C2C - Request some advice for Sat. 6/28 hike

[kjmc]

We are a small group of experienced distance day hikers taking the C2C route on Sat. 6/28. As none of us have climbed Jacinto on this particular route, we welcome any recommendations on the following:

What is the ideal departure time in order to get elevation prior to daybreak? Is 4:30-5:00 early enough? We have to weigh avoiding the heat vs. having navigation problems in the dark. I understand you can have some trouble identifying the route to take from the pinic tables.

Is it okay to leave a car overnight in the tram lot in order to have transportation after the tram ride down, or is it best to get a taxi back to the museum lot?

Thank you in advance for your replies. I have had valuable advice on this forum in the past. Please let me know if any of you veterans are also planning a C2C hike on this day. We plan for a moderate pace, and some in the group may plan to continue on to the summit if time allows.

[KathyW]

Starting time:

The starting time should depends on how hot a day it is. If it is going to be 70+ degrees before dawn and 110+ degrees during the day in Palm Springs, then it will be hot the whole way up but worse once the sun comes out (Sunrise is about 5:45 am on the 28th). There is little shade on the trail and it can be really warm in the blazing sun all the way up. If it's a hot day - it might be a good idea to start in the middle of the night or wait for a cooler day.

Of course some people train and are conditioned for hiking in the heat and they can do the Skyline Trail on a hot day. I'm not one of those people, so sometimes I'm overly cautious when it comes to hiking on a hot day.

[halhiker]

I agree with Kathy; it's too early to say. Wait to get a weather report to make your final decision.

If the temps are above 110 it is definitely better to start earlier so you can get high before the sun comes up. If the temps are above 120, don't go.

If you have two cars and drivers leave a car at the tram the night before. Why pay for a taxi if you don't have to?

[kjmc]

Thank you for the good advice on start time relative to temperature KathyW and Halhiker, and that one can indeed leave a car overnight at the tram. We will definitely make an adjustment on departure. Hiking in the blazing sun is rough.

I would like input from anyone on the following:

Advice on identifying the correct route, i.e. just after picnic tables, etc. I have heard you "take a left" at that point, but that some folks have a little trouble here. It seems like once you get up onto the ridges, navigation would get easier.

Do we only need permits if we go beyond the upper tram station?

If any Skyline veterans are considering going on this day...

Many thanks

[FIGHT ON]

kjmc, maybe check this out before you park at or around the Museum.
http://www.mtsanjacinto.info/viewtopic.php?t=821

[Cy Kaicener]

I would not start any later than 3 am unless you can do it in 5 hours. You want to be at least half way before the sun comes out. Even then, you are going to wish that you started earlier. Better still, wait until the Fall which is in mid October.

[guest]

Heat is your paramount consideration, Cy's comment regarding heat comes from yrs. of experience, as do the others.
Permits only needed from tram (Long Valley) and beyond, self issued at Ranger Sta at bottom of concrete walk leading into forest from tram, (for overnight permits, reserve ahead of time, no fires anywhere).

If your still convinced you've trained enough & are able to handle a very hot, ass-kick hike, private message me for more trail directions).

ss

[kjmc]

SS
I attempted to send you private messages on three occasions. They appear to be submitting properly, however none have shown up in my "sent" box. Sorry for the trouble.
Kevin

[Perry]

...Of course some people train and are conditioned for hiking in the heat and they can do the Skyline Trail on a hot day...

I can do it with lots of water, salt, and carbos, but I have to say it's not particularly fun. I started at 5:56 am yesterday and wished I had started at least an hour earlier.

The messages switch from outbox to sent folder after the recipient has read them.

The weather is nice today here in San Diego. That would suck to be in Palm Springs right now.

[cynthia23]

I will say it bluntly: don't go. It is now too hot for a first-time C2C. Never attempt C2c for the first time when PS temps are over 90 degrees. It isn't just very unpleasant, it's dangerous. Do you understand that after two hours you will be committed (i.e.you can't go back, because turning around and going back down will now put you at definite risk of heat stroke?) Often people don't become sick until about three hours into it. Then they can neither go up or down. They have no choice but to call for the rescue helicopter. Even if you are extremely well-conditioned, it's impossible to predict how your body will react in extreme heat. Most of the rescues are on days when temps are over 100 degrees. Wait until the fall. Don't go.