For an adventurous hiker, the bigger and longer the challenge, the more exciting it gets. The hiking community is always looking for opportunities to test their endurance, climb newer heights and complete unique feats to keep themselves charged up and ever-ready to take on almost any hike, no matter how difficult.
In a bid to catch the attention of hikers and to breathe in a fresh spirit in them, Socal Six Pack of Peaks Challenge was created by Jeff Hester in 2010. It is a daunting task as it includes hiking atop six of the highest peaks in Southern California. The challenge has been successfully completed by many hikers and there is no reason why you cannot do it too.
Why Do You need to Take the Socal Six Pack Challenge?
The 6 Pack of Peaks are a hiker’s paradise. They provide you an opportunity to escape from the busy and crowded city life to the serene and quiet heights of South California’s famous six peaks.
Each hike in the socal six pack hike is unique. It is a great way to spend some quality time in the outdoors surrounded by trees, creeks and the beautiful blue sky. It will help in enhancing your physical and mental abilities and give you a chance to test them on some of the hardest trails you can imagine.
Southern California Six Pack of Peaks
Following are the six peaks that are part of this challenge stacked in a convenient list for you to follow along with some basic information.
Mount Wilson
Your first hiking challenge will be to summit Mount Wilson which can be conveniently done through the Chantry Flats Route. It is a difficult 14-mile trail with a total elevation of 5,712 feet. It is the shortest peak in our batch of six but is, nonetheless, a good way to get warmed up for the latter peaks which are much higher.
Cucamonga Peak
Your second hike will be to Cucamonga Peak which is a daunting 8,862 feet in height. The trail from the Icehouse Canyon is pretty well-maintained through most of the route. This is more of a wilderness hike with lush green views all around. It usually takes a total of seven hours to complete this journey.
Mount San Antonio (AKA Mount Baldy)
The highest mountain in the San Gabriel Mountains, Mount San Antonio is the third test in the Socal Six Pack of Peaks challenge. There are various trails that take you to the summit but I personally took the Manker Flats Trailhead as it sounded a bit more thrilling than the others.
San Bernardino Peak
If you are a person for breath-taking views and scenic beauty than the climb to San Bernardino Peak will be a very enjoyable excursion for you. This is going to be your fourth task and this means you are already halfway through the six pack of peaks challenge. It is a rigorous 10,649 feet climb to the top of San Bernardino Peak. This is the route I took, check it out.
Mount San Jacinto
The climb to San Jacinto Peak is going to be a strenuous one. It is an eight or nine-hour hike which spans over a total of 11.4 miles. Be sure to pack enough food and water for the entire hike. The trail is well looked after and offers a steep ordeal to all hikers.
San Gorgonio Peak
The grand finale of your six pack challenge, the San Gorgonio Peak has a total height of 11,503 feet with a net elevation gain of about 5,470 feet. It is a mammoth task to hike this mountain and a great way to sign off your conquest of these six amazing peaks!
Lastly
Hiking is not just about your gear, it is about your mental and physical endurance as well. Make sure you prepare well for these trips and do not exert yourself too much to risk your health in any way. Take proper rest and gaps between these hikes to ensure that you are successful and that the hike itself remains enjoyable!
