C2C - July 24th

[boonespooner]

Hi Everyone -

I'm planning on doing C2C this coming weekend with a few friends. I've been reading up for a while, and I understand that this is both a long hard hike, and a very hot one.

We plan on leaving at 4:00am, bringing plenty of water, food and goo. We are meeting more friends at the Tram top, stopping there, camping out overnight, and then going to the summit the next morning - so we aren't even doing the whole up and down in one day. We are all in good shape having done multiple 5000+ hikes in the past few months. I'm mostly just worried that this is a HOT hike.

I know that July/August is probably the worst time of year to do this hike (for heat purposes), however it's the only time we got, and it's perfectly equidistant for all those involved.

My question is - has anyone done it around this time? Is it just a bad idea... or, if we start early and are prepared, is this something that will be great and well worth the effort?

Thanks in advance for all your help.

Best -

Boone

[KathyW]

I thought C2C was closed for the summer.

[halhiker]

I doubt you'll get any encouragement from this board. We've seen too many rescues and deaths from people trying this hike mid-summer.

Even if you manage to finish the hike without facilitating a rescue or dying it's doubtful you'll have any fun. Honestly, it's just too hot to enjoy.

Do another hike. There are plenty of great, challenging hikes throughout Southern California or, even better, you can drive four or five hours and hit the Sierra.

To say it's the only time you have is like saying you only have a weekend to climb Mount Rainier and you're going to do it despite the fact that avalanche conditions are extreme. You may get lucky or you may not.

Why risk it? The mountain's not going away.

[boonespooner]

Thanks for your input.

The group already made plans to stay at the campgrounds near the top and have people coming from northern ca, southern ca and various other spots.

Given that most everyone recommends against this hike during this time of year, could you A. recommend another spot nearby that we could hike Saturday morning before heading up the tram and B. recommend that we just tram it up Saturday night, and then hike to the peak Sunday morning?

Thanks.

Boone

[neverwashasbeen]

Boonespooner,

There are many miles of trails up in the San Jacinto wilderness, I would suggest that your overnight group go in from the Idyllwild side and make a scenic indirect hike over to meet the rest of your party at the tram. Or, you could go up the tram, make a loop, returning to meet at the tram later. There is plenty to see and since it sounds like your group is in good shape, make the most of it and cover some distance.

Happy Trails

[boonespooner]

Thank you neverwashasbeen.

That sounds like a nice alternative. Luckily the tram group will be taking all of our overnight gear and meeting us at the camp ground. That should make it easier!

Looking online I see that there are a number of trails that lead from Idyllwild up to the tram: Seven Pines, Fern Basin, Deer Springs and Humber Park (Devil's Slide trailhead).

It sounds like this side is considerably cooler. Could anyone recommend one of those hikes over the others?

Thanks again.

boone

[guest]

Hi Boonespooner,
Many of us do our best on here to strongly discourage people from doing Skyline in the summer, it's plain dangerous, even if your heat acclimated.
The other comments here are from experienced hikers. We've had numerous rescues on this trail in the last couple months, now it's even hotter & more humid!

The LOW out here in Palm Springs the last couple nights was 90!!!!
Combine that with a never ending, tough, constant climb, totally exposed, and getting tougher the last few miles,,,,,well, you get the point.

At least you are considering options, your smart to do so.

One good, tough hike is the Marion Mt. climb to San Jac peak, it has 4,500 ft. gain in about 6 miles, or, you could hike to meet your friends 1st, then bag the peak the next day.

Temps above 8,500 ft. are excellent, around 75 degrees.

Happy hiking!

ss

[Hikin_Jim]

Thank you neverwashasbeen.

That sounds like a nice alternative. Luckily the tram group will be taking all of our overnight gear and meeting us at the camp ground. That should make it easier!

Looking online I see that there are a number of trails that lead from Idyllwild up to the tram: Seven Pines, Fern Basin, Deer Springs and Humber Park (Devil's Slide trailhead).

It sounds like this side is considerably cooler. Could anyone recommend one of those hikes over the others?

Thanks again.

boone

The Devil's slide trail is the most popular from the west and will have the highest number of people on it. It is a nice trail though.

The Marion Mountain Trail is probably the hardest from the west, but if you were thinking of doing C2C, then Marion Mountain would probably be fine.

Deer Springs is a lovely trail, but a loooong way to the top.

Seven Pines is also quite nice.

Fuller Ridge is further from town, but has outstanding views en route.

All the main routes to San Jacinto from the west are nice. Take your pick.

HJ

[boonespooner]

Hey everyone - thanks for your feedback and input.

I've decided to redirect our efforts to Marion Mt. Looks like a good solid hike with great views - and at a nice 78 degrees or so! We can still meet up with the tram folks, get a later start, and enjoy it

I appreciate all your feedback and help.

thanx.

boone

[zippetydude]

Hey boone, what's the story behind the avatar?

Incidentally, Marion is kinda like Skyline in its steepness. When you do it, think of it as about 60% of the trip up from the museum to the tram. It'll give you a good picture of what the effort is like without having to deal with the heat. Sounds like all of you are in good shape, so I hope you'll come back and give Skyline a go in October or November. The weather is perfect then. Sometimes there's a cool spell in September, but watch out for the tram closure so you don't end up hiking back down.

z