San Gorgonio Backpacking Loop

Short Summary: So far this has to be my favorite close backpacking trip. It was COLD but beautiful, plenty of water in May, and dog friendly!

Details
May 20
Day 1
Vivian Creek to High Camp
5.9 Miles

We drove up from Oceanside about 10:30AM, picked up our permits from the ranger station, and headed to the trail. When driving in you get to the Momyer Trailhead first so we pulled in to check it out before continuing to Vivian Creek. Once here we unloaded all our gear and Reecy and I sat at a picnic table. Jess drove the car back to Momyer, where we would be finishing, and walked back to us about 2 miles. She also stopped at the store and got us some sandwiches! We ate, got loaded up with our packs, and started out! My pack is always much heavier when I have extra gear, food, and water for Reecy. My pack was a little over 35 pounds! Good training. We made it up to halfway camp in about 2 hours and had a snack and rested for a bit. We then climbed for about 2 more hours and got to our camp for the night. Scouted around for a spot and set up camp. We filtered water, ate dinner, and watched the sun set. There were quite a few people up here but we were pretty far away from anyone else.  It was getting cold very quickly and we didn’t hang out very long outside of our tents. I had Reecy’s sleeping bag which I was very thankful we wouldn’t be sharing this time. It is a normal sleeping bag that is synthetic, light, and pretty compact. There are more details on my gear page. I used Musher’s Secret on her paws this morning and put a little more on now as we lay in the tent. I am not sure if it helps a lot but will be testing it out. I love listening to her snore and having her along with us. It makes my trips that much better.

May 21
Day 2
High Camp to San Gorgonio Summit to Saxton Camp
10.3 Miles / 16.2 Total Miles

Today felt a lot longer than 9 miles. We didn’t get started until about 9:45 which is pretty late. We had breakfast, dug cat holes (I wish Reecy could learn to shit directly in it), packed up, and cleaned up camp. As soon as we started out we were climbing up switchbacks. We took breaks often and could really feel the weight of our packs. At one point when we were looking across towards another climb and the summit I decided that we could drop off our packs at a junction about .3 from the summit and take the essentials to the peak. This was a little help in the motivation factor. There were quite a few people on the trail and many of them with small day packs. That sounded like a better idea. We dropped our packs, grabbed warm clothes, cameras, and snacks and headed to the peak. Even with the elevation without our packs we felt like we could run. We made a few little detours to avoid a bit of snow and made it to the peak! Signed the book and took our pictures! It was awesome to be at my highest point so far and for Reecy to be there too.

It was windy and cold so we didn’t hang out too long. Headed back down, loaded up our packs again, and headed down the other trail to Saxton. This trail was very different. We didn’t see anyone else hiking for the majority of the time and there was quite a bit of snow. We did not need any gear to get across but were still very careful. Sometimes it was hard to know if we were still on the trail or just following random footprints. We took a break for my favorite lunch, tortilla with Hummus, cheese, and sausage at dry lake camp. I am pretty glad a messed up and got 12 boxes of powdered hummus when I thought I was getting 12 servings. After about a mile or so we started down switchbacks. At one point I missed a turn and we got off track for a bit before we had to go back and look at the map and get back on track. These 5 miles seemed very long today. We stopped and filled one bottle of water at a creak crossing before getting to camp and continued quickly. The sign for Saxton was VERY high in the tree and I am glad that Jess saw it. The camp was really pretty and we were the only ones here. I asked Jess where she wanted to set up and she said right beside me even though we had the place to ourselves. We got set up and I went to investigate how the next water source would be. It was down the hill likely less than a mile away and I met a couple guys filtering water there as well. They were asking how much farther until camp and seemed very excited when I said it was so close. I got us some water and headed back up. We got cleaned up and had dinner. I brought along a chocolate bar and we shared with the guys.  They saw I had the bear can with me and asked if they could put their food in there for the next day. I am not sure if they were planning or hanging it or if they even had anything so it is a good thing I had room. It gets cold so quickly none of us hung out very long before crawling into our bags. It is only 8:30pm now as I write and I am listening to Reecy and Jess snoring already. I guess it is time to join them.   Good night.



May 22
Day 3
Saxton Camp to Momyer Trailhead
7 Miles / 23.2 Total Miles

We were pretty slow again this morning. We found a patch of sun and moved over there to have our breakfast and filter our water. It took us a bit to get packed up and we started to head what we thought was going to be all downhill today. There were a lot of places to get water so we didn’t have to carry much which was really nice. This side of the trail was so different than going up Vivian Creek and I loved the loop rather than going the same both ways. There were many wildflowers including many of my favorites – Lupines! I was surprised at the many uphill areas. Also once we got to Momyer Creek we couldn’t find a great place to cross so we just walked straight through it and then the large hill up to the car. I think this loop was the better direction to go but I think going to Saxton on a quick overnight would be a good getaway, training trip, or gear shakedown.



To see my base gear weight / list for when I hike with Reecy: https://lighterpack.com/r/a7opix

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Cactus to Clouds

This was one of the hardest hikes I have done.   Backpacker Magazine list it as the 5th hardest hike however I am not sure that the other ones listed are really a "day" hike.   The elevation gain was about 11,000 feet.  It was just over 20 miles and I completed it in 11 hours and 50 minutes! 

We started at 5:10 am from the Palm Springs Art Museum, Elevation - 500 Feet.
In the first mile I was already nervous if I was going to be able to make it.  There were a few scrambling parts but a lot of climbing.  There are a few different trails/paths but we followed the white dots for the most part going up.  We got to the first set of picnic tables and I thought that they would have been farther along.  The sunrise was beautiful and there were a few times I stopped to enjoy it - and catch my breath. 
Going up a little farther we hit rescue box 1.  We passed a lot of people on the trail and a few of them looked like they already needed to turn around at this point. 
I tried not to stop much and continue with my slow pace even if it meant not taking much of a break so I could try to not fall too far behind the group.  Ever couple of miles they would be waiting for me.  Right before Rescue box 2 we all stopped and I had to have a larger snack. I was already feeling it and knew that the next couple miles were the most challenging. 
It seemed like I would take 20 steps and have to stop so my head would stop pounding.  I finished the water in my camelback (3 liters) at this point and still had a little Gatorade and spare 1 liter water bottle left.  These were both frozen solid the night before and had melted all the way but were still cold and heavenly!  At one point I soaked my hat with water to try to cool off.  We had beat the heat for the most part but at times the sun was blazing. 
In these last two miles, I had many thoughts that I would bail at skyline and just call it a day.
I was wondering how much father I had to go as I sat for another break, when I got called on the radio asking where I was. I wasn't really sure how to answer, so when he describe the large slab rock and said I only had about 15 more minutes I was excited!  Once to the top of skyline, it was still questionable if I really wanted to continue but I gave myself a turn around time and decided to go for it.  We got the permit (free and you fill it out) from the ranger station and they were talking about a rescue they had to do on the skyline trail.  By the sounds of it this is very common.  The main thing with the skyline trail is at some point you need to continue up rather than going down even if you feel like you cannot continue because of the heat.  At the base on the day we hiked it was 94 degrees.  If you hike down you are more likely suffer due to the heat. 
We refilled our water and two of the guys decided they were done for the day and headed to the tram and home (it didn't sound like a bad plan).  The 5 of us continued on. 
It wasn't long and I had fallen behind again.  Once I got to round valley they were waiting for me.  It was always nice to see them and I tried to judge how much slower I was.  I said hi and continued walking before they got up so I could get a little ahead.  They caught up quickly and continued at a pretty quick pace.  It was motivation to keep going knowing that they would be waiting. 
Once I was almost to the peak I heard the radio again and they said they would wait for me for a picture because I was pretty close! I was happy I made it before the turn around time I set in my head.  I had my lunch, took our pictures, and we headed back down.
Once I knew I was close to the 12 hour mark I started to walk a little quicker.  My original goal was anything under 13 hours but it was awesome to be under 12 hours!
I am super happy that I completed this trail and I am not sure that it is one that I would want to do again! 

Hiking up at sunrise





One day I hope to keep up with them!

My reward! Ice cream & Margarita

 

Havasupai

Day 1
May 5
Havasupai Campground
Distance today = 12

Last night I left Oceanside about 6pm and headed to Temecula to pick up Beth. We had a couple very short stops for gas and to switch drivers. We made it to the trailhead about 1:30am on the 5th. The drive was actually not bad. Once we got to the last 60 miles we had to take it a little slower because of all the animals, elk, deer, jackrabbits, and cows! It was really cool and I wish we would have been able to get some pictures. We got parked and somewhat comfortable. I was able to sleep for a couple hours. The rest of the group found us about 5 and we got up and started to get ready with the sunrise.

I found Kathryn and woke her so she could get ready. We started on the trail about 5:30. The sunrise was beautiful! The trail was mostly downhill and very easy. I could tell my pack was a little heavier than normal (extra clothes, snacks, and drinks). We made it to the point to check in about 9:30am. We all had to pay here for the reservation entrance fee and camping fee. Our total for 3 nights was $100/ person. On the way to camp there was water flowing on the side of the trail. It was really neat to see. Then we came up on Little Navajo falls. It was really pretty and we stopped for a second to take it in before continuing to find camp. The next large waterfall was Havasu Falls! This was incredible! The water was so blue and like nothing I had ever seen before! Someone found a large camp area pretty close to the water and we set up camp. We changed into swimsuits.

We went to Havasu Falls and played in the water! It was very cold but there is no way to not enjoy it. I brought my DSLR camera and played around with taking pictures and found a couple little frogs. After a few hours we started to get hungry and decided we needed lunch and possibly a nap! When the three of us got back to camp almost everyone’s tents were gone! It was extremely windy and ours were still in place but they were not looking so great. We were told they relocated farther down the river to a spot a little more protected from the wind. We packed up and moved again. Gave us all a little more practice on getting our tents set up.

 Once we got set up again, we had lunch, filtered water, and rested for a bit. We saw some people walking back to their camps with fry bread and were excited to go try some! Kathryn and I shared one with honey and powdered sugar on it. It was amazing and it is a good thing it doesn’t look super easy to make. We were ready to explore a little more! We headed to Mooney Falls. I am not really sure what I was expecting but it seems like it kept getting better. It is a bit of an adventure to get to the bottom of the falls with ladders and chains. Everything was a bit damp and slick because of the waterfall. Once to the bottom we all went exploring around and I

played with my camera a bit. We stayed until the sunset over the fall and headed back up which was much easier than going down. I could see how this part would be a little scary but thankfully climbing helps with those fears. Once back at camp we cooked and all hung out around the table. I am really excited to explore tomorrow and hoping I can convince some people to go all the way to the Colorado River with me!






Day 2
May 6
Havasupai Campground
Distance today = 16 (guessing)
Distance total = 28

Overall today was AMAZING!!!! I woke up pretty early and we all talked about our camp site. We were in a bit of a low area and the forecast had rain scheduled so we were a bit worried about water if it rained a decent amount. We were getting ready to head out on our hike for the day and found an amazing camping site. We went back and told the others and there we were moving again! Note for anyone going… hike pretty far into camp – at least past the second toilet before camping! The spots get more amazing as you go farther in. So after getting moved, it was a pretty late start to make it all the way to the Colorado but I really wanted to. We had 6, Kathrine, Ryan, Keven, Kim, Eric, and me, of our group headed out to at least make it to Beaver falls. It was a beautiful hike.

We didn’t stop at Mooney falls because we had just been there the night before and that saved some time. I was wearing running shoes and socks and everyone else was in some sort of hiking sandals. I went to Mooney Falls in my sandals the night before and didn’t really love walking that far in them so went with something I knew I was comfortable in. The hike to Beaver Falls wasn’t too challenging with a few river crossings that were a lot of fun. We decided to filter water and take a snack break at Beaver falls for a bit and everyone decided what they wanted to do. Two of our group decided to stay and enjoy the falls and we continued on to the Colorado. I am glad the others decided to go because I wanted to but didn’t really want to go alone. It was pretty flat to downhill most of the way with a few water crossings some up to my thighs. The water felt amazing each time we

had to cross and was a great way to cool off and enjoy the water! There was a ton of sharp brush we had to walk through and my legs were getting scratched quite a bit. Once to the Colorado it was really awesome to see the blue water meet the brown river. We sat here for a bit and had lunch and a break. We only saw a couple groups hiking from Beaver Falls to the Colorado and it was nice to be secluded for a bit in a very populated hiking area. The way back we made really good time and we were all super hungry! I mixed up my powered hummus and shared. I am really glad I found this mix. The only thing that could make this place better would be being able to sit around a campfire at night. It is pretty awesome to listen to the water flowing as you lay in your tent.

Day 3
May 7
Havasupai Campground
Distance today = 8 (guessing)
Distance total = 36
I wanted to see the sunrise today but the weather wasn’t having it. I still got up before the sun would have been fully out so I could enjoy the falls without a lot of people. I walked up to Havasu Falls and admired it for a bit before continuing to Navajo Falls. It was pretty chilly morning with a little drizzle. I had my rain pants, down jacket, and rain jacket with me! I sat on a rock that I had to go through the water to get to and had my breakfast! I took a few pictures and enjoyed the time alone. It was really beautiful. I really enjoyed it. I went into the village and got a snack and soda for later and explored the area a little more.

There were already people lining up to get their flight out. There were a lot of horses getting ready to pick up gear and people. I took my time getting back to the Camp about the time everyone was getting up. Everyone was just hanging out today since it was a little colder and raining off and on. A group of us went exploring in one of the mines which was really cool. Beth and I went back to little Navajo Falls and followed it upstream to a larger fall. There was no one back there and it was really beautiful. On the way back to camp we stopped for Fry Bread! This stuff is way too good. I also got a nap in the hammock someone brought – which is an amazing idea because there are lots of perfect trees for them. This day was very relaxing.

Many people were planning on getting up at 4 to hike out to beat the heat and get home a little earlier so everyone was headed to bed pretty early. Even with colder weather and a little rain this place is incredible and I am already thinking of a way to make it back!







Day 4
May 8
Trailhead Distance today = 10
Distance total = 46

Today we got up about 6 and started packing up. I think our time spent in Havasupai was perfect! I am really glad that we hiked in super early on the first day and had almost the whole day to play and relax. If…WHEN… I do it again I will try for the same amount of days.

We got everything packed up, ate breakfast, and started walking. It was a little sad to say bye to this beautiful place. The hike out was a little more challenging than in. The rest of the group all left as we were getting out of our tents so they could beat the heat. We were pretty good until the real climb out of the canyon. It was starting to get hot and isn’t a very easy climb. I am glad my pack was much lighter. Once almost to the top of the trail I hear my name. I am really confused who would know me. It was 2 of the girls from our trip who were waiting on one their bags because she paid for the pack mule to bring their bag up as a Mother’s Day gift for herself! Kathryn and Beth were pretty close behind and we all celebrated that we made it to the top.

They really know how to get a little additional money by having fresh fruit, frozen drinks, ice cream, and snacks at the top! We got some watermelon that was amazing! Took a few final pictures and got ready to start our drive home. It wasn’t a bad drive. We stopped at Chipotle on the way home for a late lunch and I ate the whole bowl! It was delicious. I got home a little before 9pm. It was an incredible trip and I am excited to plan another trip for more friends and family!




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