by guest » Mon Oct 14, 2019 9:20 am
Funny how some trail signs come & go, (how many San Jac summit signs have we seen over the years??).
The wording is similar to what a few of us put together for the first "death sign".I picked that spot out, as I didn't want people to be able to see it from the bottom, and I figured people would have an idea at that point, how hard the trail is.
The elev. from that sign probably is close to 7k, since it's around 1,700 ft., (I think, don't carry gps or altmtr), but confusing about total gain of the route.
When the trails council, PSPD / mounted police & others chimed in about the wording), at first the state park didn't want anything to do with it, (since their land doesn't start till after 4k or more), but then realized they get calls as much as any for rescue, (Eric Hansen suggested the 12 essentials).
Back then, (20+yrs. ??), the route was just beginning to get more popular.
I agree that they should give at least as much warning about snow & ice, as they do about hydration & heat. Who wants to downclimb 7k on spent legs when you can almost see the tram through the glimmering on sun on ice!!
I also think less wording would be more effective. Hell, many people cruise by that sign in the dark.
Wonder if the Bighorn sign will re-appear?
Even the cool, old white lettering at 4,500ft., ("Palm Springs, 5 hours", I think it reads), got vandalized, then re-done.
scott