Run or hike the Cactus to Clouds Trail

[Zé]

Kilimanjaro is all about altitudeacclimation, not desert heat acclimation. I'd suggest doing a multiday backpack up to a high-altitude Sierra peak as better prep for Kilimanjaro.

[SwimHeather]

Yes, we know about the heat...Ive been going out to the desert since birth. We will be on the trail by 3:30am and we already know that we might not be doing the whole route. We just want to get in at least 4-6 hours of hiking in altitude and we are both hard core athletes. We haven't done a hike above 8,000 yet... We were trying to do Whitney, but didn't get in through the lottery, but we did San Gorgonio last weekend. We are leaving for Kili soon so this is our last weekend to fit in a hike.

[Cy Kaicener]

Have a great trip to Kili and give us a trip report with pictures
Kili info
http://7summits.com/kilimanjaro/kilimanjaro.php

[bluerail]

sent you a pm swim....

[halhiker]

This weekend would be better. The high on Saturday is supposed to be about 80º although the potential for high winds makes it perhaps less appealing than the low temps would indicate. Of course, a little time in some high winds might help psychologically because one never knows what kind of weather they'll hit on a big mountain like Kilimanjaro.

Unfortunately, a few hours at altitude really won't help you acclimatize. That'll have to happen when you're there.

Let us know how it goes. I'm hoping to go sometime in the next couple years with one of my sons.

[SwimHeather]

Well, we did it! It was awesome. I'm definitely in shape so I'm happy about that....however, my friend wasn't so she was struggling and I had to keep waiting for her. Great hike overall...we beat the sun yesterday so I think it was in the 80s or below when we were hiking. Got a little confused by the potato, but we figured it out. Wanna do it again next year! Thanks for all those who gave me info.