THINKING OF DOING SKYLINE OR C2C THIS SUMMER? READ THIS 1ST!

[cynthia23]

Hello, I am a Palm Springs local and a regular "Skyliner". The past three weekends have seen numerous rescues and people who barely "squeaked by" on the Skyline route. If you are thinking of hiking Skyline or C2C in the next two and a half months, Here is my one word of advice:

DON'T!!!

It is simply too hot for first-timers to safely attempt. This is a "committed" hike; in the summer, you can't safely turn around after a few hours (you will face heat stroke going in either direction.) It is going to be 121 degrees on Wednesday. July looks to be our hottest on record. August, with additional humidity, will actually be worse. Even though I am acclimated and well-conditioned, I can barely handle a walk down the street right now. I walked about half a mile in the desert here yesterday and began to suffer some symptoms of heat exhaustion. BTW, I was drinking water the whole time. Some people think that if they stay well-hydrated, this will protect them against heat exhaustion. This is NOT true. Heat exhaustion and dehydration are separate issues. Attempting an extraordinarily strenuous hike under these conditions is life-threatening and will certainly give you heat exhaustion. Despite its benign-sounding name, heat exhaustion is very serious. At high enough temps, your brain literally begins to "cook". It can damage you permanently. Even if you are lucky enough to "make it", you will find yourself ill, weak, fuzzy, and headachey for several days after (trust me. I know.) Worse yet, doctors say that one episode of heat exhaustion makes your body less able to handle heat in the future, setting you up for further episodes under less extreme conditions (which is probably why I can no longer handle even a short midday stroll.) Is any hike really worth death or brain damage?

At these temps, there is no "safe" time to begin this hike; even at two or three am it is still ninety-plus and you risk heat exhaustion. If you still foolishly choose--against all our advice-- to do this hike, DO NOT, for ANY REASON (a desire to take pictures, a late start, a long drive, whatever), leave anytime after 2.OO a.m. If it's 2.15 a.m. and you are still in the Desert Museum parking lot, abort the hike. I'm completely serious. Five liters of water and electolyte drinks are the bare minimum. Unfortunately, five liters weigh a lot, and you will be slowed down, which will make you drink more. You see why this is SO not a good idea?

The man who this Saturday attempted his first Skyline hike is now in the hospital. He's lucky to be alive.

Long story short: first time C2C'ers--wait until October. That is the safe and fun time to make the hike. We'll see you then ...

[TRumble24]

Coming from someone who is not an ultra athlete in any way shape or form, and is a pretty average person when it comes to physical fitness, and also someone who is from Palm Springs and is acclimated to the desert climate...My first time on Skyline was in July of 2005, and it was painful beyond description because of the heat. Did it again in October for the 2nd time, and it was a much more pleasant experience. The folks on here aren't lying, October is the month to do Skyline.

[magikwalt]

Perhaps we could put a sign above the map at the trailhead and post a "Wall of Shame" or "Attempted Suicide by C2C!"

[cynthia23]

Thanks for the personal testimonial, TRumble, that helps. MagikW, I love the Wall of Shame idea!!! I think seeing the sheer number of rescues--as opposed to just hearing about them abstractly--could sober a lot of people up. That is really something we should explore. Does anybody have any knowledge if the names of the rescued are public record and hence "publishable" on a sign? I don't see why they can't be posted.

But ultimately, I think the only thing that is really, really, really going to decrease the number of rescues is when the RCMR and the Sheriff's dept. and the State start charging people for their rescues. Frankly, I wish they would start charging. I don't see why I or any other taxpayer should pay for someone else's ego trip. Of course, I know that sometimes accidents truly do happen and God knows I personally have done a lot of dumb things, but I think when people have received plenty of warning, info, etc. and still charge ahead and do something idiotic--they should be charged. I understand charging for rescues has significantly cut down on the number of them at some of the places that now do this.

[Perry]

I think elevation signs at 2,000 and 3,000 feet would convince some people to turn around, realizing they did not bring enough water.

[magikwalt]

The sign at 3,000ft of elevation could say; "Welcome to 3000ft. You are now less than 1/3rd of the way to the tram and the hard part is yet to come!"