A couple of weekends ago I had a chance to go backpacking with the older Scouts in our ward. They are in training to hike Mount Whitney in August, so they have been hiking all of the peaks near us. This particular weekend we chose to tackle Mount San Gorgonio, it is the highest peak in Southern California with an elevation of 11,500 feet.
I have to admit that I am pretty out of shape, so I was a little worried about the hike. I also have to admit that it kicked my butt. It was quite a hike, it ended up being 18 miles round trip, and about 5,500 feet of elevation gain, but it was all worth it. The scenery was spectacular. Before living here, I would have never thought Southern California would have such beautiful mountains.

(1. Starting out; 2. Hanging Valley; 3. Still some snow left)