Skyline death 6/20/18

[halhiker]

It’s started. Sad news on Skyline.

http://www.kesq.com/news/twentynine-pal ... /756277018

[sh44]

Yep, saw the same thing on Desert Sun also. I assume the weather may have partially been a factor?

"A 40-year-old man was found dead Wednesday on a hiking trail in Palm Springs.

Christopher Wathen of Twentynine Palms was pronounced dead at the scene on the trail near Museum Drive, according to Riverside County coroner’s officials.

A Palm Springs police watch sergeant had no information about when the death was reported or how the man died, but said that foul play was not suspected."

[Perry]

Unfortunately it seems that each summer there's a hiker who dies in the heat somewhere in the Coachella Valley.

[Ellen]

[guest]

Sad indeed, condolences to the family.
I spoke with a couple folks at the tram, they heard he apparently turned around & attempted a return to the desert.
Even with the "cooler" morning temps lingering, most folks are not heat conditioned, (A/C everywhere, including their gym!), it's going to be fairly brutal attempt Skyline this time of year.
It's a beautiful trail, so wait until fall, when you can begin at sunrise, and actually get to see & enjoy the area, instead of beginning a midnight, when it's still in the 80's+, and hike the whole, hot trail, (yes, the rocks radiate heat at night, and, if we get monsoon conditions, even worst), and only see a tunnel beam of light in front of you.
ss

[cynthia23]

All very well said, Guest. I hadn't bothered to put my usual 'don't do skyline in summer' rant on the board because it seemed people had finally gotten the message, but alas perhaps not.

Was looking at the weather forecast for the 6th and 7th--the night of the 6th, the forecast LOW is 93 degrees. To hike Skyline in those conditions is suicide, or at least, Russian Roulette. Just don't do it.