Vivian Creek Trail

[Vnthali]

My first exposure to this trail was in May when there was still a significant amount of snow and ice above 8000 feet. On that attempt we reached a point just above High Creek when the snow, ice, and time forced us to turn around and head back to the trailhead. Yesterday was my second attempt at completing this trail to the summit as a day hike. A good friend of mine who also enjoys hiking joined me in the attempt. We picked up our permit from the Mill Creek Ranger Station and made our way to the trailhead parking lot. We stepped off at 7AM and followed the yellow tape along the temporary detour to the trailhead. Six hours later we were standing on the summit. It was a very satisfying experience to say the least. We were on the summit for abou 20 minutes, changed our socks, and started the second half of the hike. We reached the trailhead parking lot at 6PM, and made our way to the Yucaipa McDonalds for a celabratory feast. We didn't break any records yesterday. The sense of accomplishment, however, was worth the sore knees. Before I forget, I also want to thank KathyW and Hiking Jim for their responses to my previous posts regarding this trail.

[Sally]

Good job, Tyrus! Nice view from up there, don't you think?

[KathyW]

Great job Vnthali!

6 hours to get to the summit of San G via Vivian Creek isn't slow - it's a long haul.

[Vnthali]

It is indeed an excellent view from the top Sally. I am looking forward to doing this hike again before year's end. I hope to make this the first of many more 5K climbs to come. Thank you again Kathy for the intel on my earlier attempt.

[tinaballina]

Great job indeed.

[whitneyfan]

Consider that a milestone accomplishment in your hiking career.

I think Vivian Cr. is one tough slog. I've done it 4 times and it never gets easier. Well, maybe a little, but that last 1.5 miles always kicks my ass.
Fortunately there is plenty to look at along the way to take one's mind off the struggle.

On to your next big challenge.

[Ellen]

Congratulations Tyrus!!! Vivian is always a butt-kicker (for me, anyway).
Miles of smiles,
Ellen

[zippetydude]

Great job except for one thing....Yucaipa McDonalds??? C'mon, after a hike like that, you deserved better! But seriously, nice job coming back and tackling it again. Hope to run into you out there on the trail!11

z

[Vnthali]

Hello Ellen and thanks for your kind words. Zip we kind of did the McDonalds thing out of a sense of tradition. We've been hitting a Carls Jr or Mcdonalds after every hike / climb of my short hiking career. I don't worry about the calories too much after a good hike (I sill get the diet soda though).

[Vnthali]

Whitneyfan I don't have too many hikes under my belt , but I have to say the portion of the trail above the treeline on this trail is something to behold. I wish my schedule allowed me to get out there more than once or twice in one year.