Best Place to Propose on the Cactus to Clouds hike?

[Zé]

if you propose on the summit, I wouldn't be surprised if someone asked you to move so they could take a picture after you've already dropped to a knee!

I would think some secluded off the main trail would be better, though I'm not sure exactly where. upper elevations are nicer, if you could go to another peak / bump other than San Jacinto, you might have nice views and solitude.

[afaraday]

I'd suggest Cornell Peak or if you have the extra energy Jean Peak or Marion Mountain. They will definitely be secluded, but require a bit of energy left from C2C.

Cornell and Marion are class 3 to the top, BTW.

--Amin

[guest]

Hi Dima (& friends),

A couple places come to mind:
Coffman's Crag, (approx. 8k ft.) on Skyline where you are standing next to a 300 ft. granite spire, (shouldn't be hardly anybody there.

Re. San Jac sunmmit:
As you leave the peak, (or as you head up, there are 2 long traverse switchbacks at approx. 10,400 ft. This is called the Miller Saddle, as Miller Peak is just east of here 200 ft.
Almost no one goes to it, it has a couple placks honoring the boys scouts etc.
It is rocky, but offers get views & a nice peak, all to yourself way up high!

Here's to "the couple that hikes together, stays together: or something like that.

ss

[halhiker]

I agree with Florian: the Peak is the place.

My reasoning is thus:

It's the culmination of your C2C adventure. Sure, you've got to go back to the Tram but once you're at the top you've made it.

The views are incomparable. The from the summit is remarkable with all of Southern California below you.

It's a place you and your descendants can return to. There's only one summit. It's a spot you can return to again and again and when you have kids and grandkids (and great grandkids) they will be able to know this is THE place. It's where to start a family tradition.

People will be there. Even though a proposal is something between two people, it is best when shared with others. Imagine what all those strangers will be feeling when you ask her to marry you and she says, YES! Your love will make THEIR adventure memorable and it will be something they will remember for the rest of their lives. It will be a story they tell whenever they return to the mountain.

With respect to all the other suggestions, there really is only place for this to take place.

Once you've reached the peak it'll be the only way to reach a little higher.

[Perry]

Does she read this message board?...

The peak sounds perfect. There would be lots of cheering and clapping I'm sure.

[Zé]

understand the benefits of the peak, but he seemed to indicate he wanted somewhere "secluded".

[halhiker]

understand the benefits of the peak, but he seemed to indicate he wanted somewhere "secluded".

There's a nice secluded area overlooking the entire Desert Divide just south of Round Valley. A great little spot just up from where the Round Valley trail meets the High Trail.

However, I still would suggest going for the Peak experience. Asking someone's hand in marriage is not something to be shy about. It is something you should want to shout from a mountaintop and what better place to do it than a mountaintop?

[classvtony]

Great idea! I married my honey on Whitney 2004 July 30 Blue Moon.

Honeymoon was down the western side following the Kern River to Lloyd Meadows.

Clif Bar made us a custom Carrot Cake bar.

http://gallery.me.com/tloro/100003

[Lcpl Hughes]

I would pick the peak also..Once at the peak, after your long hike, you and her will both be exhausted and very exhilarated of reaching the peak..schedule and pace the hike to get there a little before sunset..clear the way of the summit sign, drop to a knee and ask her to marry you..in front of everyone that is there..that would be an awesome way to do it and most probably, pretty magical..you wouldn't want to do it at a lower elevation, mostly since you are doing a Cactus to Clouds hike..wouldn't make sense..if she says yes, the walk back to tram will seem like seconds...if she says no, well, I would venture to say that she will not say "no".

[skunkboy]

I agree with most everyone else. The peak is the way to go. My sweetie and I just celebrated our 16th anniversary, May 20th. I proposed to her when we were hiking, and we got to the top of Gaviota peak and we were looking out on the Pacific. I wasn't planning it, but I was overcome with how beautiful she looked and with our surroundings. I picked a wildflower from the side of the hill, handed it to her, and asked if she would be my wife. Best spur of the moment thing that I have ever done.

best regards

Skunk

PS. Those are some nice photos Tony. Was the reception at Guitar Lake?