c2c 5/23/15

[deepakar]

Anyone still doing the hike on 5/23?

I would like to join as well. Done C2C in the past. My hiking buddy can't join, so would be great to do this with few others.

[sdchargerhiker]

About that start time...I don't know your hiking speed, but there are good and bad sides to starting in the dark. The good sides are that it is cooler and looking back down on the lights of Palm Springs from above is a beautiful sight. The bad sides are that it is harder to find your way and that you don't really get to see the terrain (which is constantly changing as you rise through different biomes) when it's completely dark.

So, if your party is in good physical condition you might want to consider leaving a couple hours before dawn as opposed to leaving at midnight. That would still allow you to enjoy the coolness and the beauty of the lights and the rising of the sun over the desert without having to do most of Skyline (the hike from the desert floor to the tram) in the darkness. It would put you in Long Valley around noon, which would allow you about 8 hours to go ahead and do the next section of the hike, from the tram to the peak and back. Since that's the easiest part, it's not usually hard to accomplish it in less than 8 hours, even if you stop for a while and take in the views from the peak, snap some pics, call friends at home and brag, etc.

On the other hand, if you leave at midnight and make even very modest time you'll end up in Long Valley around 7:00 or 8:00. While it would be dark for most of the lower section, this would allow you 12 full hours to do the easier section to the peak and back. If your party has members that prefer to hike very slow, this original plan of yours is probably the best choice.

Just a thought from someone who has done the trail a few times at all hours of the day and night. I've started in the afternoon, in the morning, in the darkness before dawn, and once (only once) around midnight. The midnight version was very nice, but I ended up at the tram hours before it opened and did not feel like doing the peak that day. Unfortunately, it was nice at the bottom but 29 degrees at the top on that occasion, and I was only wearing shorts and a tank top. I froze for an eternity, so I loved the hike but did not enjoy the wait at the end! Just some thoughts. Hope you have a ton of fun no matter how you decide to do it.

z

i'm a pretty slow hiker haha. last time i did c2c i left around 330am and didnt get to the tram until 1-2pm. i AM a bit worried about doing the skyline tail in the dark and going on the wrong trail. i heard the ramon trailhead is easier.. but which is the better choice? doing the skyline trail.. which ive already done.. in the dark? or taking the easier ramon trail in the dark.. but i've never been on it before..

[Hikin_Jim]

Ramon is Skyline. There are just three or so different trailheads that all converge near the painted rocks. Ramon is easier to follow in the dark compared to the Museum trailhead.

HJ

[sdchargerhiker]

Ramon is Skyline. There are just three or so different trailheads that all converge near the painted rocks. Ramon is easier to follow in the dark compared to the Museum trailhead.

HJ

thanks for the clarification. so you would recommend Ramon for me even if it would be my first time starting from there?

[Hikin_Jim]

In the dark? Yes. Nothing is ever 100%, but the Ramon Trailhead is pretty easy to follow. Look at my TR in detail. You have to jog left just past the trailhead sign. It's pretty obvious, but I thought I'd mention it.

HJ

[sdchargerhiker]

In the dark? Yes. Nothing is ever 100%, but the Ramon Trailhead is pretty easy to follow. Look at my TR in detail. You have to jog left just past the trailhead sign. It's pretty obvious, but I thought I'd mention it.

HJ

just checked out your trip report- some GREAT info. thank you!

[atimb]

Hey guys,

I'm planning to hike C2C this sunday (5/24/2015).
I tried to look up the summit conditions, but without luck. Can anyone give me a rough estimate how much snow is there on the top? I'm not sure if I should pack my crampons or gaiters.

Thanks! Attila

[Sally]

Ellen, Marilyn, Heather, and I did Skyline on Friday the 22nd. When we got to the top we ran into Board regular. I think he was going to accompany some first-timers to the Peak for a full C2C. It was very chilly. He was in shorts and was asking around if any of us had some leggings he could borrow. We were in shorts ourselves and were unable to help him. We did get word, however, that he made it to the Peak and he was fine.

Hikin Jim , do you have any recommendations for nice warm trousers for a chilly C2C trip?

[Hikin_Jim]

Here you go, Sally, and only $350.



So, I was at camp on Saturday night, and it was cold, so I put on my pullover down hoodie. Joyce asks me, "daddy, why are you wearing your sleeping bag?" She's a crack up, that little one.

HJ

[Sally]

Those are perfect pants for a C2c, HJ! If I could afford them I would get Steve a pair.
Joyce is a crack-up for sure. But remember the photo of Ellen on the HST where she IS wearing her sleeping bag?