Cactus to Clouds in July

[yumanelson]

We have never made this hike. We have a group of 17 to 18 year old scouts who are planning on making this trip starting on July 27th at 3am. What do we need to know to be safe on this hike?

[Florian]

This doesn't really sound like a good idea. July is very hot in the desert. Even leaving at 3am. What kind of desert hiking IN THE SUMMER has your group done? Also that no one in your group knows the trail isn't good. Any chance you could reschedule and go now while the temps are somewhat cooler?

Read Hikin_Jim's comments in the "c2c may22" thread.

-Florian

[Ardiner]

We have never made this hike. We have a group of 17 to 18 year old scouts who are planning on making this trip starting on July 27th at 3am. What do we need to know to be safe on this hike?

We just did this for the first time last weekend. The temperature in Palm Springs hit the upper 90s. We left at 5:15am and even leaving then it was gruelingly hot in several sections. By July with temperatures pushing 110 in Palm Springs I think this would be a very bad idea.

[DaddyLongLegs]

I heard that three fit hikers died of heat exhaustion on the Skyline portion of C2C last year and that several marines had to be rescued midway up.

[Hikin_Jim]

July? Try May or maybe late Sept or October when it cools down. In the summer, all else is suicide in the most literal sense of that word, i.e. you will more than likely be attending a funeral. In fact you might be the honored guest.

More than 10,000' gain. Trail hasn't been maintained since the 30's, route is unclear in spots and completely gone in others. Steeper than 95% of the hikes out there, and most of it under the unrelenting desert sun. You will drink more water than you ever imagined possible, and unless you're carrying 8 Liters or more each, you will run out of water in July.

OK, now I'm starting to sound alarmist. There goes my credibility.

But seriously, I still remember that scout on San Gorgonio that got separated from his group. They found his camera but despite the best efforts of SAR, his body was never found. I'm an old scout myself. I just hate reading about scouts getting hurt let alone dying.

Think twice about this "hike" bro.

HJ

[bluerail]

Listen to what they're saying...

3 am isn't going to matter either.

[Zé]

I feel like for the "first timer", the answer should almost always be (unless there is early snow) "late october"

[zippetydude]

I feel like for the "first timer", the answer should almost always be (unless there is early snow) "late october"

Zé is right on. Well, except for that hair.

Anyway, late October is wonderful and much more fun. Yes, people have done it and survived it in July (myself included), but it's hot and nasty and there are way too many rattlers. Makes it eerie and kinda horrible.

If these are fit kids and they're wanting a challenge, Vivian Creek or South Fork over in the San Gorgonio Wilderness are much cooler (they both start over a mile higher) and are still tough as dayhikes. Way more fun in July. Just my 2 cents - hope you have fun wherever you end up.

z

[dan9098]

I think that you would have a tough time getting your Council office to approve a tour permit for this trip. I for one as a Scout Leader would never subject Scouts to a planned trip such as this. Too hot, too dry, and too long. I don't care if they are all 17 and 18. Because they are that age you may have problems. Scouting is not designed to test the limits of a child's endurance to the point where they might die.

As an Eagle Scout and an Assistant Scoutmaster who has taken groups of Scouts to Philmont as well as the High Sierra, I seriously question if someone should be a Scout leader if they propose taking a BSA sanctioned trip on the Skyline trail in July. This trip in July can be a life or death situation due to a sprained ankle.

[lipbiter]

dear yuma,

well, you asked for advice and you got it. some of the most experienced skyline hikers have taken the time to respond to your post. please take their advice. they're an honest bunch of guys and if it was at all doable, they'd be the first to encourage you.

and you shouldn't go with the notion that if it becomes too difficult for your group you can you always turn around and head down. this weekend marks the one year anniversary of the death of a young man who did just that. talking and laughing as he was heading back down - then dead from heatstroke just a few hours later. and it's not nearly as hot in May as it is in July.

i hope you find a great, alternative adventure and thanks for bouncing this idea off the message board before you did it; you'll be glad you did.