first skyline hike?

[gregooo]

hey, I've never done one of these trails. My friend and I want to hike the skyline trail. Both of us are in very good shape

How long should it take?
What trails?
Can we camp along side the trail, im guessing one needs a permit?
Any specific equipment needed?
is it the longest hike, or is c2c longer? if so what info do I need to know on that.

[Nick-SJM]

Please don't take this personally, but from your questions it is obvious you don't know much about the skyline trail. Being in good physical shape is only part of what it takes to go up skyline without exposing yourself to real risk. Why don't you plan to take the tram up and get to know the San Jacintos before trying skyline. I've been involved in the rescue a lot of people who thought they were in good hiking shape but did not understand the nature of the skyline trail. People die on this route. If you insist in going up skyline, find an experienced "skyliner" on this site and accompany them.

[Nick-SJM]

Please don't take this personally, but from your questions it is obvious you don't know much about the skyline trail. Being in good physical shape is only part of what it takes to go up skyline without exposing yourself to real risk. Why don't you plan to take the tram up and get to know the San Jacintos before trying skyline. I've been involved in the rescue a lot of people who thought they were in good hiking shape but did not understand the nature of the skyline trail. People die on this route. If you insist in going up skyline, find an experienced "skyliner" on this site and accompany them.

[bluerail]

hey Nick, wouldnt you say its fair to say skylines shut down for a couple months after this weeks snow hits ? -steve

[Nick-SJM]

Yes, there is a good chance the conditions on Skyline are going to be a real problem for a couple of months. There is a lot of other good hiking in the San Jacintos. Unfortunately, Skyline is not an official trail anyway and there are multiple jurisdictions (State Park, National Monument, City of Palm Springs and maybe National Forest and the Agua Caliente tribe) - who wants to try and get all of them to agree?

Nick