NEWBIE to SKYLINE TRAIL

[HikerLinda]

Have hiked this trail for the past 4 years but never much higher than the museum, coming out via RAMON RD.

Yesterday, XMAS DAY, my husband and I hiked 2 1/2 hrs up, keeping a good pace. Met Doreen coming down.

We hiked beyond the rescue box, got to the scrub oak region and got to the rock with the large white arrow pointing LEFT.

So, I ask the professionals.... how far up did we get?

Many Thanks, Hiker Linda

[guest]

Hi Linda,
Welcome & glad your seeking advice for Skyline, it's a good way to help stay safe & make it a good good.
Sounds like you got to a bit beyond what we call the Shady Slope, the area I think you refer to as scrub oak, it's where the trail is on a north facing slope with a series of small, steep swithchbacks, (not positive about the arrow, as a few of us are on a "different" area at that spot, (not advised). I'd say 3.800 ft. is a good guess. About a 1/2 hr. later, you enter the easier 1/3 of the trail, where you have a series of small climbs, with almost flat areas in between, a good place to power the fluids & food.
At the end of that 1/3, is Flat Rock, where it gets Steep! Save up for this last 2 1/2 miles, it will work you.

This is a good way to work up to the whole enchilada, and is exactly how Doreen did it after she rebuilt herself from a health challenge.

This trail is about conditioning as you seem to know, but also about fueling en-route, drinking lots of water & electo-lytes, quality energy foods like cliff bars, gels, dates, and other fast digesting, good energy sources.

Remember there's snow, and possibly ice up in the trees where there's serious exposure this time of year. Best to wait till late spring to summit.

All the best on your journey,

ss

[HikerLinda]

Thank you for the information regarding our first longer hike on SKYLINE Trail.

We plan on attempting more elevation gain on the trail in 2 weeks or so. Since I work in PS, I have a nice advantage of hiking more than my husband. I generally am on the trail after seeing my clients, approx 3 days a week. Refreshes me.

Again, thank you SS.

Hiker Linda

[bluerail]

Maybe 3200' - 3500' Scott ?

Unless there is a storm that comes in, there is no snow until 7500' or a little higher right now. That was christmas day.

Like Scott mentioned, the fluids and fuel are always important to me, but just as much, remembering how much I am enjoying myself even when it hurts.

btw...you'll see more of Doreen.