Planning ahead for the next season...

[Stellar Jay]

Dear all,

about what time of year does the SJ peak (and Skyline) get to the point that it's again hikable without snow shoes/crampons? I'm just looking for a ballpark figure for general planning. I understand that there's a bunch of variables.

Thanks much!

Jay

[Nick-SJM]

Jay, I recommend that you give the hike from the tram up to San Jacinto Peak a try. There are a number of people on this site that can help you to take that winter hike in a safe manner. You will fall in love with the beauty of the mountain in winter. The winter equipment and clothing you need for a day hike from the tram to the peak is not that expensive or difficult to use. Ask for some assistance. I'll bet that you will have no problem getting the help you need.

[Stellar Jay]

Noooooo don't say such things! I've been doing an incredible job resisting spending money on winter gear. And believe me, reading the trail reports and seeing the photos hasn't made that easy. Maybe next year... for the time being I'm trying to be a fair-weather hiker.

[bluerail]

you can rent snowshoes at the adventure center in long valley.

[Stellar Jay]

Argh! You people aren't helping at all!

Ok, I'll consider considering it...

[neverwashasbeen]

April is a good bet.

[magikwalt]

Given what we have seen of Old Man Winter so far (probably jinxing us for a record snow fall) you can plan on hiking to 6000ft by late Feb in prep for a March mushy snow traverse to the notch.

[Marknhj]

Jay - I went up Skyline for the first time on May 3, 2008. It was doable a week before that. In 2009 I went up on April 18th but there was still patchy snow/ice at the traverse. Waited two weeks and it was completely clear on May 2nd...

[Stellar Jay]

Thank you everyone for all the info. I do have microcleats so I'm somewhat equipped, but not at all experienced in this sort of hiking and I know better than to try new things on Skyline.

I'll think about real cleats and snowshoes in the future because it is very enticing to be out in the snow like that. I was born in snow country and I really miss it sometimes.