C2C Hike 5/29/15

[Mo' Miles]

I'm considering hiking C2C for the first time on Friday May 29th and wanted to throw it out there for anyone interested in making the trek. I've hiked several trails and peaks in the San Gabriels but obviously nothing of this magnitude (distance + elevation). Would be pleased to have some good company. Looking to get started from the museum no later than 3:00am.

[Hikin_Jim]

I've hiked several trails and peaks in the San Gabriels but obviously nothing of this magnitude (distance + elevation).

If I may ask, what have you done in the last, say, two months, that is steep, has say 10 miles worth of distance, and over 5,000' of single-day gain? For example: Baldy from the Village, Iron Mountain ("Big Iron"), etc.

HJ

[Mo' Miles]

Hi Jim

I've only had one trip in the last two months with >5,000' of gain. It's my training loop (here in Georgia): the Coosa Backcountry trail, and with an added peak (Blood Mountain) I get approx. 15 miles and about 5,500' of elev gain in a day. My last hike in the San Gabe's was Cucamonga Peak via Ice House Canyon (early April), which was around 4,200' of elev gain.

The topography is very different here in the east, so I've had to make do. Weather permitting I will tackle the Coosa again this week and recover until next week. Last week I did a 23 mile loop in the Cohutta Wilderness and probably logged about 4,500 feet of cum gain.

[Hikin_Jim]

Hi Jim

I've only had one trip in the last two months with >5,000' of gain. It's my training loop (here in Georgia): the Coosa Backcountry trail, and with an added peak (Blood Mountain) I get approx. 15 miles and about 5,500' of elev gain in a day. My last hike in the San Gabe's was Cucamonga Peak via Ice House Canyon (early April), which was around 4,200' of elev gain.

The topography is very different here in the east, so I've had to make do. Weather permitting I will tackle the Coosa again this week and recover until next week. Last week I did a 23 mile loop in the Cohutta Wilderness and probably logged about 4,500 feet of cum gain.

Ah. Gotcha. Well, Cucamonga Peak is no slouch. If that felt comfortable, then you may well be ready for a C2C. If on Cucamonga you found it difficult, then you might want to train some more before a C2C attempt.

QUESTION: Have you considered "just" going to the tram for your first time out? I mean going all the way to the peak adds another 10 to 12 miles to the trip.

Of course if it's a hot day, cancel. Take the tram up; there's plenty of good stuff up there including the "round the peak" loop. Weather is pretty critical on a C2C attempt. The people who have died? The great majority died due to heat (a few falls on ice in the winter, but that probably won't be a problem at the end of May). May is pretty late. Usually the end of April marks the end of C2C season.

HJ

[Mo' Miles]

Really appreciate the insight, HJ.

To your point, I figured an early morning start would give me ample time to get out of the desert and begin moving higher where the temps are cooler. I could even push my start time up a couple of hours to maximize hiking tme pre-sunrise. Still, I dont want to be a statistic and a hike "just" to the tram may be all that gets done (if that) this go a round.

One other thing I've noticed is the trail seems to be poorly marked and not easily followed in certain places. What are the more difficult stretches you've encountered? Does the trail get harder to follow after the Tram station to the summit?

[zippetydude]

The trail after the tram is a regularly maintained trail that is completely obvious the whole way. The trail up from the museum has several options in a few places, but as long as you keep heading uphill you'll find your way with no problem. The weather is the only tricky part, as it might be in the high 80's, but then again the high one weekend in June a couple years ago was 125! You see what I mean...from your posts you are clearly experienced and have good judgment so I'm sure you'll decide wisely when the time comes. Hope the weather works out right for your trip.

z

[Hikin_Jim]

I figured an early morning start would give me ample time to get out of the desert and begin moving higher where the temps are cooler. I could even push my start time up a couple of hours to maximize hiking tme pre-sunrise.

Keep in mind that in Palm Springs, the overnight low might still be above 80°F. Starting even at midnight has you hiking in heat the whole way in this scenario -- a situation much to be avoided in my opinion. Shade doesn't really start until the traverse which is around 7,000'. In other words, you have to climb 6,000' vertical before things really cool off. The area from ~7,000' to ~8,000' is definitely cooler. If you can plan your trip to get there before 7:00 A.M., that might work, but unless you know the route well, have a heat acclimated body, and know how fast that you specifically hike the route, you can't guarantee any particular pace or arrival time.

One other thing I've noticed is the trail seems to be poorly marked and not easily followed in certain places. What are the more difficult stretches you've encountered? Does the trail get harder to follow after the Tram station to the summit?

Generally, it's not too bad coming from the Ramon Road Trailhead. Here's my Trip Report if it's helpful. Just keep your eyes open. On the times I've taken a wrong turn, backtracking and a quick look around got me back on track.

The main thing that I would do is to be mentally prepared with a "Plan B" if it's going to be over say 95°F as the predicted high in Palm Springs. The hike to the peak from the tram or the loop around the peak are both good hikes. You could also through hike to Idyllwild if you can work out transportation back to Palm Springs, taking in the peak en route. The view from the peak is worth a visit.

HJ

[Mo' Miles]

Really appreciate the insight here, all. Thanks for the great feedback.

Looks like my C2C attempt will need to wait until the fall, especially looking at the extended weather forecasts. Better safe than sorry.

Given I'm already booked for SoCal that week, I think I'll try and bag another peak in the San Gabes...perhaps Baldy.

[Hikin_Jim]

Not that I want to be the "Skyline Killjoy", but if one is not 100% sure, then it's better to wait. On my blog, there are some high gain hikes listed at the bottom of my Skyline Trip Report. There are some more hikes in my Skyline Training post.

I don't know about you, but I like doing new things. If you've already done Baldy, there are a number of interesting peaks in the San Gorgonio Wilderness: San Gorgonio Mountain via the Vivian Creek Trail, East San Bernardino Peak via the Momyer Creek Trail, or Anderson Peak via the Forsee Creek Trail. Any of these hikes would be excellent training hikes for Skyline.

HJ

[Mo' Miles]

Thanks, HJ

And no worries about being a kill-joy. I've never regretted postponing a hike; though I have regretted NOT postponing a hike (or two) that should have been delayed for various reasons.

Unless something wierd happens the C2C trail annd mountain will be there for me this fall. In the meantime...bring on Baldy!

MM