The Epic SoCal Six Pack of Peaks Hiking Challenge

In 2024, I took on the SoCal Six Pack of Peaks Hiking Challenge, also known as the Southern California Six Pack of Peaks or simply the 6 Pack Challenge. This annual event pushes hikers to conquer six of Southern California’s most stunning peaks. In this post, I’ll share my personal journey through the challenge, highlight favorite moments, and offer tips for anyone ready to join the SoCal 6 Peak Challenge.

What is the SoCal Six Pack of Peaks Hiking Challenge (6 Pack 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 12 Peaks of the SoCal Six Pack of Peaks Challenge

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 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)	10.2 miles; 10,064′ (3,068m)

Essential Gear to Bring on Your SoCal Six Pack of Peaks Hikes

In addition to the famous ten essentials, explore the following gear recommendations to tackle your SoCal Six Pack of Peaks challenge… And check out my curated outdoor gear shop for more items and buying options.

The Ten Essentials

1. Navigation
2. Headlamp
3. Sun protection clothing, sunscreen, and sunglasses
4. First aid
5. Knife
6. Fire matches
7. Shelter (doesn’t have to be a tent, I carry an emergency bivy)
8. Extra food
9. Extra water
10. Extra clothes
11. Bonus item: trash bag!

Gear Recommendation

How to Prevent Altitude Sickness on the SoCal 6 Pack Challenge

High-altitude hikes like those in the SoCal Six Pack of Peaks Challenge can hit hard if you’re used to sea level. Throughout my challenge, I tested several natural altitude sickness prevention aids that made a real difference in how I felt on the trail, helping me avoid the sometimes harsh side effects of prescription meds like Diamox.

Here are the four key products I relied on:

• Altitude RX OxyBoost Complex: packed with vitamin C and alpha lipoic acid, this formula supports your body’s acclimation process so you can tackle steep climbs with less struggle.
• Summit Altitude Sickness Prevention Patches: These handy patches boost oxygen intake and reduce symptoms like headaches and nausea, especially useful during long ascents.
• Boost Oxygen Canister: a quick and natural respiratory support, perfect when you need an extra breath of fresh air above 9,000 feet.
• Acli-Mate Mountain Sport Drink Mix: Supports high-altitude acclimatization, provides hydration and steady energy, made with electrolytes, B vitamins, and adaptogens, with just 6g of sugar per serving.

Beyond these products, practicing breathing techniques, pacing yourself thoughtfully, and staying well hydrated before and during your hike are absolutely vital. Using these natural tools helped me avoid prescription meds like Diamox, which can come with uncomfortable side effects, and allowed me to enjoy the challenge with more ease and confidence.

If you’re planning to tackle the highest peaks in the Six Pack of Peaks, prepping with these aids could be a game-changer for your experience.

My Experience on the SoCal Six Pack of Peaks Challenge

My Favorite SoCal Six-Pack of Peaks Hikes So Far

Picking a favorite hike from this challenge isn’t easy. Each peak has its own vibe and story. I’ve completed 9 out of the 12 so far, so it feels a bit early to declare a top pick, but here’s a snapshot of what made these hikes stand out for me:

• Sitton Peak was my first, and finishing it felt like a real confidence boost. Having done the San Diego challenge before, I knew the SoCal challenge would be tougher, so starting here was a great way to get my hiking legs under me.
• Strawberry Peak takes the cake for now. The trail was fun, the energy was good, and that sunset at the summit? Absolutely unforgettable, one of the best moments I had in 2024.
• Mt. Wilson surprised me with some of the best wildlife sightings I’ve had, including a peaceful group of deer mid-morning. Physically, it was a grind with major elevation gain; my Fitbit recorded 583 floors climbed, which gave me a whole new respect for that peak.
• Baden-Powell gifted me stunning panoramic views but also left me nervously anticipating Mt. Baldy, which I sadly couldn’t summit because of wildfire closures.
• San Jacinto was a real beast, testing me physically and mentally. That day pushed me beyond what I thought possible, and I learned a lot about endurance and mindset.
• San Bernardino was where I really put my altitude sickness prevention tools to the test after the disaster that was San Jacinto; they worked like a charm, letting me enjoy the hike instead of fighting symptoms.
• Cucamonga treated me to breathtaking views, even if I was wiped out by the end. I’m proud I kept pushing through.
• Ontario taught me that a good night’s sleep before the hike truly makes a difference. I felt sharper and more energized, and the hike showed it.
• Sawmill Mountain almost feels like cheating, two peaks for the price of one, and it’s a relatively quick and easy hike.

Each one has left a mark, and I can’t wait to tick off the remaining peaks to see what fresh challenges and views lie ahead.

Most Challenging Hikes in the SoCal Six Pack of Peaks Challenge

I haven’t tackled all the peaks yet, with some still closed and San Gorgonio looming on my to-do list, but so far, San Jacinto wins as the toughest for me.

That day was rough. I wasn’t at my best physically, and I suspect heat exhaustion, altitude sickness, and maybe a migraine combined to knock me sideways. The steep climbs from Marion Mountain Trailhead and the thin mountain air felt overwhelming, and the descent was just as brutal.

What really stuck with me, though, was the support from my two hiking companions. Their encouragement and willingness to slow down and stick by me reminded me that it’s okay to lean on others sometimes, even when you pride yourself on being independent.

Looking back, I’m grateful for their kindness and for the resilience I found inside myself. San Jacinto wasn’t just a physical challenge, but a reminder that hiking is as much about perseverance and connection as it is about conquering peaks.

Epic Scenic Views from the SoCal Six Pack of Peaks

The views along this challenge vary wildly, but each one is unforgettable in its own way.

• San Jacinto offers sweeping desert panoramas, with a vastness that humbles you.
• Cucamonga provides an intriguing contrast, cityscapes meeting nature’s edge.
• Baden-Powell treats you to a full wilderness panorama, including Mt. Baldy and neighboring ranges.
• Hiking San Bernardino means trekking through a dramatic burn area, where stark blackened trees meet new green growth, haunting yet hopeful. From the summit, you get a stunning view of San Gorgonio.
• And of course, Strawberry Peak’s sunset summit view was one of my favorite moments of the year, pure magic.

No matter which trail you choose, these views make every step worth it.

Wildlife Encounters on the SoCal Six Pack Hiking Challenge

Mostly, I’ve met the usual crew, squirrels, and chipmunks tagging along. But Mt. Wilson was a delightful surprise, with deer calmly grazing mid-morning despite a busy trail. That peaceful moment felt like a small gift.

I also spotted a lone deer on the saddle between Ontario and Cucamonga, making the hike even more special.

My friends who hiked San Gorgonio later had the thrill of seeing several bears, so I’m looking forward to my own encounter someday. Between San Gorgonio and Mt. Wilson, the wildlife here is pretty unforgettable.

How the SoCal Six Pack Challenge Changed My Perspective on Hiking

As a long-time solo hiker, I’ve cherished the quiet and connection that comes with solo time on the trail. But my San Jacinto experience shifted something for me.

That hike highlighted how much value companions add, for safety, encouragement, and just sharing the highs and lows. While I still love solo hikes and sneak off alone during group trips, I’m now more mindful about which trails are better with company.

Some routes demand that extra layer of support, whether it’s tricky terrain or sudden weather changes. At the same time, solo hiking remains a sacred space for reflection and recharge.

Balancing solo and group hikes has enriched my outdoor life and deepened my appreciation for the many ways we connect with nature and with each other, on the trail.

Completion Reward for the SoCal Six Pack of Peaks Challenge

FAQ: Southern California SoCal Six Pack of Peaks Challenge

What is the SoCal Six Pack of Peaks Challenge?

The SoCal Six Pack of Peaks Challenge invites hikers to summit six out of twelve iconic peaks across Southern California within a calendar year. It’s a self-paced challenge that encourages exploration, fitness, and connection with the region’s diverse mountain landscapes.

How do I register for the SoCal Six Pack of Peaks Challenge?

You register through the Social Hiker website (the official organizer). Registration gives you access to the online community, forums, and the ability to log your hikes and track your progress.

Which peaks are included in the SoCal Six Pack of Peaks Challenge?

The challenge features twelve peaks, and you must complete six to finish. Some notable peaks include Mt. San Jacinto, San Bernardino Peak, Cucamonga Peak, Mt. Wilson, San Gorgonio, and Mt. Baldy (Mt. San Antonio). Due to seasonal closures or wildfires, some peaks might be temporarily inaccessible.

How long do I have to complete the challenge?

You can complete the challenge anytime between January 1st and December 31st of the challenge year, allowing you to pace your hikes according to your schedule.

Can I hike the challenge solo, or should I join group hikes?

Both options work. Many hikers enjoy the solitude of solo hikes, but joining group hikes or connecting with the Social Hiker community can provide support, motivation, and safety, especially on the more challenging or remote peaks.

What permits or passes do I need?

Some trailheads require a SoCal Adventure Pass or other regional permits. It’s important to check each trail’s regulations before your hike to ensure you’re compliant.

What gear should I bring?

Besides the classic Ten Essentials, it’s smart to bring altitude sickness prevention tools, hydration systems, and weather-appropriate clothing. I recommend having gear that supports your safety and comfort through Southern California’s variable mountain conditions.

How do I prevent altitude sickness on the SoCal Six Pack of Peaks?

Prepare by hydrating well before hikes, pacing yourself on ascents, and considering natural aids like Altitude RX OxyBoost, Summit Altitude Sickness Prevention Patches, Boost Oxygen canisters, and Acli-Mate Mountain Sport Drink Mix. These helped me avoid prescription meds like Diamox and made high-altitude hikes more manageable.

What rewards or recognition do I get upon completion?

After completing six peaks, you’ll receive a finisher package including items like stickers, a personalized Hiker Tag, and possibly a patch or other commemorative gear. The Social Hiker website often celebrates finishers with online shout-outs or Wall of Fame listings.

Can I still participate if some peaks are closed?

Yes, you can choose alternative peaks offered by the challenge or wait until closures are lifted. The challenge allows flexibility with alternate routes and peaks to accommodate closures.

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 September 29, 2025.