Mount San Gorgonio

Mount San Gorgonio

Southern California's Highest Peak

11,499

Pat, long-time friend Rose from my IUP days, and I did backpacking trip June 14-15 to the summit of Mount San Gorgonio as a training trip for our attempt of Mount Whitney later this summer. I orginally thought this trip would be a true Katie and Pat adventure--in other words, a real sufferfest. It had all the hallmarks: long mileages (14 + miles the second day), bear warnings at the trailhead, and huge elevation gains (5,500 feet to the summit). However, in the end, it actually went really well. Here are some highlights:

Rose and Pat at the trailhead. Our packs weighed between 28 and 35 pounds. Mine was the lightest, both because I didn't have to carry a tent (thanks, Pat), and I am fanatical about buying lightweight gear.


Up, up and away. This is about halfway.

Here is Pat displaying his athleticism. Pat was amazing on this hike--right with me the whole way despite almost no exercise in the past few months. I wish I had that much natural fitness.

Pat and I arrived on the summit a little before Rose, and I got a few shots of her final approach. I'm pretty sure she gave me the finger shortly after I snapped this one.

Rose and Pat at the summt

This varmit tried to eat my lunch!

Do we look like hillbillies or what?

Overall, this was just a great hike. The trailhead was only 89 miles from the LBC. The next day I didn't even feel sore. Hopefully, this bodes well for our Whitney attempt next month. Stay tuned...