Proposed Sign on Skyline

[bluerail]

I feel like Hal just called me an idiot.....

[halhiker]

I feel like Hal just called me an idiot.....

Not at all. I have no question about YOUR ability. You ARE responsible for your safety and well being. Not many people are.

[bluerail]

well thank you Hal, we do end up out there thinking we're doing stupid stuff, but the beauty and the wonder of being out there in is just too big to resist.

...and there is that addiction issue

[Andy]

Really though, it is unfortunate that this topic is rehashed every year, usually because of death or serious injury. Time has shown that nearly any warning will do little to deter the most naive adventurer. The best can do is save a few in the process and continue to educate and assist whenever you can.

[Perry]

I still think elevation signs every 500 feet. No matter what warnings, some people will disbelieve them or disregard them. But if they start climbing and realize they haven't gone very far, then they can draw their own conclusions without feeling like somebody else told them what to do. That first desert peak is deceptive because it looks like it must be near the tram but really it's only a third of the way.

[bluerail]

well now, theres a good thought.

[Pitownpi]

.

[Nick-SJM]

Perry - As stated above, I agree that this is the best suggestion that I have heard to try and give uninformed Skyline hikers an "in-process" awareness of what they are getting into. Yes, many hikers carry a GPS that shows elevation, but not everyone monitors their GPS. I really believe a cache will be abused and probably result in little assistance. There is no answer for all of the unprepared hikers. Any elevation sign should be very simple so as to minimize idiots taking them home. Unfortunately, I'm not sure where you are going to find funding for 17 (or so) signs. I doubt if the agencies will do it. Pesonally, if someone wants to take this on as a project, I will contribute towards the cost.

[Perry]

It's mostly a lot of work to make the signs. Maybe just one sign:

You have climbed 2,000 feet!
Only 6,000 feet to go...

Most hikers would think that's pretty funny, and at the same time it would scare some people when they glance at how much water they have used already and how much water they have left.

[Florian]

I rather think elevation signage would do more to encourage people than to dissuade them. A simple TRAIL CLOSED sign from May through Sept is the best idea yet. Not sure about the rescue boxes along the route either. Seems they'd get trashed pretty fast. I still have mixed feelings about the water bucket at 5700' too.

-Florian