Mt. San Gorgonio - Winter Ascent

Join MAA on a winter ascent of Mt. San Gorgonio via the Vivian Creek trail. This is the tallest peak in Southern California at 11,503'. The Vivian Creek trail gains 5400' over 9 miles. This is a strenuous hike. Proficiency in winter camping and snow travel is required. Loaner gear may be available. We have room for 8. Hope to have you out with us!

SCREENED EVENT: Please join the waitlist. Attendees will be selected based on skill proficiency and experience. Those registered will be notified. Thank you! 

DETAILS:

• What's happening: Mt. San Gorgonio, Vivian Creek Trail, snow. Two-day ascent, winter camping.
• Where to meet: Mill Creek Ranger Station (34701 Mill Creek Rd, Mentone, CA 92359). We will caravan from here to the Vivian Creek Trail Parking Lot. 
• Event Leaders: Kevin Koenig (949-485-1722, kevinkng094@gmail.com)
• Minimum/Maximum: 2/4
• What to bring: Warm, stormproof layers for upper and lower body - 4 layers for upper and 3 layers for lower, minimum. 2 pair socks and gloves, warm mittens, warm headwear, sunglasses, goggles, gaiters, head lamp. Warm mountain boots, sharp steel crampons fit to your boots, food for 1 night/2 days, water bottles with insulating sleeve (or Hydroflask type container), spoon, cup, 4-season tent, warm sleeping bag, sleeping pads, trekking pole(s), snowshoes, snow shovel, 50L-70L pack. Equipment such as stove, pots, fuel and tents may be supplied by MAA but you will need to work that out with Darren (in Sacramento) prior to this trip. Leave about 10 liters of space and up to 5 lbs for group gear. 
  

• Bobcat's Adventure Sports: MAA Apex and Base members enjoy a significant retail discount on mountaineering, ice climbing, rock climbing, skiing, splitboarding, and backcountry clothing, equipment and gear, as well as consignment and rentals.    

• Medical: If you have any medical conditions pertinent to your participation on this event, please inform the event leaders after registration.
  
• Additional Info: An Adventure Pass is required for each vehicle. These can be obtained from any of the ranger stations or from many of the local merchants like REI, etc. (an America The Beautiful - National Parks pass is also a valid Adventure Pass - must be displayed in your vehicle)
  

ITINERARY:

• DAY 1: Saturday December 28th - Meet at Mill Creek Ranger Station at 9am and all drive to the trail head. Hike to the High Creek camping area (5.6 miles, 3200' elevation gain) and set up camp.
• DAY 2: Sunday, December 29th -  Early start, hike to the summit and back to camp, break camp and return to the trail head. 

IMPORTANT INFORMATION:

• In order to register you must be a Base, or Apex member.
  
• Event leaders are experienced volunteers, but may not be certified guides.
  
• This event is free of charge. MAA receives no direct financial gain for organizing and supporting this event.
• Participant safety is our top priority. The itinerary described is the plan; however, circumstances beyond the leader's control may necessitate changes.
  
• The event begins and ends at the trailhead. MAA does not insure ridesharing or other travel arrangements and bears no responsibility for them. Carpooling, ride sharing, or anything similar is strictly a private arrangement among individuals.
• MAA event leaders carry communication devices and a medical kit; The primary event leader has current wilderness first aid and CPR training as well as MAA policy training.