Oct 26 C to C hike planned, advice? recommendations?

[Steve]

We have done our research and are ready but I would like to hear from anyone who has done this hike before. I love a good story and cannot get enough good advice from experts. Please state your hiking ability, i.e. beginners, intermediate, advanced or expert, with your comments.
In particular, any input on whether I should start out on the Lichen trail or the steeper Museum trail. ? and why? Happy Trails to all. Steve.

[guest]

Hi Steve,

Glad to hear you've done some research, as this is a big undertaking.
1st, remember, this is Not an official trail, the agencies don't consider it one, for many reasons, and should be treated as such.

Best to go with someone who has been up it, it's not real hard to follow if,,,,you pay attention, especially when your tired & getting in the trees.
I carry over a gallon, divided between H20 & energy / electrolytes.

This trail is as much about being trained (having done several 4+ hr hikes, with a min of 3-5k ft of gain if possible, and, managing your energy on the way up by eating & drinking regularly.

the south end of the North Lykken (end of Ramon Rd, watch where you park, it's posted) is at least 1/2 mile farther, but more gradual, the Museum steeper w/ no warm up (starts steep).

I think a 4-5 am start is plenty early, unless your an 8 hr. pacer & your going to the peak, no need to be in the dark for 4 hrs & miss a lot of the scenery, it's in the 50's at night now.

I've hiked Skyline over 100 times, do it weekly, hike it fast, hiked to San Jac 5-6 different routes, so I know the trail & mountain.

I wouldn't rely on GPS or a cell phone, and bring more of everything you'll think you'll need. Could be chilly higher up, maybe even high 30's if the wind blows.

Have a great hike,

ss

[Steve]

Hi ss, Thanks for the very good advice. It is very helpful. I hope that I can buy you a beer some time. So, until we meet on some trail one day . . . may your journeys be safe and your views high and clear.
Steve

[guest]

Hope to meet you too on the ol trail, thanks for the kind words as well.

ss