by Sally » Wed Oct 02, 2019 1:15 pm
I believe that it is every hiker's responsibility to research every hike before they put a foot on the trail, even if they have done the trail before. At minimum, check the weather report within 12 hours of departing. Other things to check could be trail conditions (downed trees, washouts for example), trail closures, access to and from trailheads (roads AND TRAMS, for example).
Also, there needs to be a plan "B" in case things don't go as planned on the trail, such as injury, or getting lost, or your expected means of return is not available (for example: the trail is on fire or the tram is closed. Always have at least the minimum of what it would take to spend the night in the particular area and weather in which you are hiking. This should be extra food and something to keep you warm enough. This could be anything from a just a windbreaker for a very short day hike in the desert to extra warm clothing and a bivy sack for ventures into higher elevations where it can get cold at night. Also, you need a map or knowledge of the trail so you can get back to civilization if your original plan is not feasible.
For your information, there is NEVER a GUARANTEE that the Tram will be running to whisk you back down the mountain, whether you just did Skyline or took a day hike to the Peak from the upper tram station. Besides being closed for annual maintenance, the tram could shut down because of weather (wind, ice on cables, lightning strikes), unforeseeable mechanical issues, or security reasons to name a few.