Mt. San Jacinto Outdoor Recreation

by **Eastonlow** » Fri Dec 16, 2011 4:10 pm

I'm considering hiking the first part of Cactus to Clouds, to the upper tram station (but not to the actual summit) on December 31, 2011. Does anyone have any advice or better yet is anyone else planning the same hike that day? Thanks!

by **PatrickSupra** » Fri Dec 16, 2011 4:55 pm

Ive been planning to end 2011 with a Skyline (the hike you are planning to do) and also start 2012 with one. It'd be in your best interest to bring microspikes. Order them now from REI if you don't have some already.

by **bluerail** » Fri Dec 16, 2011 5:41 pm

If were lucky, you're gonna wanna switch those micros for regular spikes by then. And usualy you can get a better deal on micros if you order straight from kahtoola

by **PatrickSupra** » Fri Dec 16, 2011 6:25 pm

I go them for $60 with free shipping from REI. I thought it was a pretty good deal. You might be right about needing the big spikes Steve.

by **Eastonlow** » Sat Dec 17, 2011 10:32 am

Thanks, Patrick. I ordered the mircospikes at REI yesterday, still $60.

by **Eastonlow** » Sun Jan 01, 2012 3:36 pm

I did the Skyline Ridge Hike in five and a half hours on December 31, 2011. It was beautiful, of course. I think I was very lucky in terms of weather. This one trip certainly does not make me an expert, but if anyone wants my two cents worth before setting out, please let me know!

by **Terawanderer** » Mon Jan 02, 2012 12:01 pm

How much snow was there??? Microspikes or crampons needed??? Ice axe???

by **Eastonlow** » Mon Jan 02, 2012 4:05 pm

The first little patch of ice was at 5,300. Real snow was maybe at 6,000. I put my microspikes on at 7,700, but some may have put them on at 7,000 or so. I think I could have made it ok without microspikes at all, as the snow was dry and crunchy, no ice per se. I didn't have an ice axe and it wouldn't have helped.

I suspect I was very lucky in terms of weather. I was comfortable in shorts (and a hat and gloves) at the top, but if I were doing it again I'd bring tights for sure.

Bring lots of food and water. My AT&T phone had reception the whole way, which was nice.

Let me know if there is anything else I can tell you!

by **Terawanderer** » Mon Jan 02, 2012 6:36 pm

Thanks...next weekend should be even better since it is warm and no snow predicted...

Mt. San Jacinto Outdoor Recreation

Cactus to Clouds on December 31, 2011

Cactus to Clouds on December 31, 2011

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