First C2C climb in 2 weeks! Help!

[bluerail]

Well put Scott, I've had so many first timers do well and "enjoy" the trip because of staying on the main trail and have watched other first timers suffering badly on the short cuts. You really do need to feel good when you reach 6000'

[Screerider]

While it appears there was an attempt to establish an "official" trail up Skyline there seems to be some disagreement of where it is exactly. The two variations below 4,300' that come to mind are at the second cairn and then again just past the shady area. More often it seems that when side trails wonder of, it is a result of overshooting a switchback. I find when the trail grows faint that I have missed a turn. The trail has been very well traveled up to this point and is not faint.
I find some confusion when there is an attempt to block well traveled paths, especially when I find nothing noticeably prohibitive when taking such paths.
I do understand the importance of not cutting switchbacks and have learned how easy it is to accidentally start a new trail. Everything has a very thin crust and footprints stand out. However, there seems to be the need for some concessions on a main trail with the alternates perhaps marked as so. It's hard being politically correct without knowing what it is.
I hate that term really. I prefer to just think of it as just trying to be responsible.

[Screerider]

Elizabeth,

I told you backwards regarding shady area and rescue 1.
I reached rescue 1 @ 7:55 after talking to you. The shady area was another 15 minutes past that.
It was a pleasure to meet the both of you. Enjoy.

[Elizabeths]

Thanks to everyone for the advice. It was really helpful! My husband and I completed Skyline from the Museum trail to the tram today! Wishing we could have also made it up to San Jacinto but our feet were killing us! Met some really nice people on the trail. Saw two individuals doing the climb and a group of three hikers that led us up the last stretch.

Below are our times for our first attempt:

Left Museum trailhead at 4:40
Made it to picnic tables in 35 min
Made it to Rescue 1 at 6:10 am
4300' at 7:40
Not sure about Rescue 2
Florian's bucket at 9:53am
Flat Rock we didn't note the time
Tram summit 12:45pm

We did get off the trail just above 4300'. Took an upper route rather than the lower main trail. Lost about 15 min there.

Thanks again for the feedback! Screerider it was a pleasure meeting you on the trail the day before! We have some great pictures and memories!

[arocknoid]

Elizabeth, congratulations to you and your husband for a fine Skyline first hike adventure.

Splendid weather for your hike, and it should be a special memory for you both.

Very smart pace, too, good times, while not going out like gangbusters. Time enough to pause for pix, and savor the moments.

Also, you now have the chance to reassess your footwear. 'Be good to your feet, and your feet will be good to you.'

May you enjoy many more fine SJ hikes,

kind regards,
Arocknoid

[Screerider]

Congratulations. I knew you two had the spirit and the spunk.
I'm glad you posted. I'm glad you guys had a good time.

Just to hijack your thread a little to stress a point...

There really needs to be an established route. Losing 15 minutes is a hassle and can be down heartening. Those heading up may not realize how easily one heading down can get switched up. After a cut, you have to reorientate yourself when you get back on the main trail. Someone going down in an emergency already disorientated could easily find themselves going in circles.

[HikerLinda]

Husband and I did it about a month ago... Your time to 4300 was our time also (3 hours)......except we started at 8AM, no need to start real early on the day we hiked as the high in PS was only in the very low 80's.

Our total time on trail was 9 hours, 20 minutes but actual hike time was 8 hours, we enjoyed the views, had 2 small lunches, took loads of pictures........... and knew darkness was not until 7:30 and we got to Grubbs Notch at 5:20PM.

Savor your first time.......I still get excited when I tell people, then I see the glazed look and know, they don't really care

Congrats again! Hiker Linda

[Screerider]

We care. Who else counts?

[HikerLinda]

We care. Who else counts?

THANK YOU! A rescue today I just read..........

[Screerider]

You have to have a plan. That's what Elizabeth did right, that's what you did right.
Perhaps there should be a sign at the trailhead, listing the rescued, and listing the dead. Sort of like the signs along the Kern listing the drownings.
I often look down at the town and get a false sense of security. I look down at the hospital and think, "I can't die here". Then I look at the terrain and think, "yeah I can".