Skyline Trail May 15

[Ardiner]

A group of three of us started out on the trail about 5:15am from the Ramon trailhead. We hike a little slower than most so along the trail we were passed during the day by over a dozen hikers on Skyline trail many of whom said they were also planning to do the full C2C hike if the conditions were OK on the mountain.

For us the day was a tough but good day. We had scouted the Ramon trail head the night before to make sure we felt comfortable gettting to the Painted Rock with the warnings. We only needed head lamps the first 30 minutes or so of the hike and the trail at that state was pretty straight forward. Because we hike a little slower we whould have probably left about 4:30am in order to avoid some of the heat we faced at parts.

As first-time skyline hikers, we were a little concerned we would have a hard time with the trail. Overall we found the trail extremely easy to follow until we got to the 7000ft traverse. Even then we found with just looking ahead and/or up we were able to see the trail and put us back on track. There were only a couple times which we had to think it through but added only about 10 minutes total. We did have to traverse snow pack in a couple of the shutes on the traverse. However, since we were at the end of the day and many had done so earlier in the day, these were no problem as long as we were taking our time.

Overall, I would concur that this is not a hike that should be taken lightly. We had each taken 2 3L water bottles and a little extra gatorade. Also one of our members had brought electrolyte tablets and chews and there were definitely times we needed them. We ended up with no issue with water but as it was hot and going to get hotter could see using more.

On the plus side the desert wildflowers were in full force. I do a lot of hiking in San Diego and San Jose and the blooms here rivalled both. It made the heat in the lower portions of the trail much more bareable. Also, lots and lots of lizards out on the trails. Spring has definitely come to the mountain. No snakes showed themselves for us.

Thanks to the members on this forum. With inputs and links we were able to come prepared and had a tiring but very enjoyable trip up the Skyline Trail.

For those going next week, I'd say leave early to get off the desert floor before the heat hits and bring lots of water and electrolytes.

[Florian]

Hi Ardiner,

Enjoyed your report. Glad to hear the wildflowers are looking good. I'm going up tomorrow and plan to start at 5am at Ramon.

-Florian

[bluerail]

1 rattler @ 5000' today...se you tomorrow Florian

[skunkboy]

Florian and Steve,

Have a good safe trip.

Skunk

PS. Florian, Tom Blotter says to say hi.

[Lcpl Hughes]

Thanks for the cool trip report


I think I am going to be there tomorrow, at least I am chowing down this whole wheat spaghetti like I am.


it is either Skyline or Red Tahquitz..got about 7 hours to decide

[Florian]

I think I am going to be there tomorrow

Was good to meet you on the trail today. Did you find your way okay? I waited at the notch for about 35 mins before i got too cold and went up to the tram station.

-Florian

[Lcpl Hughes]

Nice to meet you Florian, you were flying today!:D..I ended up back at the tram about 11:45..the trail was kinda tricky in a few places but I still got it figured it out..it was a GREAT day for my first time up skyline..

[Zé]

nice job Ardiner! (Doug?)

[marmot]

yeah, the trail isnt so bad, and the last two miles (from flat rock) seem to go by quickly enough. From the flat rock, you can actually see the platform where the tram enters in and the cabin, its actually very close.

The most confusing part of the trail is the very beginning (before the picnic tables that is), you have trails darting left and right! It is slightly annoying to see painted rocks for the first couple thousand feet though, but it does help. I believe there are two rocks that say something along lines of "no water, extremely strenuous."

[Ardiner]

nice job Ardiner! (Doug?)

Yes it is Doug. We felt really good the next morning. A little sore of foot but surprisingly refreshed. Did a nice hike up Tahquitz Canyon to the falls Sunday to top off a great weekend in Palm Springs. We are debating taking the tram and hiking the Peak Memorial Day weekend. I am interested how the upper portion of the trail is. We haven't really hiked in snow before. Is the trail likely to be good enough in two weeks to do without a lot of special gear? We'd like to do it this spring so we will have done the whole trail from Palm Springs to the summit and then try the true C2C this fall.