The Epic SoCal Six Pack of Peaks Hiking Challenge
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In 2024, I participated in the SoCal Six Pack of Peaks Hiking Challenge (Southern California Six Pack of Peaks Challenge). In this recount of my journey through the challenge, I’ll share my favorite moments and the trials that tested me. I’ll also answer common questions that future participants may have, providing insights and guidance for those considering this adventure.
What is the SoCal Six Pack of Peaks Challenge
The Southern California Six Pack of Peaks Challenge is an exhilarating annual hiking challenge, stretching from January 1st to December 31st. Registering on the Social Hiker website not only enlists you in the challenge but also opens the door to its vibrant online community. This includes a forum and messaging system, where you’ll log your hikes and share insightful reviews of your completed trails.
Within about a week of signing up, I received a welcome pack. This bundle featured stickers, a personalized Hiker Tag tailored to the specific series, and a handy Leave No Trace reference card.
Feel free to conquer the hikes at your own pace throughout the calendar year. Once you’ve triumphed over each trail, proudly document your achievements on the Social Hiker website, where you can also register for the challenge and anticipate a gratifying finisher package at the journey’s end!
The Peaks
To conquer the challenge, set your sights on completing six of the twelve breathtaking hikes below. These peaks not only present a challenge but also unveil the scenic beauty of Southern California.
Due to health issues, and the wildfires in September 2024, my quest was temporarily put on hold. Santiago Peak and Mt. Baldy are closed until December 2025, so I couldn’t complete all 12 peaks in 2024.
| Peaks (links to AllTrails) | Mileage + Elevation | Completion (links to my blog post) |
|---|---|---|
| Sawmill Mountain (Alternate) | 7.4 miles; 8,822′ (2689m) | Completed 01/03/25 |
| Sitton Peak (Alternate) | 10 miles; 3,273′ (998m) | Completed 01/14/24 |
| Strawberry Peak (Alternate) | 7.5 miles; 6,164′ (1,879m) | Completed 2/25/24 |
| Santiago Peak (Alternate) closed due to the Airport Fire | 9.5 or 15 miles; 5,689′ (1,734m) | |
| San Bernardino Peak | 16.5 miles; 10,649′ (3,246m) | Completed 08/04/24 |
| Mount Wilson | 13.2 miles; 5,713′ (1,741m) | Completed 05/27/24 |
| San Jacinto | 11.4 miles; 10,834′ (3,302m) | Completed 07/13/24 |
| Mt Baden-Powell (Alternate) | 8.7 miles; 9,406′ (2,867m) | Completed 7/4/24 |
| Cucamonga Peak | 11.6 miles; 8,859′ (2,701m) | Completed 8/20/24 |
| Ontario Peak (Alternate) | 12.4 miles; 8,696′ (2,651m) | Completed 11/30/24 |
| San Gorgonio | 17.3, 18.4, or 22 miles; 11,503′ (3,506m) | |
| Mt San Antonio (Mt Baldy) closed due to the Bridge Fire | 10.2 miles; 10,064′ (3,068m) |
What gear should you bring on your hikes?
In addition to the famous ten essentials, explore the following gear recommendations to tackle your SoCal Six Pack of Peaks challenge:
The Ten Essentials
- Navigation
- Headlamp
- Sun protection clothing, sunscreen, and sunglasses
- First aid
- Knife
- Fire matches
- Shelter (doesn’t have to be a tent, I carry an emergency bivy)
- Extra food
- Extra water
- Extra clothes
Gear Recommendation
Altitude sickness prevention
Some of the hikes in the SoCal Six Pack of Peaks Challenge are at high altitudes, which can be challenging for my body since I live at sea level. I tried Altitude RX, Boost Oxygen, a vitamin sports drink mix, and Altitude Sickness Prevention Patches to prevent altitude sickness. I highly recommend these products, they were effective in helping me manage symptoms and fully enjoy my high-altitude hikes.
FAQs about the Socal Six Pack of Peaks Challenge
My Favorite Hike of the SoCal Six Pack of Peaks Hiking Challenge
Choosing a favorite hike from the SoCal Six Pack of Peaks Challenge is tough, as each hike offers something special, and I’ve only completed 9 out of the 12 peaks so far. I feel like it’s still a little early to pick a definitive favorite, but here’s a glimpse into what made each hike memorable for me:
- Sitton was my first hike in this challenge, and completing it gave me a huge sense of accomplishment. I had already done the San Diego challenge, but I felt like the SoCal challenge was more demanding, which made finishing Sitton feel like a real confidence booster—despite it being relatively easy.
- Strawberry Peak stands out as my favorite so far. I had the best day on the trail, and the sunset at the summit was absolutely stunning, marking one of my most memorable moments of 2024.
- Mt. Wilson offered the best wildlife sightings of any hike I’ve done, but it was also physically challenging due to the significant elevation gain. My Fitbit recorded 583 floors climbed, which made me appreciate the effort it took to get to the top.
- Baden-Powell provided gorgeous views and left me both excited and a little nervous for Mt. Baldy, which I didn’t know I’d be unable to summit due to the wildfires.
- San Jacinto was a real test of both physical and mental resilience. The day was tough, but it gave me a valuable opportunity to push through my limits and see what I’m truly capable of.
- San Bernardino offered incredible views and allowed me to test my altitude sickness prevention tools. They worked perfectly and helped me enjoy the hike without any issues.
- Cucamonga’s views were stunning, but I was exhausted that day. Despite how tired I felt, I’m proud of myself for pushing through and conquering the trail.
- Ontario taught me a valuable lesson: a good night’s sleep before a hike makes all the difference. I felt more energized and focused, and it showed in how well the hike went.
- Sawmill is rewarding because you bag two peaks in one hike and it’s pretty easy and quick to complete it. It almost feels like cheating!
Each of these hikes has offered something unique, and I can’t wait to finish the remaining peaks to see what other challenges and rewards await me.
Most Challenging Hike of the SoCal Six Pack of Peaks Challenge
I haven’t completed all 12 hikes yet, as two trails are currently closed, and I’ve yet to tackle San Gorgonio. I suspect San Gorgonio may ultimately claim the title of the most challenging hike, but so far, San Jacinto has been the most difficult for me.
That particular day, I wasn’t feeling my best, which made an already tough hike feel nearly insurmountable. Even now, I’m not entirely sure what went wrong, but I suspect it was a combination of heat exhaustion, altitude sickness, and possibly a migraine. The symptoms hit me hard and made the steep climbs and thin mountain air feel overwhelming. By the time I began the trek back down, the struggle had intensified, making the descent even more grueling.
What stands out most from that day, though, isn’t just the physical struggle but the incredible support I received from my two hiking companions. Their encouragement and willingness to slow down and stick with me were invaluable. They reminded me that sometimes, even when we pride ourselves on being strong and independent, it’s okay to lean on others.
Reflecting on the experience, I’m grateful not only for their help but also for the resilience I discovered in myself. San Jacinto tested me in ways I hadn’t anticipated, pushing me beyond my comfort zone both physically and mentally. It was a reminder that hiking isn’t just about conquering peaks, it’s about perseverance, adaptability, and appreciating the people who make the journey worthwhile.
Scenic Views on the SoCal Six Pack of Peaks Challenge
Each hike in the SoCal Six Pack of Peaks Challenge offers unique and stunning scenic views, both from the summits and along the trails leading up to them. What you experience depends on the hike you choose and what you’re looking for.
San Jacinto provides sweeping views of the desert below, with a sense of vast openness. Cucamonga offers breathtaking city views, with a contrast of urban life and nature. On Baden-Powell, the vistas include not only Mt. Baldy but also other nearby peaks and mountain ranges, creating a panoramic view of the wilderness.
Epic Hike to San Bernardino Peak via Angelus Oaks
San Bernardino Peak is one of the original SoCal Six Pack of Peaks challenge hikes, and I chose this as…
Strawberry Peak: A Spectacular Sunset Hike!
In my journey to conquer the peaks of the SoCal six-pack of peaks challenge, I aimed for Strawberry Peak for…
The hike to San Bernardino takes you through a large burnt area, which gives the views a haunting yet beautiful quality. The charred landscape has a stark beauty, with glimpses of life returning. From the summit, you’re rewarded with views of the mighty San Gorgonio peak.
One of my highlights was climbing Strawberry Peak to catch the sunset at the summit. It turned out to be one of my favorite sunsets of 2024, a perfect end to a fun day with views that took my breath away.
No matter which trail you choose, you’re sure to be treated to a variety of awe-inspiring views that make every step worthwhile.
Wildlife Encounters during my SoCal Hiking Challenge
Most of the hikes I’ve done so far have introduced me to the usual suspects: squirrels and chipmunks. However, hiking up to Mt. Wilson was a delightful surprise when I encountered a group of deer on the trail. They were adorable, and I wasn’t expecting to see them at all, especially since it was already mid-morning and the trail was quite busy. Their peaceful presence really made my morning and added an unexpected touch of magic to the hike.
Additionally, on my way to the saddle that leads to both Ontario and Cucamonga peaks, I spotted another deer. It was a beautiful moment that made the hike even more memorable.
Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to hike San Gorgonio on the same day my friends did, but they had an unforgettable experience when they encountered several bears along the trail. It seems that both San Gorgonio and Mt. Wilson are worthy contenders for the best wildlife encounters in the SoCal Six Pack of Peaks Challenge!
Ontario Peak: 8th hike in my SoCal Six Pack of Peaks
As one of the alternate routes in the SoCal Six Pack of Peaks challenge, I chose Ontario Peak for the…
Hike Report: Icehouse Canyon to Cucamonga Peak
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Epic Mt Wilson: An Inspiring SoCal Six Pack of Peaks Hike
This Memorial Day, I tackled my third hike in the SoCal Six Pack of Peaks Challenge by conquering Mt Wilson…
Changes in Perspective Thanks to this Hiking Challenge
As a long-time solo hiker, I’ve always valued the solitude and personal connection with nature that comes from hiking alone. However, my experience with the San Jacinto hike during the SoCal Six Pack of Peaks Challenge has profoundly reshaped my perspective on the value of hiking companions.
San Jacinto’s challenges underscored the importance of having someone by your side, whether for safety, encouragement or simply to share the experience. While I still deeply enjoy solo hikes and often find ways to hike alone during portions of group outings, I’ve become more intentional about assessing which trails I should tackle solo and which are better suited for a group.
Hiking Marion Mountain Trail to San Jacinto Peak
San Jacinto via Marion Mountain Trail is one of the original SoCal Six Pack of Peaks challenge hikes, and I…
Some trails demand an extra layer of safety and support that a companion provides, whether it’s navigating tricky terrain, managing unexpected weather changes, or simply having someone to share the journey with. On the other hand, solo hikes remain a cherished way for me to reflect, recharge, and connect with myself and the environment.
This newfound balance between solo and group hiking has enriched my outdoor experiences and given me a deeper appreciation for the diverse ways we can connect with nature, and each other, on the trail.
SoCal Six Pack of Peaks Challenge Completion Reward
I haven’t received my completion reward yet for the 2024 SoCal Six Pack of Peaks challenge. Check back later to see it here!
Final thoughts on the SoCal Six Pack of Peaks Challenge
I thoroughly enjoyed taking on the SoCal Six Pack of Peaks Challenge in 2024, and I’m excited to continue exploring more hiking adventures in 2025 and beyond. I highly recommend the Six Pack of Peaks Challenge to anyone who loves the outdoors and hiking. It’s a fantastic way to push your limits, find peace and healing in nature, and connect with like-minded friends.
What’s next for me? I’m considering tackling the Arizona Winter Six Pack of Peaks Challenge. What about you? Ready to take on your own adventure? Sign up now or discover your next challenge on the Six Pack of Peaks website!
Post originally published on December 30, 2024, and last updated on January 7, 2025.
