New Year's Day Challenge Hike - Saddleback Mountain, California
January 1, 2024 — 6:30am-5:00pm PT
Last day to register: December 28, 2024
TVOP SoCal is kicking off 2025 in a big way - taking on one of the most challenging day hikes in Southern California, with the goal of summiting Santiago Peak. The Acjachemen tribes refer to this peak as Kalawpa, with the nearby village of Alume meaning "to raise the head in looking upward," in reference to the mountain. On a clear day, you can see everything from Downtown LA to Catalina Island. We'll be starting off the day early and attempting to finish by 5pm.
This scenic trail weaves through Cleveland National Forest, crossing streams, switchbacks, and a few areas with light scrambling through boulders.
We ask folks under the age of 18 to please register themselves and an adult to accompany them. This event is intended for the LGBTQ+ community. If you require a service dog to attend, please let us know and we’ll collaborate with you on how to keep you both comfortable and hydrated on the hike.
GENERAL INFO
Location: Trabuco Canyon area (Acjachemen lands)
Parking: The parking area is a dirt circular space - you shouldn't have to worry about finding a spot.
Pets: While we love dogs, we ask that you please leave furry friends at home for this event. Tell them we said hi!
Meet: January 1, 2025
Hike: 16-20 miles, 4,160 ft elevation gain
Cost: $0-$20 sliding scale + $5 Permit from Rangers Office, California Adventure Pass, or National Parks Pass.
To find out where you fall best in our sliding scale, see the “Why does this trip cost money?” dropdown below.
Bring: Santiago Peak is a proper backcountry hike. Come prepared with at least 3 liters of water, insect repellant, sunscreen, trekking poles, layers you can take on and off for comfort (snow is rare but can happen!), and hiking shoes with enough grip for loose rocks and terrain. Bring plenty of electrolytes, snacks, and food for breakfast/lunch. Your TVOP volunteer will be equipped with a first aid kit and satellite SOS device, but please bring any other personal First Aid or medications that you might need.
COVID SAFETY
Masks are not required during this event, however they are welcomed if wearing one allows you to better engage with the group. PLEASE be mindful of your own and group safety. If you or anyone in your household are not feeling well, do not participate in this event.
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Of course you can always hike for free on your own! What we are offering is not just a wilderness trip, but a chance to create community. On a TVOP trip, you will meet people with shared identities, have meaningful experiences and conversations in community, have someone else plan the logistics of your adventures, and have certified Wilderness First Aiders on hand should you ever need one. All of the money we collect goes towards operating costs for our programs.
Our sliding scale recommendation:
- Low: Yearly income $30,000 or under, struggles to meet basic needs
- Mid (pays estimated value): Yearly income $40,000-$75,000, some expendable income
- High: Yearly income $80,000-$100,000, comfortable, never struggle with basic needs
Need more examples? We follow the Green Bottle principle. Click here to view and find out where you fall.
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Information for our land acknowledgment was gathered from nativeland.ca, which provides an estimate of original indigenous land occupation, but does not take into account migratory patterns or movement of the many surrounding communities. We recognize the historical complexity of indigenous movement across the land, and honor with gratitude the many, many surviving native nations whose land we benefit from in our work to diversify the outdoors.
