that its 2.5 hours of driving round trip for anyone coming from the desert. Add another 1.5 hours for socializing and were up to 4 hours. Plus we have the time transitioning to and from your place. Would it be possible to hike something in a 4-6 hour range? We all already know we're capable of hurting each other with altitude, mileage, speed and backpack carry weight (Steve is a mule!). Also the longer the hike the greater the effect of different paces.

Just my 2 cents.

[FIGHT ON]

I wanna go! but can I wear a mask?

[Halohiker]

I may be doing the 9 peaks challenge in the SG Wilderness on June 27, so I'd still love to crash your party after!

[tinaballina]

I wanna go! but can I wear a mask?

You're back!