The Epic Six Pack Of Peaks Challenge Hiking Series
DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links. If you purchase after clicking one of my links, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. For more information, see my disclaimer.
Have you ever heard of the Six Pack of Peaks challenge hiking series? I’ve been hiking in San Diego for several years now, and I often hear others talk about a six-peak hiking challenge, but I never really looked into it. After finally googling it recently, it opened up a whole new world. Here’s what I found and the benefits the Six-Pack of Peaks challenge hiking series can bring you too.
Table of Contents
- More about the Six Pack Of Peaks Challenge Hiking Series
- Gear Recommendation to conquer these challenges
- Hiking the San Diego Six Pack of Peaks Challenge (2023)
- Hiking the Southern California Six Pack of Peaks Challenge (2024)
- 10 Benefits of the Six Pack Of Peaks Challenge Hiking Series
- 1. Make new connections
- 2. Renew your hiking motivation
- 3. Get a decent workout and spend time outdoors
- 4. Become a better hiker
- 5. Mental Health Benefits
- 6. Improved Cardiovascular Health
- 7. Enhanced Creativity and Problem-Solving
- 8. Weight Management
- 9. Immersive Learning
- 10. Stress Reduction and Relaxation
- Final thoughts
More about the Six Pack Of Peaks Challenge Hiking Series
I’m so pumped I found the Six Pack of Peaks website! This site has suddenly renewed my hiking motivation! The organization offers 17 Six-Pack Of Peaks Challenges across the U.S. So, of course, I signed up for the San Diego one to get started.
In total, there are 17 Six-Pack Of Peaks Challenges across the U.S. Challenges run each calendar year from January to December, and you have to complete the six prescribed hikes and upload your proof of completion to their website to “graduate.”
Click here if you want to sign up too!
The 17 Six Pack Of Peaks Challenge Hiking Series
- Adirondacks
- Appalachian
- Arizona Summer
- Arizona Winter
- California Central Coast
- Central Oregon
- Colorado Rockies
- Lake Tahoe
- Las Vegas
- New England
- New Mexico
- Northern California
- Pacific Northwest
- San Diego
- San Francisco Bay Area
- Southern California
- Utah
Welcome pack
Signing up on the Social Hiker website will grant you access to their online community, which includes a forum and messaging system. You can log your hikes there and write reviews on your completed hikes.
About a week after signing up, I received my welcome pack. It included stickers, a personalized Hiker Tag (customized for the series you signed up for), and a Leave No Trace reference card.
Motivation
One of my goals for 2023 is to expand my social circle and I believe this is the perfect opportunity to accomplish that goal. Additionally, the Social Hiker website provides many hiking groups to choose from, so you’re bound to find a local one in your area. I already went to an event organized by the local Facebook group I found on the Social Hiker website, and it was a blast. So what are you waiting for?
Gear Recommendation to conquer these challenges
Of course for any hike, be sure to adapt the ten essentials to suit the specific needs and the hike’s conditions.
It’s also important to mention that wearing clothing you don’t mind subjecting to a bit of extra wear and tear is advisable, especially considering that some of these hikes can be quite overgrown.
Garmin InReach Mini 2 (Amazon | Backcountry | REI | Campsaver): This satellite communicator tracks waypoints automatically and you can easily follow your breadcrumbs with the trackback feature. It also offers two-way messaging, but you need your smartphone in conjunction with it (and an app). So be sure also to bring a battery pack on your hike, to be able to communicate with the rescue team in case of emergency. I highly recommend this Anker power bank (Amazon | Anker), which will get you several charges for your iPhone.
Garmin 67i (Amazon | Backcountry | REI | Campsaver): If like me, you prefer not to rely on your smartphone as much, and get built-in GPS, I highly recommend the Garmin 67i. My former Garmin (Explorer+) was stolen last year, and I replaced it with the Garmin 67i. It’s an upgrade on the Explorer+, it’s not as clunky, and I find it very useful for navigating on snow-covered trails. It’s also got a bunch of bonus features, like moon and sun schedule, flashlight, etc…
Backpack! I’m a big fan of Osprey Talon packs for men (Amazon | Backcountry | Osprey | REI) and Osprey Tempest for women (Amazon | Backcountry | Osprey | REI). Both are available in extended fit, to fit up to 70-inch hips!
Osprey Water Bladder (Amazon | Backcountry | Osprey | REI): These Osprey reservoirs have never failed me and I own them in multiple sizes so I highly recommend them. Check out this blog post for tips on how to keep the clean!
Sawyer Mini Water Filter (Amazon | REI): source water from anywhere with this filtration system.
LMNT Electrolytes (Amazon): I looooove these electrolytes, they have made such a difference to my energy levels, I cannot recommend them enough! Try them now!
Black Diamond Alpine Carbon Cork Trekking Poles (Amazon | Backcountry | Campsaver | REI): These ultralight trekking poles feature an ergonomic design, ensuring endurance on steep hikes for an extended adventure!
Bug net (Amazon | Campsaver | REI): In warmer weather, be prepared for swarms of bugs during your hikes; having this bug net could be a lifesaver!
Altra Trail Runners (Amazon | Backcountry | REI): I’ve used these trail runners since May 2023 and I have enjoyed their lightweight and comfortable fit with a wide toe box. Check out my review of the Altra Lone Peak 7 here.
First aid kit (Amazon | Backcountry | Campsaver | REI): Can’t say I’ve had to use mine much, but better be safe than sorry, I never hike without it.
Check out this blog post for my full gear list for inspiration!
Hiking the San Diego Six Pack of Peaks Challenge (2023)
I signed up for the San Diego Six-Pack of Peaks Challenge in late July 2023. I created individual hike reports after each hike, and this blog post recounts my whole experience.
The six peaks in San Diego are:
| Peak | Mileage + Elevation | Completion |
|---|---|---|
| Volcan Mountain | 5.1 miles; Elevation 5,353′ (1,632m) | Completed 7/29/23 |
| Corte Madera | 6.7 miles; Elevation 4,633′ (1,412m) | Completed 9/17/23 |
| Cuyamaca Peak | 7.3 miles; Elevation 6,512′ (1,985m) | Completed 9/23/23 |
| Hot Springs Mountain | 10.2 miles; Elevation 6,533′ (1,991m) | Completed 11/19/23 |
| High Point | 13.8 miles; Elevation 6,138′ (1,871m) | Completed 11/26/23 |
| El Cajon Mountain | 11 miles; Elevation 3,675′ (1,120m) | Completed 12/17/23 |
| Mount Woodson (Potato Chip Rock!) (alternate) | 7.4 miles; Elevation 2,881′ (878m) | Completed 11/11/23 |
Hiking the Southern California Six Pack of Peaks Challenge (2024)
Did you hear? 2024 registration is now open for the 2024 Six-Pack of Peaks Challenge season! I recently signed up for the Southern California challenge for next year! The Southern California challenge offers 12 mountains to choose from; with six originals and six alternate peaks! Those will need a bit more planning because they are longer drives to get to than the San Diego ones, and they also seem a lot more strenuous, but I cannot wait to get started!
Choose six of these 12 peaks in Socal:
| Peak | Mileage + Elevation | Completion |
|---|---|---|
| Mount Wilson | 13.2 miles; Elevation 5,713′ (1,741m) | |
| Cucamonga Peak | 11.6 miles; Elevation 8,859′ (2,701m) | |
| Mt San Antonio (Mt Baldy) | 10.2 miles; Elevation 10,064′ (3,068m) | |
| San Bernardino Peak | 16.5 miles; Elevation 10,649′ (3,246m) | |
| Mt San Jacinto | 11.4 miles; Elevation 10,834′ (3,302m) | |
| San Gorgonio | 17.3, 18.4, or 22 miles; Elevation 11,503′ (3,506m) | |
| Sitton Peak (Alternate) | 10 miles; Elevation 3,273′ (998m) | Completed 01/14/24 |
| Sawmill Mountain (Alternate) | 7.4 miles; Elevation 8,822′ (2689m) | |
| Strawberry Peak (Alternate) | 7.5 miles; Elevation 6,164′ (1,879m) | Completed 2/25/24 |
| Mt Baden-Powell (Alternate) | 8.7 miles; Elevation 9,406′ (2,867m) | |
| Ontario Peak (Alternate) | 12.4 miles; Elevation 8,696′ (2,651m) | |
| Santiago Peak (Alternate) | 9.5 or 15 miles; Elevation 5,689′ (1,734m) |
10 Benefits of the Six Pack Of Peaks Challenge Hiking Series
1. Make new connections
For me, the main benefit is that it has already enabled me to expand my social circle, and it’s only been a week. So I look forward to making new connections and friends thanks to this challenge.
Here’s the page of their website where you can find local groups to join. The group I joined organizes events regularly.
2. Renew your hiking motivation
Discovering the social hiker website and all the challenges renewed my hiking motivation. So if you’re getting bored of always hiking the same trails, give the challenge a try. There’s nothing to lose but sweat! And you may feel better, more accomplished, empowered, confident, and ready to tackle any other challenges, off and on trails.
3. Get a decent workout and spend time outdoors
The hikes in each challenge appear truly challenging, so you’ll get a good workout with each of them. If you are a beginner, I would recommend starting with easier hikes first to acclimate your body to hiking. But as you build strength and complete the designated hikes, your body will thank you, and you will probably feel better overall for completing the challenge, both physically and mentally.
4. Become a better hiker
Connecting with other hikers and attending group hikes may make you a better hiker. You might end up learning something new that others are doing on their hikes that you could incorporate into your hiking habits.
5. Mental Health Benefits
Hiking has been shown to have positive effects on mental health. The combination of physical activity, being outdoors, and connecting with nature can contribute to reduced stress, anxiety, and depression. The serene environment of natural landscapes during a hike provides an excellent opportunity for mindfulness and relaxation, promoting overall well-being.
6. Improved Cardiovascular Health
Regular hiking can contribute to better cardiovascular health. It helps in increasing heart rate and improving blood circulation, which, over time, can lead to a healthier heart. The varied terrain and elevation changes during hikes also add an element of cardiovascular challenge, contributing to better endurance and stamina.
7. Enhanced Creativity and Problem-Solving
Being surrounded by nature during a hike has been linked to increased creativity and improved problem-solving skills. The break from daily routines and exposure to natural settings can stimulate the mind, fostering creative thinking and helping individuals approach challenges with a fresh perspective.
8. Weight Management
Hiking is an effective way to burn calories and can be part of a weight management or weight loss strategy. The combination of aerobic exercise and the potential for varied intensity levels during different hikes can contribute to calorie expenditure, making it a beneficial activity for those looking to maintain or lose weight.
9. Immersive Learning
Hiking often takes you through diverse ecosystems and natural environments. This presents opportunities for immersive learning about local flora, fauna, geology, and history. Many hiking trails are accompanied by informational signs or guided tours, enhancing your knowledge and appreciation of the natural world.
10. Stress Reduction and Relaxation
The tranquility of nature and the physical activity involved in hiking contribute to stress reduction. Walking in natural surroundings has a calming effect on the mind, promoting relaxation and a sense of peace. This can be especially valuable in today’s fast-paced, urban-centric lifestyles.
Final thoughts
If you learned about these challenges in this post, I hope it piqued your interest to look into it and join a challenge. And for those who already know about the social hiker website and the challenges they offer, have you attempted one of these challenges yet? Or is this motivating you to sign up? What’s the main benefit you’d like to enjoy out of the challenge? Comment below!
Want more hiking ideas? Check out my hiking adventures here!
Post originally published on August 1, 2023, and last updated on May 9, 2024.
