20240610_San Gorgonio Mtn via Vivian Creek TH (6/10/24, 3:18:04AM)
Solo hiked Mon 6/10/2024 – Trail crews have done a lot of work on Vivian from cutbacks to deadfall removal – big thanks to those responsible! The trail is much drier and Mill Creek a trickle compared to this time last year. Nice for a change to just follow the trail in autopilot mode with no winter navigation work or trail obstacles to deal with. Good flowing water to filter from at Vivian Creek-Halfway Camp crossing as well as High Creek. Switchbacks up from High Creek and the upper summit trail have a few trivial (soft and boot packed) snow patches that are just ornamental at this point and won’t be around after another week or so. While Vivian Creek itself is much lower this year, it’s still burbling nicely and is as beautiful as ever. Same slightly muddy trail patches before Halfway and at High Creek, all of which can be side stepped. Nice breeze and views off the summit today, especially towards San Jacinto, Cherry Valley and the San Gorgonio Front Range. With the trail maintenance complete and the snow virtually gone, now is a great (and fast) time to hike Vivian before the bugs come out in force. Brought a heavier pack for the day to get ready for an upcoming high altitude trip but didn’t really notice the weight (and finished earlier than planned) with the trail in such great shape! Logged 18.7 miles / 5425 vertical ft with Gaia