San Jacinto first ascent - Cactus to Clouds

[Andy]

I just wanted to chime in to say...TAKE THE TRAM DOWN

Hiking down skyline is sheer punishment, though there are a few people on this board that are into that . The afternoon heat alone is bad enough and if that doesn't wreck you, your knees will never forgive you. Remember its only 11 bucks or so for the one way ride(that's if they make you pay )...just consider it your prize for the effort you just put forth on the hike up.

[Lcpl Hughes]

strangely, I have been wanting to do the hike down skyline, just afraid my knees would hate me for a long time..

[KathyW]

strangely, I have been wanting to do the hike down skyline, just afraid my knees would hate me for a long time..

I've been wanting to do the whole C2C2C too, but the weather has to be just perfect for me to try that - there's no way I'm going to hike back down into Palm Springs on a warm day. I think the fall is probably a better time than the spring to do this.

[Ellen]

Howdy All

I have no desire to hike down Skyline, not even on a cool day in the fall. Hiking back down Bear Canyon on Baldy is bad enough Call me wimpy, but the knees, fused spine and plated left ankle wouldn't be happy.

Miles of smiles,
Ellen

[halhiker]

There's being a wuss and then there's being an idiot. I do not recommend hiking down Skyline into the heat of death unless you've done the trail numerous times and know exactly what you're doing. There are a handful of people that I know are capable of going down after going up and they're all smart enough to take the Tram.

If you really want to be tough, why drive to Palm Springs? That's the wuss way. A real hiker would walk.

[bluerail]

You're always so eloquent and to the point Hal.....

[lesper4]

I did C2C for the first time last year with one other. We were new to the trail and had some way finding issues the first hour or so and then we picked up the trail. It took us 7 hours. Typically I am in the front of our group but when we met with others at the top I was comepletly happy having to sit at the back of the pack. I was deffinitly the hardest hike I have ever down and I have done everything locally. I suggest you wait until October when the majority of hikers go up it, much cooler temps.