San Gorgonio via Vivian creek

With the Cactus to Clouds to Cactus coming up on Oct 9th, a tough
hike was in order.  5am at the ranger station but no permit
available.  I met Edgar and his group from Hollywood.  They

have a permit for 8 but only 5 showed.  I'm In.

From the trail head you climb 1,200' to

Vivian Creek in 1 mile.  From there the trail

mellows out and you can just cruise. 

I hung out with  "Hollywood" to Vivian Creek.

Put in the Ipod and headed out.  Weather is perfect,

55 and clear.

High creek camp in just under 2.5 hours.

I'm supposed to turn around at 4 hours but

it looks like I can make the summit in 4-ish.

Over 10,000' and at least 5 miles from the trail head!

OK, I'm alright with the smoking but the littering...come on.

San Jacinto and a look at the Cactus to Clouds route.

The trail pretty much follows the left ridge.  Start at the museum in

Palm Springs (elevation 700') and hike to the summit (10,634').

Then back down to the tram - about 16 miles and over 10,000'

of elevation gain!. 

Oct 9, no tram.  Add 10 miles and 8,000' of

down.  We'll be starting about 2am.

Just below tree line and I can see a fire came through here.

All of the tree's survived.  

  

Nearing the summit and looking back

for any signs of the Hollywood gang.  Place is empty.

For no permits being available, where is everybody?

Besides the Hollywood group, I've only

talked to 3 other hikers.

Nice to know that after 4 hours and 8 miles I'm heading

in the right direction.

The summit in view.  It's more of a bump than a 

summit but it is what it is.

8.6 miles in 4 hours and 10 minutes.

Another personal best!

Edgar and the rest of Hollywood!

I'm sure they all made it.  Probably 1.5 hours to go from here.

The trail is in great condition.   I was able to jog

out for a 2 hour and 35 minute exit. 

6 hour 45 minute - 17.2  mile round trip.