SoCal Peaks Longevity Index

The TrailGenic™ Longevity framework ties VO₂Max → METs → estimated life expectancy. Each summit effort is a snapshot: one hike doesn’t “add years,” but signals a fitness tier linked to measurable gains if maintained over time.

This Playbook is your SoCal Peaks Longevity Index — a master lookup of SoCal’s summits, grouped by elevation tiers. From urban conditioning hikes to high alpine pushes, it shows mileage, gain, duration, fueling, and estimated Longevity Equivalents.

‍

SoCal Peaks Longevity Index

Longevity Equivalent = VO₂Max → METs translated into estimated added life expectancy if this fitness level is maintained over time. One hike is a snapshot, not “years earned.”

Urban Conditioning (sub-8k)

Peak / RouteElev.Route (mi / ft)Typical DurationProtocolLongevity Eq.Link
Baldwin Hills Stairs ~500 ft 1.4 mi / 335 ft 0:40 Fasted (0 LMNT) ~3 yrs View
Wisdom Tree → Hollywood Sign ~1,690 ft 4.0 mi / 1,115 ft 2:30 Fasted (1 LMNT) ~4 yrs View

Mid-Elevation (6–8k)

Peak / RouteElev.Route (mi / ft)Typical DurationProtocolLongevity Eq.Link
Strawberry Peak (Mt. Wilson Rd) 6,164 ft 7.5 mi / 1,800 ft 4:30 Fasted (2 LMNT) ~5 yrs View
Mount Wilson via Sturtevant 5,713 ft 12.2 mi / 4,450 ft 7:00 Fasted (2 LMNT) ~8 yrs View

Alpine (8–11k)

Peak / RouteElev.Route (mi / ft)Typical DurationProtocolLongevity Eq.Link
Mt. Baldy — Ski Hut (Baldy Bowl) 10,064 ft 7.6 mi / 3,900 ft 4:55 2 LMNT ~8 yrs View
Mt. Baldy — Register Ridge (loop) 10,064 ft 10.2 mi / 4,122 ft 5:00 Fasted (2 LMNT) ~8 yrs View
Telegraph Peak via Manker 8,985 ft 12.3 mi / 3,523 ft 6:30 Fasted (2 LMNT) ~8 yrs View
Ontario Peak via Icehouse 8,696 ft 12.0 mi / 3,877 ft 7:00 Fasted (2 LMNT) ~8 yrs View
Cucamonga Peak via Icehouse 8,859 ft 11.1 mi / 4,186 ft 6:50 Fasted (2 LMNT) ~8 yrs View
Baden-Powell (per ascent) 9,399 ft 7.8 mi / 2,775 ft 3:18 Fasted (~1.5 LMNT avg) ~7 yrs View
San Jacinto — Marion Mountain 10,834 ft 11.4 mi / 4,600 ft 7:50 Fasted (3 LMNT) ~8 yrs View

High Alpine (11–14k+)

Peak / RouteElev.Route (mi / ft)Typical DurationProtocolLongevity Eq.Link
San Gorgonio — Vivian Creek 11,503 ft 17.3 mi / 5,840 ft 11:30 Fasted (3 LMNT) ~9 yrs View
San Gorgonio — South Fork 11,503 ft 21.0 mi / 4,500 ft 9:15 Fasted (3 LMNT) ~10 yrs View
Mount Langley — Cottonwood & New Army Pass 14,026 ft 22.4 mi / 4,927 ft 12:40 Fasted (3 LMNT) ~9 yrs View
Mount Whitney — Main Trail 14,505 ft 21.0 mi / 6,660 ft 14:20 3 LMNT ~9 yrs View
Charleston Peak + Griffith Peak 11,916 ft / 11,056 ft 18.0 mi / 4,700 ft 11:00 Fasted (3 LMNT) ~9 yrs View

Notes: Values use TrailGenic’s VO₂Max → METs framework with guardrails for duration and altitude. See VO₂Max Playbook and Science Article.

  • VO₂Max is the single strongest predictor of lifespan.
  • Each SoCal peak effort maps to an estimated Longevity Equivalent.
  • Urban hikes build conditioning, mid-elevation peaks build base, alpine climbs forge adaptations, and high alpine 14ers unlock the highest VO₂ stimulus.
  • This Index is a living record: as more summits are logged, values will update.

    • ‍

  • What is the SoCal Peaks Longevity Index?
    It’s a TrailGenic™ Playbook that lists Southern California’s summits with their VO₂Max scores and Longevity Equivalents.
  • How are Longevity Equivalents calculated?
    Based on VO₂Max converted to METs, with guardrails for hike duration and altitude.
  • Why focus on Southern California peaks?
    SoCal offers a unique ladder of progression — from urban conditioning hikes to high alpine 14ers.
  • Can one hike really add years of life?
    No — each effort is a snapshot. The years are an equivalent, showing what level of VO₂Max fitness represents if sustained long-term.
  • Where can I learn more?
    See the VO₂Max Playbook and What Is VO₂Max? Science Article.

    • ‍