Not So Casual Hikes Orange County

Altitude Series: San Bernardino Peak via Angelus Oaks (16mi/4,691ft)

Sat, May 23 · 6:30 AM PDT

San Bernardino Peak Trailhead (1W07), San Bernardino Peak Trail 1W07, San Bernardino Peak Divide Trail, Angelus Oaks, CA, US

Join us for the next hike in our Altitude Series, a structured training track designed to build the endurance, pace, and elevation tolerance needed for bigger mountain objectives such as San Jacinto, San Gorgonio, and Mt. Whitney.

This route climbs San Bernardino Peak (10,649 ft) from Angelus Oaks via the San Bernardino Peak Trail. The ascent gains elevation steadily through oak and pine forest before transitioning into higher elevation manzanita and exposed ridge terrain near Limber Pines and Washington’s Monument. The final section follows the ridgeline to the summit with expansive views across the San Bernardino range and toward San Gorgonio.

Approximately 16 miles round trip with 4,691 ft of elevation gain. Typical time 7 to 9 hours depending on pace and stops.
Expect a long sustained climb, significant time on feet, and extended exposure to altitude above 9,000 ft during the final portion of the route.

Here’s the full activity from our recent Altitude Series benchmarks, including all splits and details, to give a clear sense of how each day flows:

[Altitude Series] Cucamonga Peak | Benchmark 1 | NSC | Hike | Strava
[Altitude Series] Mt. Baden-Powell | Benchmark 2 | NSC | Hike | Strava
[Altitude Series] Big Horn and Ontario Peak | Benchmark 3 | NSC | Hike | Strava
[Altitude Series] Mt. Baldy | Benchmark 4 | NSC | Hike | Strava

Who This Hike Is Suited For:

• Hikers comfortable with 15+ mile routes
• Ability to sustain a steady climbing pace on long uphill terrain
• Ability to maintain continuous forward movement for 7–9 hours
• Experience fueling and hydrating during extended efforts

Group Size & Admission Policy: Group size is intentionally limited to maintain safety, cohesion, and steady mountain pacing on long, sustained routes.

All hikers will initially be placed on the waitlist. Admission is based on pace compatibility and experience with sustained elevation routes.

First-Time Participants (Altitude Series): If you have not previously hiked with us on a comparable route, please message the organizer with:

1. Date of your most recent 15+ mile hike
2. Distance, elevation gain, and completion time
3. Your average moving pace
4. Comparable peaks or routes completed

Submission of this information does not guarantee admission. We intend to keep the group intentionally small and will admit hikers off the waitlist as space allows, based on overall pace compatibility and training alignment.

Trailhead: San Bernardino Peak Trailhead via Angelus Oaks
Parking: Limited roadside parking near the trailhead (Adventure Pass required)
Directions: From Angelus Oaks, turn east off Highway 38 onto Manzanita. Then turn to the immediate left onto the frontage road that parallels Highway 38. Turn right onto Forest Service Road No. 1W07 and stay to the right up the dirt road 300 yards to the trailhead.
https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&destination=34.146021,-116.978423

Route Map:
https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/california/san-bernardino-peak-trail-via-angelus-oaks?u=i&sh=pxabuh

Essentials:
• Water (3-4L; electrolytes strongly recommended)
• Snacks/fuel
• Hat, sunscreen, sunglasses
• Hiking poles (recommended)
• Extra layers for summit conditions
• Offline maps/navigation recommended

Note on Punctuality & RSVP: Please be on time — we’ll wait up to 5 minutes past the start. If you’re running late, you can post your ETA in the event discussion, but the group may still begin without you. If your plans change, please update your RSVP — it helps us know who to expect on the trail.

Disclaimer & Safety Notice: Not So Casual Hikes are challenging outings designed for hikers in strong shape who know their limits and show up prepared. Organizers are volunteers—not guides—and cannot be responsible for your pace, navigation, or safety. We hike at a steady pace and the group may spread out. Please be prepared to navigate independently if you fall behind, though we’ll aim to check in at major junctions when possible. By signing up, you accept full responsibility for your fitness, gear, hydration, and navigation, and agree to hold harmless the Organizer, Co-Organizer, Assistant Organizers, and fellow participants for any incidents or injuries. Participation also means you agree to Meetup’s Terms of Service. Hiking carries inherent risks, including trip/fall injuries, bee stings, poison oak, ticks, snakes, coyotes, or mountain lions. Be prepared for sun exposure, heat, or marine layer conditions depending on the day.

Mustard–Vista Lookout–Billy Goat (~9 Mi)

Sun, May 24 · 7:30 AM PDT

Whiting Ranch Wilderness Park Main Entrance, 26701 Portola Parkway (at Market), Foothill Ranch. 92610, CA, US

Join us for a rewarding morning on the trails. We’ll take on a loop that blends challenge with scenery, offering open views and rugged terrain. Our route begins in Borrego Canyon, follows Mustard Trail all the way to the gate, then turns back to connect with Vista Lookout before continuing through the more rugged stretches of trail. At roughly 9 miles with about 1,700 ft of elevation gain, this hike brings long climbs, uneven footing, and steady pacing — a solid workout for stamina, leg strength, and overall trail fitness. Expect variety, effort, and the satisfaction of a morning well spent.

Please Note: Not So Casual means our hikes double as a workout — brisk pace, solid climbs, and an endurance challenge paired with a friendly, supportive group vibe. Come prepared with gear, water, and your best effort, and you’ll fit right in. The group moves at a steady, moderate-to-fast pace and may not wait if you fall behind, so please know your limits and be ready to hike at this level — or plan to finish on your own, ideally by pairing up with someone at a similar pace.

Meeting Details:

Meeting Point: By the big sundial statue near the Borrego trailhead (adjacent to Ralphs and the gas station, and across from McDonald’s).
Parking:

• Small lot at the trailhead — $3 fee or OC Parks Pass
• Free lot across the street between McDonald’s and the nearby shops

🚫 Do NOT park at Ralphs — security patrols and actively tickets.

Difficulty: Moderate to challenging
Distance / Elevation / Duration: ~9 miles, ~1,700 ft gain, estimated ~3.5–4 hours at a moderate pace.
Map Route: Mustard–Vista Lookout–Billy Goat

Essentials:

• Traction hiking shoes
• Water (2-2.5L; electrolytes recommended)
• Quick snacks
• Sunglasses & sunscreen
• Hat or sun protection

Route:

We’ll start on Borrego Canyon Trail, then follow Mustard Trail all the way to the gate before turning around. On the way back, we’ll take the spur up to Vista Lookout, drop back down toward Cactus Pond, and continue onto Billy Goat Trail. From there, we’ll loop through 4 Corners and finish by returning on Mustard back to Borrego.

Note on Punctuality & RSVP: Please be on time — we’ll wait up to 5 minutes past the start. If you’re running late, you can post your ETA in the event discussion, but the group may still begin without you. If your plans change, please update your RSVP — it helps us know who to expect on the trail.

Disclaimer & Safety Notice: Not So Casual Hikes are challenging outings designed for hikers in strong shape who know their limits and show up prepared. Organizers are volunteers—not guides—and cannot be responsible for your pace, navigation, or safety. We hike at a steady pace and the group may spread out. Please be prepared to navigate independently if you fall behind, though we’ll aim to check in at major junctions when possible. By signing up, you accept full responsibility for your fitness, gear, hydration, and navigation, and agree to hold harmless the Organizer, Co-Organizer, Assistant Organizers, and fellow participants for any incidents or injuries. Participation also means you agree to Meetup’s Terms of Service. Hiking carries inherent risks, including trip/fall injuries, bee stings, poison oak, ticks, snakes, coyotes, or mountain lions. Be prepared for sun exposure, heat, or marine layer conditions depending on the day.

Altitude Series: Mt Baldy via Baldy Bowl & Devil’s Backbone (~10mi/4,100ft)

Sun, May 31 · 6:00 AM PDT

San Antonio Falls, Mount Baldy Road, Mount Baldy, CA, US

Join us for the next hike in our Altitude Series, a structured training track designed to build the endurance, pace, and elevation tolerance needed for bigger mountain objectives such as San Jacinto, San Gorgonio, and Mt. Whitney.

This route climbs Mt. Baldy (10,064 ft) from Manker Flat via the Baldy Bowl. The ascent is direct and sustained, gaining elevation quickly through the bowl before reaching the summit. From the summit, we’ll cross Mt. Harwood (9,538 ft) before descending via Devil’s Backbone, a long exposed ridgeline with a steady grade back toward the Notch and down to the trailhead. Approximately 10 miles round trip with about 4,100 ft of elevation gain. Typical time 6.5 to 8 hours depending on pace and stops. Expect continuous climbing on the ascent, exposure along the ridge, high-elevation terrain between Baldy and Harwood, and a steady, controlled descent.

Here’s the full activity from our recent Altitude Series benchmarks, including all splits and details, to give a clear sense of how each day flows:

[Altitude Series] Cucamonga Peak | Benchmark 1 | NSC | Hike | Strava
[Altitude Series] Mt. Baden-Powell | Benchmark 2 | NSC | Hike | Strava
[Altitude Series] Big Horn and Ontario Peak | Benchmark 3 | NSC | Hike | Strava
[Altitude Series] Mt. Baldy | Benchmark 4 | NSC | Hike | Strava

Who This Hike Is Suited For:

• Hikers comfortable with 10+ mile routes
• Ability to sustain a steady climbing pace on long uphill terrain
• Ability to maintain continuous forward movement for 7–8 hours
• Experience fueling and hydrating during extended efforts

Group Size & Admission Policy: Group size is intentionally limited to maintain safety, cohesion, and steady mountain pacing on long, sustained routes.

All hikers will initially be placed on the waitlist. Admission is based on pace compatibility and experience with sustained elevation routes.

First-Time Participants (Altitude Series):
If you have not previously hiked with us on a comparable route, please message the organizer with:

1. Date of your most recent 10+ mile hike
2. Distance, elevation gain, and completion time
3. Your average moving pace
4. Comparable peaks or routes completed

Submission of this information does not guarantee admission. We intend to keep the group intentionally small and will admit hikers off the waitlist as space allows, based on overall pace compatibility and training alignment.

Trailhead: San Antonio Falls Trailhead
Parking: San Antonio Falls Trailhead parking lot (Adventure Pass required)

Route Map:
https://www.alltrails.com/explore/custom-routes/custom-route-mount-baldy-via-devil-s-backbone-trail-3d61456?u=i&sh=pxabuh

Essentials:
• Water (3-3.5L; electrolytes recommended)
• Snacks/fuel
• Hat, sunscreen, sunglasses
• Hiking poles (recommended, especially for the descent)
• Extra layers for summit conditions
• Offline maps/navigation recommended

Note on Punctuality & RSVP: Please be on time — we’ll wait up to 5 minutes past the start. If you’re running late, you can post your ETA in the event discussion, but the group may still begin without you. If your plans change, please update your RSVP — it helps us know who to expect on the trail.

Disclaimer & Safety Notice: Not So Casual Hikes are challenging outings designed for hikers in strong shape who know their limits and show up prepared. Organizers are volunteers—not guides—and cannot be responsible for your pace, navigation, or safety. We hike at a steady pace and the group may spread out. Please be prepared to navigate independently if you fall behind, though we’ll aim to check in at major junctions when possible. By signing up, you accept full responsibility for your fitness, gear, hydration, and navigation, and agree to hold harmless the Organizer, Co-Organizer, Assistant Organizers, and fellow participants for any incidents or injuries. Participation also means you agree to Meetup’s Terms of Service. Hiking carries inherent risks, including trip/fall injuries, bee stings, poison oak, ticks, snakes, coyotes, or mountain lions. Be prepared for sun exposure, heat, or marine layer conditions depending on the day.