Orange County Mountain Traverse Self-Supported
Mixed Gender Group
Over 48 miles and over 9,000' of gain traversing the Santa Ana Mountains.
The Mountain Traverse is a route that goes from the furthest south end of the Santa Ana Mountains in Ortega Oaks off Ortega Hwy 74, to the north east end in Corona, along side of the 91 Fwy. It's a beautiful route on the Main Divide which is a truck trail with steep climbs, rocky at times, and full sun exposure.
Jose Montellano, Rocky Reyes, Lorena Rubio and Cindy Gonzalez, started at San Juan Loop Trailhead at 2:59 AM and ended at Coal Canyon Trailhead where it intersects the 91fwy for a total elapsed time of 14 hours and 45 minutes. We each carried all our fuel and used water stations that were placed earlier in the week.
We had our water caches about 10 miles apart; which was so great and something we eagerly looked forward to. We knew it was going to be plenty hot and so we stashed just the right amount as it was critically important for our success.
We made it to Our 1st water stash at Blue Jay Camp under 3 hours, grateful to a cool morning and glad none of us ate spiders for breakfast!
We stepped foot onto the Main Divide shortly after camp and made our way through Horsethief and Trabuco peaks. With Santiago Peak at a distance we each pushed and moved one foot in front of the other, power hiking all the ups and running all the downs. We made it to our 2nd aid just before 9 am at Bear Springs. We looked forward to fresh spring water that we literally poured over our faces and body. We took a moment to refuel and regroup, while the battle against the flies began.
Our 3rd water stash was at Bedford Peak, we arrived at about 12:30 pm. At that point the day had reached it's highest peak it was about 92 degrees, felt like a 100.
We carried on and made it to our 4th water stash 2 miles before Sierra Peak at about 3:30 pm. We found a nice shaded spot where we refueled and cooled ourselves down.Here and there we had a breeze and boy did that feel amazing.
Excited and invigorated by the possibility of finishing under 15 hours and in daylight made us move with determination and joy.
The last mile was remarkable. We saved everything we had and we finished together.
Write up by: Lorena Rubio