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[devobrodie]

We are thinking about it but wouldn't start that early, maybe 6:30? It will depend on when I get back in town, I have to go work in Goleta the next few days! Supposed to be hot on Sat.

[Ardiner]

We have been planning this hike for sometime and following this blog for about the last month. We've not done this hike before but have done several hikes in Yosemite and hike regularly. Though a difficult hike we fell we are up for it. Our biggest concern has been the concern of ice just below the tram area as that sounds dangerous. We are not planning on going all the way to the top so it sounds like the trail is now clear to the tram. Is that accurate?

We would be doing this hike Saturday morning. Still deciding the actual start time though thinking by 6am latest to beat the heat on the desert floor.

Other than a strong will, lots of water, flashlights etc... any specialty gear that would be required for this hike at this stage?

Any other tips for a 1st timer on this trail would be appreciated.

[skunkboy]

It's going to be very hot. 97 Saturday in PS, and a 69 low. Even if you start at 4 am, it's going to be warm. Take lots of water and just keep a good even pace. You'll get there eventually. Also, keep your eye out for snakes. They're coming out of hibernation, and they're hungry and pissed. Can't say what's below Grubbs Notch, but if it's icy, kick good steps, or stay on the rocks. An ice ax may come in handy. Godspeed.

Skunk

[zippetydude]

Hey guest, Marmot (or anyone who did Skyline in the last 3 or 4 days): I'm wondering if the snow caused you to slow much...if I get a chance to go this Saturday, I'd need to be finished by 8:00 a.m. (My kids have soccer games early, so I'd have to be back home by 9:00) I'm wondering how much of a cushion of time I should allow so that I make the first tram down. Would you say negotiating the snowy areas added 5 minutes? 20 minutes? An hour?

Thanks!

z

ps devobrodie: check your pm

[bluerail]

ZIP !!!! did you see the pic of the rattler from saturday sc ?

[devobrodie]

No, we saw 3 in OC on the Holy Jim trail on Sat, two more the week before on a trail in Orange, they are definetly out now! Stepped right over one when I was looking down the canyon at some rock formation. Luckily he was not in the mood to bite, the next two were a bit more angry and needed to have some sand kicked in their face before they left the trail

[Hikin_Jim]

Did you guys see this post in another thread on this forum? It's from Scott who is a Skyline regular and has some pretty good info.

Bear in mind that the Skyline "trail" has not been maintained since the 1930's and isn't a trail anymore -- at least in the conventional sense. A lot of people get off route. Be prepared to spend extra time route finding if this is your first time, particularly around Coffman's Crag.

HJ

Hi,
As most are aware, the available window for Skyline route is narrow this year.
The last couple Saturday's I've noticed the snow melting fast, hitting it at approx. 7,500 ft. at the beginning of the traverse, (where trail heads north).
There were 30-40 ft. patches on steep slopes, requiring steady nerves & good route finding, ( 4 in front of me were heading 50 ft. too low & I alerted them). By the weekend, I'd guess there will only be 30% coverage to Long Valley.
Many on here already know the points I'm referring to below, but for those with little experience on this route, here's some advise:

The snow around 10am was good, there were flat foot prints to use, temps were very pleasant at that elevation. If you want to be safe, carry cramp-ons or micro-spikes (not good in soft snow though), but you may not need them.
With the warm weather, the trail should be doable for those that know the way & have some snow experience.

I've lived & trained in the desert over 20 yrs. & I felt the heat most of the way, but I don't generally start until about 6.

I urge people to carry well over a gallon of liquids, some of it in the form of electrolytes, (& be able to easily get to your water, i.e. a bladder pack). Have good sun protection & coverage, start early & know the route, it has vague spots with all the new over-growth from a good spring, and once in the trees following the route takes diligence in areas.

Remember, if your not in very good condition, are able to hike vigorously for 6-10 hrs (for some), in direct sun uphill the whole way, head to an easier trail. Also, if your not having a good day, turn around before getting to far, it's a tough decent, and you will be heading back into hot climate, but it's better than blowing up at 6 or 7K ft..

As many know, there's already been several rescue's on this route in the last couple months, the most recent was just a few days ago.

Be safe, have fun,

ss

[marmot]

There are snow patches to be crossed from the beginning of the traverse, but i would say 80% of the time, you're still walking on dirt. Crampons/ice ax would've been overkill this past saturday. There was no mountaineering involved at all.

Zip, the snow slowed me down by about ten minutes.

However, i can't say much about this upcoming weekend, because it might freeze up throughout the week, unlikely but possible i guess.

[zippetydude]

Thanks marmot. No Bluerail, I didn't see the rattler pics. Which thread?

z

[Ellen]

Howdy All

Would love a conditions report for the Skyline traverse from those going up this weekend I won't be able to go until the following weekend

Howdy Z

Steve saw the buzz tails on Snow Creek last weekend

I'm concerned about running (er hiking) into them on Skyline.

Miles of smiles,
Ellen