Cactus to Clouds January 3rd

[kate_freels]

A friend and I are planning to hike the Skyline Trail on January 3rd. I have been reading up on the Cactus to Clouds Hiking Guide and on this message board and I want to be sure that I take all precautions to ensure a safe trip. One of the precautions mentioned is to do a 5,000 foot climb two weeks before.
I will be down in PS for Christmas and would like to do the 5,000 prep. climb then. I was thinking it would be a good idea to start at the Museum and hike the first 5,000 feet of the trail, since we will be doing it in the dark on Jan 3rd. (We plan to begin at 3am). This way I will be familiar with the trail and more confident hiking it in the wee hours.
I would like to know where would be a good place to turn around on this prep hike. According to the hiking guide, "Flat Rock" is a dry stream bed at apprx. 6,000 feet. Are there any signs marking this place? I want to hike up 5,000 feet and then turn around and hike back down. Perhaps there is a pedometer that can tell me how much elevation I have gained... ??? Recommendations?
Or, perhaps you can recommend another Coachella Valley hike that can adequately prepare me for Skyline. My friend and I have been training for months trail running and stair-mastering along with hiking Junipero Sera peak up here in the Santa Lucias (5,000 feet). So, we just need this last prep. climb.
P.S. We are both bringing crampons, snow shoes, picks and 4 liters of water.

Thanks for reading, any advice will be taken with consideration and appreciation.

[Sally]

Hi Kate,
You may need crampons & ice ax and/or snowshoes, and know how to use them. Your plan to do a pre-hike up to Flat Rock should suffice for the 5,000 ft climb, but it's pretty hard on the knees hiking back down to the museum. You will know when you are at Flat Rock because it is a huge slab of sloping rock.
Have fun and be safe!

[Hikin_Jim]

Kate,

Flat Rock is fairly distinctive. You can see a photo of it in my Trip Report, although obviously that's without snow. You can get an altimeter watch or use a GPS unit if you want to know your altitude as you do a particular hike. My trip report also lists several hikes that are near Skyline that have 5,000' of gain or more.

So, something to think about: Have you had self arrest training? Bringing a "pick" (I assume you mean an ice axe) is good, but have you been trained in it's use? An ice axe without training serves little purpose. Just from reading your post, you don't sound like an experienced winter backcountry traveler. If the route is icy, lack of experience could be fatal. Again, this is just something to think about. If you have had ice axe training and know the positions, etc, then by all means feel free to make your own assessment of the hazards.

HJ

[bluerail]

Asking if there is a "pedometer" that will tell you the elevation makes me a little nervous..please be prudent..

and please be safe if you go.

[Ed]

I agree with the comments made, but after doing the preparatory hike, which is an excellent idea, and checking current snow conditions you will be in a much better position to decide for yourself.

Hiking down from Flat Rock is a long ways. By the time you make Flat Rock, the thought of turning around is not appealing. Doreen's pile of rocks at 4300' is a good marker, and you have a view of the rest of the route from that point. I call it the 'Halfway Point', though truthfully I find that for me it is about 1/3 of the time and effort. The saddle a little further on is another good turn around point.

[kate_freels]

Wow! I am very impressed with the prompt and useful replies I have received. This is a very experienced and knowledgeable group, and I thank you all for taking the time to help me prepare and decide, with prudence, how to safely approach this hike.
I am now seeking out ice axe training. My hiking partner has ice climbing experience and I have some friends in the desert who have done the climb before and can offer some training. I will check conditions over the coming weeks. If there is ice, and if I can get an experienced friend to join me, I will ride the tram up to get some practice on the ice.
As for the prep hike, I am considering some of the options on Hiking Jim's blog. What a well-written and helpful guide! Thanks for taking the time to post the useful photos and maps!
I truly appreciate the caring nature of all you folks, the world needs more of it! Your words of caution are not lost on me. Although I have been planning for months, I will not follow through with this climb if the conditions are beyond my knowledge and ability. I grew up in the shadow of Mt. San Jacinto and I return regularly to visit friends and family. So, it won't be my last chance to do this.

[Hikin_Jim]

Hi, Kate,

Thanks for having an open mind. I think some people can get "blinded" by their own goals. Hopefully we haven't made you paranoid but have made you aware of some of the things that need to be taken into consideration in winter travel.

I have no idea what classes are available in your area, but I know a lot of good weekend instruction is available up in the Sierra Nevada. The Sierra Club here in Southern California has a good general winter travel class (but doesn't offer ice axe instruction because of the cost of liability insurance), so there may be something comparable where you are.

Hope conditions are perfect for a safe and enjoyable ascent on 1/3/2013!

HJ

[kate_freels]

My friend, Hans, and I hiked the Skyline Trail from the museum to the tram yesterday. January 3rd. We started at 4am and enjoyed watching the sunrise over the Salton Sea at 6am. Beautiful!
The were no clouds in the sky and just a little wind on the eastern side of the ridge. We had excellent conditions until about 6,000 feet. There the snow created an added challenge. We used poles the entire way and microspikes after 6,000 feet. The trail was easy to see, and we just followed the footprints up. Not much hard packed or icy snow to worry about. But, the spikes were a precautionary measure. Hans made it up safely without them.
We made it to the tram by 1pm and decided not to continue to the peak. Rather, we decided to put on some snowshoes and explore long valley for a couple of hours. The tram was busy with tourists, but we were able to get a seat at the bar for a celebratory beer.
I look forward to hiking this trail again in the spring or fall!
Thanks to all for your words of wisdom,

Kate

[zippetydude]

Congrats to both of you! If you come back in the fall, October is just about the best time to do Skyline (no extra gear for snow, it's nice and cool...) and you'll probably have a chance to meet many of the people on this board in person. Either way, well done, and I'm glad you both had a chance to experience Skyline.

z

[Hikin_Jim]

Cool! Did you take any photos? (hint, hint)

HJ