Planning First C2C - Advice?

[chughes868]

I'm taking a group of six up C2C on 11/22 (weather permitting). My son and I are both experienced hikers/backpackers and all coming are in good shape. As I'm heading up the coordination of the event, I would really prefer not to have to report any mishaps when we get back to the office on the following Monday.

Beyond the 10 Essentials and being aware of weather, does anyone have any suggestions to ensure a good trip?

[amongtheclouds]

Welcome! I was recently on a C2C trip (10/11/14) and asked some questions prior, so this thread might be useful and answer some of those questions: http://www.mtsanjacinto.info/viewtopic.php?f=1&t=4941

Of everything I personally read for homework, I found this to be the most succinct and thorough: http://www.mtsanjacinto.info/skyline/mainmenu.html In face, its the one piece of literature I recommended to any other "potentials" for our group to read over.

There are most certainly friendly locals and regulars on here who know more than I would, and I bet they'll chime in. But these two things may get your started with rounding-out the basics. If there's one overall suggestion I can think of: do as much homework as you can on the route (maps, pictures, descriptions, etc from trip reports online). I found this to make the hike itself really relaxing and enjoyable, being able to identify and expect the different landmarks I'd researched about as we passed them in succession without that nagging question of "are we lost?" ""are we going the right way?" ruining the day.

Trail conditions seemed just fine too.

Have a fun and safe trip!

[Norris]

Yes, I advise you to take a good GPS with fresh batteries loaded with a map and track from the museum to Long Valley.

[cynthia23]

This time of year you will not have to worry about the dangers of heat or ice, so you will 'only' have to be worried about the main issue--being conditioned enough to handle the climb. Frankly, large groups often have issues with one or more members not being fit enough to handle it. My advice to you is to have a clear plan about how you will handle such a situation. Generally, if it takes all of you more than four hours to get to 4300 feet, and if some people are feeling very fatigued at that point, that's a strong sign you will not all likely be able to make it up all the way. If that's the case, don't delay in turning back. In fact, if anyone is having problems at any point up to 4k, consider returning. It will only get worse and worse. Most rescues on Skyline happen because people don't want to admit it's too much and continue onward up to 5 or 6k, when they totally bonk, and a rescue then becomes necessary. Also, going down in itself is exhausting, and also more dangerous. So pre-plan how your group will handle a fatigued member--will they be expected to return alone? That could be problematic. If someone needs to accompany the fatigued person down, who will it be? Above all, don't allow your group to get 'strung out' with the fit people going ahead and the slower people getting behind and then fatigued and lost. We've had a lot of rescue situations like that. So my advice to you is to be very conservative, because large groups are problematic.

[amongtheclouds]

Yep, agreed with cynthia23. I had offered very stringent fitness guidelines when I put it out to friends to join us - ended up only being 2 of us, and that probably worked out best for the exact reasons she stated. Regardless, our group was to be capped at 5 people max, 3-4 preferred.

[63ChevyII]

Do you have time to do a training hike with your entire group? If possible I highly recommend that. If it wasn't shut down, I would recommend Baldy via Bear Canyon, but since that trail is closed, Baldy via Register Ridge might be a good one.

[lesper4]

I have a question (good for a first timer). I only hike this once a year. This will be my forth trip and 3rd C2C. Can you still park on the street at the Museum? I have only stated from the museum but I have heard that you can also start at the end of Ramon? I have never done this but form the looks of it, it is might be a better trail based on the ease and identification? Possibly longer?

[lesper4]

I think I answered my own question.http://peaksforfreaks.blogspot.com/2013 ... ption.html
I am sure we will see other people there as well. I know other also plan on going up after Halloween.

[63ChevyII]

I have a question (good for a first timer). I only hike this once a year. This will be my forth trip and 3rd C2C. Can you still park on the street at the Museum? I have only stated from the museum but I have heard that you can also start at the end of Ramon? I have never done this but form the looks of it, it is might be a better trail based on the ease and identification? Possibly longer?

Starting at Ramon Road adds about a half mile distance-wise, but doesn't add anything time-wise in my experience.

[Florian]

There is street parking around the museum. Ramon near the trailhead is temporarily signed no parking weekdays as they are doing road work. Weekend parking should be okay. I prefer Ramon trailhead. The museum trail sucks and is confusing with all the shortcuts.

-Florian