Skyline Trail conditions

[zippetydude]

Why the back to backs? Just for fun, or are you prepping for an ultra or something like that?

z

[tinaballina]

ultra punishment....lol
i went up sunday, got stung by a bee, yesterday it started swelling up and its hard as a rock.
i am going to have to look for bee repelent before i go back up.
where did you end up hiking this past weekend?

[zippetydude]

Sorry to hear about the bee. Hope that's better soon.

I went up the South Fork trail on the north side of San G, by way of Dry Lake, and then up the north face of the mountain. It's kinda rough that way - takes about an hour longer than the trail, but the snow was perfect and the day was very nice. I know you've done Vivian - if you haven't already done so, you might try the other side - it's just as nice, and it's a lot cooler in the summer. It is about an extra 20 minute drive, though.

I'm still thinking either May 2 or May 9 for Skyline. Are you thinking about doing it one of those weekends?

z

[tinaballina]

i went up to dry lake before, it was beautiful. would love to go to the top over the summer from dry lake.
i am going up with my trainer and a group of people may 2nd for sure. i am sure i will be up may 9th as well although i would like to do Baldy sometime soon as well.
it will be great to see you.
i thought that i saw you from a distance jogging up skyline on sunday but it was another guy (obviously). you and him have similar pace, fast...

[zippetydude]

I'll probably see you and your group on the 2nd then. Like I mentioned before, it's getting awfully hard to catch up to you anymore! What time do you think you'll hit the trail? I usually try to drop off a car at the upper tram lot at 5:30 (safer, no break-ins there) and ride a bike to the museum. I generally hit the trail about 6:15 or so. Too bad the tram road doesn't open earlier.

Anyway, with the crazy hot weather today and yesterday, the snow is probably no longer going to be a problem by then. Is your group a bunch of fast people like you?

z

[kd]

Will crampons and ice axe still be needed at the top???

[Marknhj]

Will crampons and ice axe still be needed at the top???

I went up last Saturday with Ellen, Karin and Lance and made it without crampons or micro-spikes (assuming you mean the top of Skyline and not the summit of Mt San Jacinto). My main concern was post holing around the rocks and boulders, so I was exceedingly slow and cautious.

However, the trail was very hard to see and I got lost three times after the first traverse. After the first time, where I went up and down several times, I decided to wait for the others as I had no idea where the trail was. After spending 15 minutes sitting on a rock I was surprised to see Scott show up on the trail about 20' above me! Then Ellen I got majorly lost twice more, going way up above the trail and having to descend again (not exactly my preference at the top of Skyline!). It took just over seven hours to get up, and over two of those were from the first snow. It's hot here right now and I anticipate most of the snow disappearing by the weekend after next. The trail above Flat Rock is a mess from the winter storm debris.

[kd]

Thanks! -- and yes I did mean the top of Skyline (not SJ Peak).

I was hoping to avoid crampons by the weekend of May 2nd.

I postholed once in Long Valley last weekend, quite a suprise when you are wearing shorts. I should have known better, the snow was soft and
earlier I had noticed just how deep it was, melting away from the rocks in certain places. -- I dont want any more of that.

--Kevin

[Ellen]

Howdy Kevin

You absolutely won't need crampons for Skyline on May 2. As Mark indicated, the trail is in bad shape from the traverse on due to fallen trees, etc.

I hear you on the post-holing. I stepped over a log near the top of Skyline and broke through the snow/ice, which threw me into a broken branch on the log. Bled like Hell and scared everyone as Mark and I walked up ramp up to the tram. I even washed off the blood in the restroom before having my ritual beer at the tram bar. I now have a nice big hematoma and abrasion on the inside of my right thigh.

I'm going to carry Microspikes (they're really light) on most of my hikes for a while due to the possibility of running into ice-chutes.

I may do Skyline again on May 2. Having done it the last three Saturdays in a row, I'm hitting another trail this weekend. Unlike Zippetydude and Zippetychick (Tina), I'll start in the dark to get a jump of the heat.

BTW -- Scott Scott ran into a rattler at 2500 ft last Saturday on Skyline. Lance (who works at LLUMC) also indicated there have been numerous recent rattlesnake bites in their "Venom ER." Be warned -- the buzz tails are out

Miles of smiles,
Ellen

[kd]

Hi Ellen,

Oh no--- sorry for your troubles, I'm glad it wasn't worse. The Tramway could have at least served you a beer in the restroom while you were trying to clean up----lol.

Absolutely no need for crampons (May -2 ) was the answer I was looking for. I too will be starting in the dark.

Hope you heal up quickly.....

Kevin