chmanzi wrote:Hello Everyone
This is my first post on this site but I have to say you guys are getting me excited to try the skyline trail

Not yet though, Im taking my first trip up to the mountain this weekend and wanted to do the Deer springs trailhead to the peak. Not everone in my party is extremely experienced but we all have backpacking experience. I wanted to know if this is a decent trail to start of with, If not maybe anyother suggestions....
Most importantly, What is the water flow like right now? Were planning on doing the DS trail up to Little Round Valley, Will I have any problems pumping along the way?
I know you are mostly Skyliners but i figured someone might know about the other side of the mountain.
Thanks in advance and Happy climbing

If no one answers that has been there recently, I'll give you an answer just based on past experience: There's a strong chance that LRV is dry this late in the year. There have been several years of drought, and we've had only a little bit of rain so far this fall.
However, why don't you call the State Park Ranger Station? The station in Long Valley would be the best one to talk to. They would probably have a pretty good update.
If there is water, the best spot to collect it is at the very little pool marked as "A" on
this map. It's right where the trail crosses the creekbed before you get to Round Valley.
Going up via Deer Springs is a good option. If your guys are in good shape, it should be no problem. You could also come up through Humber Park via the Devil's Slide Trail and stay in Round Valley where there is water at the pipe by the small ranger cabin.
If your guys are a little out of shape, you could always take the tram in, get water at Round Valley, and camp at Tamarack. This would be a very easy option.
HJ