Skyline 4/11/15

[jeongobar]

Hello,

I'll be coming in from Seattle for hike of Skyline up to San Jacinto Peak starting predawn Saturday 4/11/5. Appreciative of all the information on this website and others about the hike. Wondering if I should bring microspikes or crampons or both and if I should bring my axe. Websites have recommended I do, but the recent hike reports show minimal snow/ice. Thanks!

Jeong

[cynthia23]

My biggest concern for you is not the ice but the heat. Forecast is for 89 but it could be even higher. Start very early (i.e. 3 or 4 a.m.ish, no later) because a) it's cooler and much easier before dawn b) if you should bonk halfway and need to come down, you will be able to descend in still relatively cool temps. Also, if this is your first time, I recommend the Ramon trailhead rather than the Desert Museum TH, because the DM is extremely confusing with many false trails. A lot of people get turned around in the dark and waste a lot of time on that first mile.

[jeongobar]

Thank you Cynthia23. Just got here and it's definitely not the Pacific Northwest Cascades. Pretty hot here. Yes I plan to take the North Lykken Trail and start earlier than 3am and take tons of water.

[Norris]

You will not need an ice axe, for sure. I did Skyline on 4/7 and it was completely dry

[jeongobar]

Thank you. I went up 4/11/15 starting at 12:30 AM. I know, a pretty early start but the weather was supposed to be pretty hot. The trail was in great shape and well maintained, not like some of the trails in Northwest. I had a few diversions in the trail but walked back a little ways to go back on the main trail. Got up to the tram at around 7:30 AM and took a break and then went up to the peak and back to the tram. There was very little ice and snow, nothing that required crampons or microspikes. I met a lovely couple that hiked Skyline once a month and totally schooled me up the mountain! They offered me a ride back to my car at the trailhead through Uber and gave me a Gatorade at end too! That was the best Gatorade I have ever had! They were so nice so thank you!!! All in all, a great hike, tough hike, great people, and gorgeous views. Will have to do it again sometime I am back in the area.

[Norris]

Doh! my post was late, I missed the part about 4/11 Glad you had a good hike

[Hikin_Jim]

Doh! my post was late

It's good to have corroborating posts, so no wasted effort there.

HJ

[cynthia23]

Congratulations Jeongobar on a good first Skyline. Sounds like you planned well and had a good time. It's a real accomplishment.