skyline backpacking

[Backwoods]

I am pretty new to backpacking 2 months. I went all out on a ultra light setup and have been out for a backpacking/campout every week for the last 6 weeks building up to marion mnt tr to Little RV overnight to the summit and back to pct camp then downdevils slide to my house in Idyllwild and last week Fuller ridge to LRV back to pct strawberry camp to Taquits V camp and back home on Southridge I was in pretty good shape from mountain biking before getting into hiking. I am planning a hike starting this thurs Dear springs to LRV camp then to Tamarack Camp. I like camping and exploring after hiking. Then I am going down the tram and meeting my son spending the weekend with him in yucca v. He can drop me at skyline on his way to work on mon at 5:30. so after my long winded intro the question is givin my exp and never doing it before is it safe for me to do Skyline w a 23 lb Backpack w 3liters of h20 I can camp at the top and head back to Idyllwild the next day. I have heard alot of horor storys about Skyline and I'm being carfull not to make any beginer mistakes so I look into my adventures and any advise is helpfull. Thanks my name is Ken.

[zippetydude]

Well, the weather is good, so now's as good a time as any! Since you've done Marion, this is similar, just longer because it starts so much lower. You'll probably have a great time, and you may think 23 pounds isn't so ultra-light as you're getting to the steepest part of the trail at the end!

Hope you have fun. Might see you out there on the trail if you're going on a Saturday.

z

[Ulysses]

Hey Ken. This is Brett. We met in LRV last Friday. It's been a few years since I've done Skyline, but based upon my recollection of the trail and your condition I don't think you'll have any trouble, just bring plenty of water and or Gatoraide.

[Backwoods]

Good to hear from ya Brett I looked for you in the AM but you were long gone Fri seems like a long time ago and I just got back from that hike yesterday afternoon you were right about the creek just past strawberry Juntion it was dry but for some funky stuff it filterd ok but it should be dry now also there was a boy scout troop at the camp so I went on to the wide spot on the PCT you suggested what a great spot on the rocky outcroping to camp and watch the sunset!! Strawberry cienega was but a trickel also I'm not counting on any water in that whole section untill it rains again. @ zippetydude I'll be doing skyline on mon and your right ultraligt can get ultra heavy the good thing is it will get lighter by the top if I drink as much as I should and I did fuller w 4 days supplys and it shure felt lighter yesterday 4 days later.So skyline it is !! This week's trip is Marion trail to LRV on thurs then hike around LRV for a late start on Fri to SJ summit then on to Tamarack I havent camp't there yet and it close to the tram. Then sat am to tram spend the weekend at son's in yucca get droped of at skyline mon AM and camp somwere on top. then hike back to Idyllwild on Tues.The last part is devils slide then the scenic trail and a mile road walk to my place I have done that last 6 miles so many times that it will be the most painfull of the whole trip. Happy trails.

[Ellen]

Howdy Ken

As Z-dude noted, with the coooler temperatures, we're in prime Skyline season

The extended forecast for Monday looks good -- low's in the high 50's and high's in the low 80's.

Consider carrying 4 liters of fluid rather than 3. I always carry at least 3 liters of fluid for Skyline.

It would be helpful for you to get good trail recon as well so you don't go off trail.

Miles of smiles,
Ellen

[Backwoods]

Ellen I always enjoy your posts. 4 liters it is. Do you have any sugestions on were to look for info on the trail I haven't found any maps on the web. I shure would hate to make a wrong turn. I am very carfull when it comes to staying on trail and stop and backtrack at even the smallest question it has worked for me so far If I'm not sure I make sure at once but if there are some realy good wrong trails ?????. Also is eating dinner at the tram handy? I hope to see ya out there one of these day's.

[Ellen]

Howdy Ken

Aww...thanks for your kind words.

Leaving from the museum, the trail to the picnic tables is pretty confusing due to the numerous use trails. I haven't ever left from Ramon -- that route may be more straightforward. Hopefully someone familiar with Ramon will chime in.

If you leave from the museum, stay to the right when unsure and try to follow the obvious (usually less steep) path. When I goof, I backtrack and generally find I've just missed a switchback. When you pass the picnic tables, you'll drop down a bit and then reach an intersection with a large, teepee shaped cairn. Go to the right, otherwise you'll be heading downhill to Ramon.

Have a great time and please post a trip report.

Miles of smiles,
Ellen

[HH8]

search this forum for KML
there were trails marked in both html and kml format on that thread.
If you have a GPS it tells you right away when you veer off