C2C - Museum vs Ramona

[WebDozer]

I'm planning to do the C2C pretty soon. I have been advised by one friend that it shouldn't be much of a problem to start up the Museum Trail in the middle of the night, then advised by another that starting from Ramona would be better, albeit a little longer. I've also read repeated comments about the Museum Trail that have me worried about losing the trail and thus wasting time. I have to say that I've been on Ramona several times in broad daylight and had a little trouble following it!

Any comments/opinions about the Ramona/Museum question?

[Florian]

Any comments/opinions about the Ramona/Museum question?

I prefer Ramon trailhead (not Ramona) but is about 5 mins longer. Nicer trail and less confusing. Museum trailhead harder to follow but maybe safer parking. I've never had a problem at Ramon trailhead myself. Probably doesn't really matter which trailhead either way. Go with the one that you just feel better with.

-Florian

[zippetydude]

As far as time, Florian's right, it really doesn't make all that much difference. If you're curious about the museum start, is there any way you can check it out in the daylight the day before or sometime in advance? It's a mess, and although I've done Skyline many times over the past 10 years, I have no idea what the main trail might be going up from the museum. There are too many options branching all over the place. If you do it first during the day you'll get the idea - just keep going up as much as possible, and you'll end up at the top at the picnic tables. But you will almost surely lose the trail a few times and end up on various informal wanderings that are all over the place. If you're concerned about getting lost and wasting time, then I'd either scout it out in advance or stick with Ramon.

z

[Ed]

I agree with the above. I tend to start at the museum, but only because I have a subjective feeling that it is a safer place to leave the car at night. The Ramon trail is much easier to follow in the dark. I still can't make it to the trail junction from the museum in the dark without a little stumbling around. Start at Ramon or scout the trail in daylight from the museum to the painted message on the rock above the trail junction. After that, the trail is easy to follow in the dark.

[Florian]

I should mention that the museum parking lot is not officially open for public parking. Usually in the off-season it doesn't matter but security will sometimes put a warning note on your car. The museum also has a "boot" for repeat offenders but i think it's only been used once. And it's possible you'll be towed if the lot needs to be clear for some event.

-Florian

[Ed]

I park on the street. A few months ago there was no space left on the street, and I parked in the museum lot. And received a warning.

[WebDozer]

Thanks for the advice. A quick trip up the Museum Trail the day before makes sense....