San Jacinto double tap - mid April

[nobohiker]

Hi Folks,

in desperate need to escape my office. Won't last much longer than two weeks, Hiking ETA in about two weeks.
Then, the hope is to double head up to C2C twice within 48h. Long Valley webcam shows some snow spots. How does the mile or two prior to Long Valley look like?
Will bring micro spikes and an ice axe (yes, I know how to use it).

Also want to post a trip report from back in November but need to find the time to write up that C2C2C endevour. Let me say this much, won't head down this thing again, what a pain, totally type II. Still awesome.
Best thing about heading down was to bump into the two local badaZZ senior celebrity female hikers who's name I forgot.

Happy Trails!

Rick

[nobohiker]

;-(
Trail closed, bummer:

https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=30375


"
SKYLINE TRAIL CLOSED: The Skyline Route will be closed until further notice from the 5600’ State Park Boundary to its intersection with the Desert View Trail due to heavy snow and ice. Trail conditions are unsafe for visitor use, prompting closure until environmental conditions improve.
"

[Ed]

I would guess that this is 'overclosure', given the amount of snow visible from the PSAT Long Valley cam. There can be more snow below, but I doubt hugely more.

https://pstramway.com/long-valley-cam/

[nobohiker]

Talked to the Rangers. Trail is likely remaining closed for at least another week. Just too much snow on the sketchy section..Bummer, here goes my weekend plan ;-(

[nobohiker]

and now that I check their website again, it shows open? What???? Calling again

[futbol]

This showed up on my Facebook stream yesterday.

Mount San Jacinto State Park & Wilderness

Cactus to Clouds is now open! The Skyline Route has officially reopened to the public following a temporary closure in early March due to heavy snow and ice. Weather conditions have since improved, allowing park officials to reopen the Skyline route at the State Park boundary. Snow remains prevalent at higher elevations near the peak, so trekking poles and micro-spikes are still strongly recommended.

The Skyline Route is an essential part of Cactus to Clouds, an extremely challenging trail route that ascends over 10,000 feet from the city of Palm Springs to the summit of Mount San Jacinto. This challenging 21-mile hiking route winds through rugged terrain, with no water access points until Long Valley. Weather is highly variable with unpredictable temperatures, windy, and icy conditions. Hikers should be highly experienced and fully prepared before attempting this trail route.

Safety is our top priority, and we urge hikers to approach this trail with caution. Plan carefully and enjoy one of California’s most strenuous yet rewarding hikes.