San Bernardino Peak - LA Trail Hikers

TRAIL NAME: San Bernardino Peak via Angeles Oaks (Part of the SoCal Six Pack of Peaks)

HIKE PREREQUISITE: Must have completed at least a Level 7 or 8 LATH hike with no problem.

HIKE DATE: Saturday, September 26, 2015

HIKE LEAD: Tony Ramos

MEETING POINT: 5:30am – 6:00am
(Please be on time, we will drive up to Trailhead at 6:00 am)
Return Approx: 6:30pm

HIKE LEVEL: Level 9 – (Strenuous, uphill switchbacks. Distance with steady elevation gain. Good hiking experience required. No Beginners, No Kids, No Dogs)

WHAT IS A HIKING LEVEL?:
Find out more about hiking levels here:
http://latrailhikers.com/about/hike-levels/

HIKE LENGTH: 16 Miles Roundtrip (approx)

HIKE DURATION: 11 to 13 hours (approx.)

ELEVATION GAIN: 4,700 ft. with top Elevation of 10,649’

MEETING LOCATION:
Mill Creek Ranger Station (Parking Lot)
34701 Mill Creek Road
Mentone, CA 92359

HIKE WALKTHROUGH: San Bernardino tops out at a respectable 10,649 feet. Hiking from Angelus Oaks, this 16-mile out-and-back trail climbs over 4,700 vertical feet. It makes for a very long day hike. There are no restroom facilities at the trailhead or on the trail so please go before or be prepared to go in the wilderness. There are three distinct sections to this trail. The first section climbs steadily up well-engineered switchbacks through oak and pine forest. You gain a lot of elevation quickly, but the trail is smooth and not too steep. Eventually we reach Manzanita Flats which is the main junction along this trail. Note: read the trail signs, and we will head toward Limber Pines. We continue and gently climb through manzanita, with beautiful views to the north towards Big Bear and the trail beings to become steeper as we near Limber Pines. Limber Pines is where the weekend backpackers often setup camp, and it it is where we will stop for a break before the final climb. The third and final section follows switchbacks up the steep slope to Washington’s Monument, then parallels the ridge to the top of San Bernardino Peak. This is last section of the trail, you may really begin to feel the altitude until we reach the Washington’s Monument which is really nothing more than a pile of rocks with a pole in the middle. From Washington’s Monument, the trail follows the ridge for another 3/4 mile to the summit, where we can take in the some beautiful 360 degree views.

This is the fourth of six southern California summits in what is called the 6-Pack of Peaks bundle. This is a good training for anyone preparing for more advanced hikes such as Mt. Whitney or Half Dome. Each of the 6-Pack is progressively higher in altitude, and all have respectable distance and vertical elevation gain.

WATER REQUIRED. WATER CHECK WILL BE PERFORMED. If you do not take enough water or are not appropriately equipped for this hike, you will be turned away from doing this hike with us even if you show up. Please note, that we have expectations for Level 9 hikers. Be prepared for this level hike.

REQUIREMENTS: WATER, at least 3 liters of water. Electrolytes supplement. A Lunch meal, plus snacks (trail mix, fruits, etc.). Hiking or trail running shoes with good grip and recommend trekking poles. A previous Level 7 or 8 Hike with LATH. Should be able to keep 35 Minute Pace on inclines/uphill. Sunblock, Hat, mosquito repellent/net, light windbreaker, and with minimum of 3 layers for upper body. Flash light for part of the way back down in case it gets a bit dark.

RECOMMENDED: Take some enough snacks & a lunch (trail mix, nuts, granola bars, fruit, etc.) Wear sunscreen, comfortable clothes and shoes. Windbreaker, gloves, beanie, warm jacket in case it is cold and high winds. Trekking poles or hiking stick will help.

RELATED LINKS:

DOG FRIENDLY?: No. Dogs are not permitted on Level 9 hikes.

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