by guest » Wed Apr 28, 2021 9:48 am
Hi Marcus,
Thanks for the addnlt. info, sounds like a hell of a hike, (something a couple guys that used to be on the board here would do, Steve & Fern, back in the day).
I doubt you'd want to hammer much in the beginning, (or at all on a trek like this), so I'd say your timing may be a little fast. I'd allow a good 5 hrs. to reach Long Valley after climbing to the peak, and probably 3-4hrs. min. to reach the valley floor. You may be an ultra runner, but 8k descent at approx. 1k ft. per mile will work you hard, (plus the 2,400 ft. of more gradual loss from summit).
Temps are hitting 100, and the night temps are climbing above 70 as well.
As mentioned here, SanJackJohn is probably the best source for conditions on the western side of the mtns. The stretch from Wellmans to the summit has tall brush that keeps the sun off it, but I wouldn't think that stretch would be too tough to follow in the day, but at night, possibly.
I'd probably aim at heading back up Skyline by 4 or 5am, unless your a true desert rat, (I believe your residing in San Diego), and plan on carrying a gallon on the climb, (which I'm sure ultra-runners would not do). That might work with fresh legs and no previous exertion on Skyline, but after the miles you'll have, probably not a good idea. Our grand master here on the board, (ha), used to smoke up Skyline sub 4 hrs. and carry less, maybe Perry can put in his advise here.
Keep us posted, we do enjoy seeing someone accomplish great treks like this, safely! scott