by zippetydude » Tue Jun 26, 2018 4:06 am
I like your phrasing of the question. It is something that has come up in many different postings...why the PCT is so v e r y l o n g a n d g r a d u a l in its climbs whereas Skyline is abrupt and direct in its ascent and yet there are still shortcuts to make it even steeper...what is the most efficient and effective approach with regards to incline gradient? Well, here's my two cents.
If you want to enjoy the process and spend your time talking with companions hiking with you or looking out at beautiful views, the PCT approach is ideal. It tends to offer smooth trails (where you don't have to spend every second watching your footfalls to avoid tripping) with views from many different view points because it will weave back and forth across a mountain as it attempts to minimize the angle of attack, so to speak.
If you want to obtain the maximum workout and achieve the minimum time for a given ascent, then the greatest steepness that does not require handholds and avoids slippery (like sand on stone) footings will afford you the desired level of effort.
So, Snow Creek is a nice trail to amble up and have a wonderful time. So is the PCT heading north out of Whitewater if your goal is aligned accordingly.
Conversely, if you're focused on conditioning, the Tram Road offers steep inclines with excellent footing and increasing incline as an excellent training route.
Skyline's appeal is probably due to its excellent efficiency combined with both good footing and beautiful views. If you contrast this with Marion Mountain Trail, which is also very steep but affords few views, Skyline is the winner (at least for me). If you contrast Skyline with Snow Creek, Skyline offers the efficiency to complete the process and still take the tram back down and continue your day with minimal interruption. The PCT out of Snow Creek up over the peak and down to the tram is 31 miles, so it is going to required at least a full day. Beautiful views...yes. Lunch at Las Casuelas...no.
So, my guess is for maximum athletic efficiency,the steepest part of the Tram Road Challenge, or around 12% grade, will let you maximize ascent for a given distance because it is on a prepared surface at a precise angle of attack. On trails, the efficiency is probably roughly equal as long as the footing is good, as you can work steadily when it is slightly steeper than stairs, move faster when the grade is steep but walkable, and jog/walk quickly when the grade is around 12%to 15%. Lower than that, you're probably going to be able to run, so the efficiency will be reduced and your quickness, weight, and training as a runner begin to affect the outcome.
Hope that was not too roundabout to be of any value.
z