Our 6 Favorite Hikes for the SoCal Six-Pack of Peaks

After completing all 12 mountains of the So Cal Six-Pack of Peaks Challenge, these are the 6 hikes we would choose to do again.

Put on by Social Hiker, The SoCal Six-Pack of Peaks Challenge is a way to encourage people to get outdoors and enjoy some of the well-known – and more challenging – hikes in the Southern California region. With 12 peaks to choose from, you can take the “classic” 6 options, or mix-and-match between the 12. As long as you finish 6 hikes in the

calendar year, you get to name yourself as a finisher of the Challenge!

We’ve completed the Six-Pack Challenge for 2 years in a row now. Finishing the challenge once wasn’t enough for Adam — he decided we needed to do all. 12. peaks. Because I’ve learned to embrace and trust the constant type 2 fun in our lives, I was in.

We had a GREAT time doing all 12 peaks last year. You can’t go wrong with any of these hikes, but there’s a few that we’ll definitely do again.

Without further ado, our favorite 6 peaks!

#6: Cucamonga Peak

• Trail: Icehouse Canyon to Cucamonga Peak
• Distance: 11 miles
• Elevation Gain: 4,186′
• Pros: Can stop at the saddle for a snack break or breakfast; Most people go up to Ontario Peak instead of Cucamonga, so it gets less crowded past the saddle
• Cons: Parking can get very crowded, so get there early to avoid adding on extra mileage to your hike

#5: Mt. Baldy

• Alright now, listen up! Option #1 is what is recommended by the Social Hiker as the recommended trail for the challenger. However, the first time we did Baldy, I got one of the worst sunburns of my life hiking on the fire road because there is absolutely no shade. So make sure to wear a hat, a sun shirt, and wear plenty of sunscreen.
• KEEP LISTENING. Trail option #2 is NOT for the faint-hearted. It’s for the wild and squirrely hikers who are up for a real challenge. The incline is STEEP — you get the same elevation gain as option one, but in 3 miles less than the first hike. Let the sink in. There are lots of options for doing Mt. Baldy, so choose wisely (or poorly if you’re into taking the more difficult – I mean fun – option like we did.)
• Pros: Great views along the way up, probably the most popular hike and is almost a rite-of-passage for this challenge.
• Cons: Heavy crowds, difficult trail. This is probably Anisa’s least favorite hike on the list, but one of Adam’s favorites. (Anisa: I still think you should do Mt. Baldy at least once, but I’m not looking forward to doing it again).

#4: Mt. Wilson

• Trail: Mount Wilson via Little Santa Anita Canyon
• Distance: 14.2 miles
• Elevation Gain: 4,852′
• Pros: Very pretty trail, you can get lunch at the top at the Cosmic Cafe
• Cons: Lots of trail runners in the first 3 miles can make it a little crowded

#3: San Bernadino

• Trail: San Bernadino Peak Trail via Angelus Oaks
• Distance: 15.8 miles
• Elevation Gain: 4,711′
• Pros: Can see Big Bear Lake from above; gradual climb that’s good for training for long distance; decent amount of shade/sun coverage
• Cons: Peak is a little lackluster

#2: San Gorgonio

• Trail: Vivian Creek Trail to San Gorgonio Peak
• Distance: 17.9 miles
• Elevation Gain: 5,479′
• Pros: Long gradual climb for most of the hike. There’s an abundance wildflowers depending on time of year. Overall very good for training long distance.
• Cons: The last mile is all in the sun and gets pretty steep, and the peak can get windy; so make sure to bring a jacket and take your time going up.

#1: San Jacinto

• Trail: Marion Mountain to San Jacinto Peak
• Distance: 13.5 miles
• Elevation Gain: 4,505′
• Pros: 360 views up at the top, and there lots of different ways to get up and down to the peak. Good for training for higher elevation hikes
• Cons: The daily permit process — not available online, only in person and they’re not always there or open.

Let us know what trails you try out & which ones are your favorite! Happy Hiking!