San Gorgonio via Vivian Creek Trail Questions

[Vnthali]

My hiking partner and I are planning a San Gorgonio summit attempt at the end of March via the Vivian Creek trail. We are looking at doing the hike in a single run (no camping). We have the necessary winter gear (crampons, ice ax, snow shoes, etc.). We're looking at an early start (no later than 5AM and probably around 3AM). We're going to give ourselves 7 hours to summit and 4 hours to return. Is this realistic for this time of year? Are there any special considerations we need to be aware of? Any advice is, as always, welcome. Thank you in advance.

[KathyW]

If the snow is consolidated and you are fast and strong climbers, it is possible but start really early so you have an extra hour or two just in case it takes longer than the 11 hours. The typical winter route involves less miles than the summer route. Here's a map of the route many take in the winter:

[Vnthali]

Kathy thank you for the map. I'm going to work on convincing my hiking partner to go for the earlier start time. I'm going to work up a GPS plot for the route you sent me. I've never been to the Vivian Creek area before so naviation is going to be a critical element of our preparation.

[KathyW]

Going up the South Fork Trail to South Fork Meadows and then heading up San Gorgonio's North Face is also a nice route in the spring on consolidated snow - lots less miles than once the snow melts and you are on the long and winding trail.

[Vnthali]

Our permit just came in the mail today. Looks like wea are approved for April 5th on the Vivian Creek trail. Kathy, with my limited experience on San G I'm sure I'm going to get a chance to give the South Fork route a go as well. THanks for the heads up.