snow level on the mtn

[HikerLinda]

Does anyone know at what elevation the snow starts on the skyline trail?

Also, at what elevation is the 2nd metal rescue box located?

We are hikers and are working our way up to the top of the mtn, training and being cautious.

Thanks, Hiker Linda

[lesper4]

Yes I dont recall but I too would like to know what the elevation is for the following points: Flat Rock, Box 1 and Box 2 and snow line. I am goign out there next Saturday with a few friends and we are either going to do skyline for a 3 hours up and then return and or murray peak.

[Ellen]

Howdy Lesper4

Many of my Palm Springs friends hike up to the 5 K ridge and back down as training hikes. It takes me 2.5 to 3 hours to reach 5 K and I do Skyline in 5 to 6 hours.

Box 1 is at 2.5 K, Box 2 is at 5.5 K, Flatrock is at 6 K.

Miles of smiles,
Ellen

[lesper4]

Thanks so much Ellen, I am guessing the snow line is at 6k as well?
We are doing Whitney this year (not as a day hike but packpacking) and we need to get into shape. Then again I thought I was in shape last year until you flew up past me . As it turns out a 7 hour skyline for a first timier was pretty good. Love your posts, keep up all the good work.

By the way Murray Peak is about 2200 ft?

[Ellen]

Howdy Lesper4

From Steve (Bluerail's) report, it sounds like the snow starts at Flatrock.

Thanks for your kind words but don't underrate your fitness -- 7 hours is a great time for Skyline, especially your first.

I don't know the elevation of Murray -- will defer to the locals. They'll also have suggestions of good alternate desert hikes.

Miles of smiles,
Ellen

[lesper4]

One last question...:/ since I read it is big horn sheep lambing season (Jan 1-June 30) are Skyline and Clare Burgess trails even open (is it a voluntary closure?) which trail might be better to take to avoid contact (although I would love to see one).

[guest]

hi Lesper4,

yes, Murray peak is approx. 2,250 ft. probably begins around 400 ft.
The north side, (as you probably know), is a much better trainer, (tougher) than going up from Garstin / Wildhorse trails, although this is a good way to descend.

ss

[lesper4]

Thanks, I think we are going to stat at Vons and hike over to Clare Burgess and then loop around to Wild Horse and then back to Clare Burgres via goat trails. We have a group of 8 so it should be a nice trip.

[guest]

Hi Lespar4,
Don't mean to hijack Hiker Linda's post, (my guess is snow may be around 7k & slushy).
That's a nice loop, you peeps may want to bring poles for the descent of Wildhorse, it has a few slippery spots.
Re. Bighorn, yes, there are sheep around Murray peak, not sure about lambing areas, (although by now maybe the little ones have gotten big enough to "keep up"). Never seen them on Skyline, the sign is gone from there.
I would strongly advise against taking dogs in these areas, as these are known predators to sheep, and scent where ever they go, which can impact the sheep's movement & migration to food & water sources.

Also, (if you haven't done the hike yet...), you could begin by heading up the Araby, then head over to the northside of Murry / Clara Burgess, do the loop, and you'll be a bit closer to your car at the end.

ss

[lesper4]

Yeah crazy how this turned into a snow level then murray hill topic. Woops.
So i was thinking about starting at vons, do i have any other option then the goat trails to get to murray? we are planning on doing a loop. It looks though garshin is more secnic hence it is a trail and not a dirt road.
This is the map we are using http://www.mountainbikebill.com/images/ ... ilsMap.JPG