First timer - is this hike safe with the recent fires?

[sgarm]

Hi there -- I've been training for this hike up in NorCal for a few months. Now that I'm 3 weeks away from the hike, the mountain is ablaze! Not being familiar with this kind of natural "disaster", do other folks know if in 3 weeks time the fire is likely to be contained? Should we be canceling our plans at this point? I am nervous enough to do the strenuous Skyline trail without worrying for my life in this manner. One final question - do cellphones work (AT+T) in case of an emergency - say - a raging fire coming my way on the trail? Thanks, Sarah in SF

[Hikin_Jim]

Sarah,

Your first concern should be the weather. Summer is generally not a good time to try the Skyline Trail for your first time. Typically people wait until October. Becoming a heat casualty is far more likely than being immolated in a fire storm.

HJ

[sgarm]

Agreed, I have definitely been researching all I can. Labor Day is the only weekend before Christmas where we can get away for this hike, so the plan is to start at 3:30am to get in a decent amount of elevation before the sun rises. According to what I've been reading - and correct me if I'm off base here - A good 2.5 hours of hiking before sunrise can get you several thousand feet up the trail, which lowers the temperature a bit. I'm thinking by 9am we can get up 3K feet, and keep climbing at fairly moderate temperatures (i.e. mid 80s instead of over 100).

looks like the tram will be open on the 31st, the day we're planning to head out there.

[Hikin_Jim]

Well, no offense, but that might not be such a good assumption. The weather at 3000' will not be much cooler than on the desert floor. In addition, the intensity of the sun is a really big factor, and there isn't any appreciable shade until about 7,000' elevation.

You're taking on a certain measure of risk by attempting Skyline in the hottest time of the year. Something to think about.

HJ

[sgarm]

I hear you, or sure. I get that it's not the same, but training on Mt Diablo in 95 degree weather, where there isn't shade, gives me some idea.

So, does anyone hike it now?

[Zé]

It's a guessing game if there would be any fires at that time - these current fires should hopefully be put out by then, but who knows.

C2C in September is definitely going to be a heat challenge. Unfortunately the Bay Area doesn't have that many hot, steep, and long hikes that you can train out. Diablo is probably the best - but it gets cold at night - so I would consider starting in the late morning when its already hot out, and to be exposed to the sun the entire time while going uphill (can can over 5000 ft with the 4 peaks route). Gaining the elevation early in the morning doesn't count as it won't simulate the conditions.

Henry Coe (Mt Sizer loop) is also a good option b/c of the heat.

Are you going to have anytime to acclimate to the heat?

P.S. - the only people who hike it now are "regulars" who are totally heat acclimated and high fitness level (both required for this hike / season).

[Nick-SJM]

SGARM-
The people replying above are delicately trying to tell you that going up Skyline for the first time, at the beginning of September is NOT a good idea. I'd hate to be reading about your successful or unsuccessful rescue.

[sgarm]

Thanks all. Big disappointment, as I've been training months for this and probably won't be able to train for it for at least an year due to my grad school schedule. If anyone has other ideas for CA mountains I would love to hear them -- I've raised a fair deal of money for charity for this hike in addition to my training and am now seeking an alternate climb.

[Hikin_Jim]

Have you thought about the nearby Vivian Creek Trail?

It's a fairly steep trip up to San Gorgonio Mountain (11,502'), the highest point in Southern California. You start at about 6,000' elevation and gain (with the ups and downs) another 6,000' to reach the summit. There's water and its got good portions with significant shade. It's one of the "rites of passage" for serious hikers in Southern California.

HJ

[KathyW]

Thanks all. Big disappointment, as I've been training months for this and probably won't be able to train for it for at least an year due to my grad school schedule. If anyone has other ideas for CA mountains I would love to hear them -- I've raised a fair deal of money for charity for this hike in addition to my training and am now seeking an alternate climb.

What about something in the Sierra instead?