I completed the Skyline Trail yesterday, beginning from the Desert Museum Trailhead at 5:41 A.M. I started with 2 Gallons of water and plenty of snacks. In retrospect, I had about ½ to ¾ more gallons of water than I needed. I got to the Painted rocks at 6:11 A.M. right at sunrise; a very beautiful sight. The weather was perfect, and about ½ hour after the painted rock, a group of four hikers past me, led by “guest.” I want to thank all of them for stopping and saying Hi! Just to let “guest” know, my trash stayed with me until the tram and was thrown away in the dumpsters
I was doing pretty good until 4,000 ft, which I reached at 3:20 minutes, when I started to get a cramp in my left calf. Luckily, I worked it out and pressed on, since I was feeling great from a cardio standpoint. My goal was to reach the tram in less than 7:30. In the lower section, I lost the trail twice, but found in pretty quickly. The desert scenery and local vegetation is really amazing and makes this trail so addicting. As you rise, the changes before you eyes are something that is hard to replicate, especially if you are from the east coast, like me (Atlanta, Georgia). Also, the elevation gain is also unmatched in many ways. For me, the highest peak in Georgia is 4,200 feet high, so Skyline basically doubles that elevation in 10 miles. Amazing. I got to Flat Rock in 5:45, and started that notorious hike up the tram. It was here that my calf cramp really gave me problems. I had stop many times to rest and massage it. I kept going at a decent pace and crossed the traverse sections with no problems; however, this is where my big problem occurred: I lost the trail. Now, I remember from Perry’s guide that once you reach the cliff by Coffman’s Crag, to hike straight up. Now, before I started up, I retraced the trail back, and tried to make sure I did not miss it. I did not see it, so I went back. I was a little nervous at this time, because the slope above is very rocky and loose in some parts. However, I knew I had to get going. I hiked up for about 75-100 feet and was looking around when I saw a faint trail to my left about 10 feet down. Relieved, I got back on it and at 7:18 crested the last ridge into Long Valley. I bettered my time from before (7:30) and was very satisfied. I contemplated going to the peak, and did some mathematical calculations that would have put me in the dark coming down, and although I had a headlamp, I made the decision to stay put. I have done the Cactus to Clouds once before in October, 2005 and was content at ending the day at the tram. I am so amazed by all of you that do this hike regularly, and even more amazed at those of you who accomplish it at such great paces, like “guest.” However, that is the beauty of the hike: No matter the pace, there is a sense of accomplishment afterwards. Again, you are all amazing. Thank you Perry for the hiking board and web site. The information and dialogue is so valuable that anyone not using them prior to the hike are missing a great resource. I am not sure if/when I will return to do it again, but I really enjoyed it again. Now, I head back to Atlanta.