Cactus To Clouds condition report March 15th 2013

[Boyski]

My brother in law and I did the hike today for our first time. What a day. I thought I'd post some trail conditions up to the tram station. We didn't do the summit this time because of a family thing we have tonight and as well, this was a last minute decision and we didn't have the gear to trudge through the snow past the tram.

We started at 5 AM which was pretty much perfect. We got lucky with a light cloud layer keeping us free from that brutal heat that as been lurking around this week.

We didn't hit any snow until about 6500-7000 feet. Just below the big rock wall, or "giant potatoes" as someone put it to us. Even then there wasn't much. At most we did a fifteen minute traverse section that had a fair amount of snow on it, but there was a nice staircase blazed in by some generous soul.

We did not use micro spikes and only hiked with hiking boots and trekking poles. Personally I don't think you need the spikes, but if you feel more comfortable with them then throw them in your pack.

We had an awesome hike and I plan on coming back soon to continue the summit in the near future. Feel free to ask any specifics and I'd be happy to answer them.[/img]

[HikerLinda]

Thank you for trip report........thinking of the 22nd, week from today, avid hikers and strong hikers we are........

DARN, the temps have changed from 72 to now 86 for that Friday!

Question, was the trail somewhat easy to follow afteer flat rock but more importantly, how well visable is it for the last 1/4 mile?

T/Y Hiker Linda

[Boyski]

Hi Linda -

Yah those temps are not hiker friendly but I think if you maybe even start at 4AM (or 3 if you're feeling crazy) you should be able to avoid the brutal heat and be above the hanging lower desert floor heat for possibly a little reprieve.

The trail after flat rock is definitely a little less visible in places but nothing terribly difficult to follow. We had the footprints in the snow to guide us but those might be gone in another week. I think even if the snow is gone your hiking skills will guide you in the right direction. It becomes obvious very quickly when you veer off the beaten path.

We had never done this hike before and didn't have any trouble at all. The only low point was when we stopped for lunch at about 5000 feet we were passed by one of those eco challenge type guys jogging up the trail like it was nothing. Then I really felt old and fat. bastard.

[mike92126]

thanks for the report. i'm thinking of doing C2C this coming weekend. how much snow did you witness at and above the tram? wondering if i'll need snowshoes or microspikes....

mike

[zippetydude]

Actually those temps are probably not going to pose a problem for you.

It's projected to be about 58 degrees if you start at 5:00 or 6:00, and even if you stayed on the desert floor it's not supposed to get to 70 degrees until 10:00. By then, 4 or 5 hours later, you'll probably be at least halfway up, in which case it will be 12 degrees cooler than the valley floor...which is just 58 degrees.

The high at the upper tram is only projected to be 50, so it'll just get cooler and cooler once you pass Flatrock. The heat is normally a problem only if you have to turn around and go back down or if it's surprisingly warm at your start time and you are caught in the heat with the sun bearing down and you're still at low elevation. If you're on the trail early, you'll probably be cool and comfortable the whole time.

Don't forget to bring something so you don't freeze at the top! In the traverse, especially if there's a bit of wind, it can be cold in the shade as you hike through the snow. Then, at the top, when you stop moving, it gets colder still.

Have fun.

z

[Ellen]

Howdy Boyski

Was the runner barefoot? It may have been our legendary Fernando Lara (InFerno), a very fast and nice guy.

I'm used to being passed by Speedy Steve, Z-dude, InFerno, Scott2, Ania and other greyhounds with speedy alien DNA.

Howdy Linda

Went up today with the Craigmeister. We left at 5:30 -- temperature was about 60 degrees and humid but tolerable.

We put on microspikes at the beginning of the traverse (7.4 K) -- it helped to not have to worry about slipping on icy sections of the trail.

Only bad part of the day was finding at 4:30 AM in Riverside that some ass had siphoned out 3/4 of my gas from my previously full gas tank

Miles of smiles,
Ellen

[lightgy]

There are asses in Riverside? Who would of thunk it? Keep trucking Ellen don't let them bring you down. This was posted while sitting at a bar in palm springs not responsible if anyone takes offense

[lightgy]

There are asses in Riverside? Who would of thunk it? Keep trucking Ellen don't let them bring you down. This was posted while sitting at a bar in palm springs not responsible if anyone takes offense

[lightgy]

There are asses in Riverside? Who would of thunk it? Keep trucking Ellen don't let them bring you down. This was posted while sitting at a bar in palm springs not responsible if anyone takes offense

[lightgy]

Oops! Not responsible for my posting abilities right now.