Kicking off 2026

[nobohiker]

Here we are, it is February and I hear SanJac calling my name again. C2C sometime between now and May is the goal. Need to look into snow conditions and also if the trail lis closed. Came here to see what trip reports others posted here, but looks like not a whole lot happened.
Anyways, happy 2026 and happy trails

-Rick

[guest]

Hi, almost no snow below 8k at this time it appears, (anyone been to the summit lately), but, as you know, one bigass storm is heading into Calif. this coming week, so we'll see.
Might be fun snowshoeing, but probably not for Skyline, maybe tram to summit if there's a fit group willing to break the trail / route in. This will be good for the forest and for all the creeks in the mtns.
SanJacJon's website mentioned this being another super dry winter to date, (with a few areas below 10k ft. having hard ice from metling and freezing, and the big storm could bring snow Way down below 5k, (we'll see). SS

[guest]

Hi, I'd imagine you check the tram cam, which is now showing a good foot, with more on the way. Of course it could all melt fast with extended sunny days. Hopefully, the snow will be gone, or at least manageable, (w micros, poles and some skill), before the desert heats up too much. ss

[nobohiker]

Well, trying C2C on Monday or Tuesday when temps are supposed to dip a bit. As far as I can tell the trail is ‘open’ unless I am missing something?

Happy Trails All!

[guest]

Hey Nobo, unless your planning a arduous C2C2C, or bailing out into Idyllwild, I just noticed the tram has been closed from Sept 8 to Oct 4th, sorry to be the bearer of bad news.
Maybe you can reschedule for early Oct, unless El Nino brings early snow. scott

[nobohiker]

Oh wow, I am glad I posted here, I was not aware of the maintainance. Thanks for letting me know.
I have done C2C2C once and will not do that again. I shall postpone my hike. Bummer since my backup hike for Monday is also not an option due to weather. Will try Langley for Tuesday.

[guest]

Yeah, I've never gone all the way down Skyline, no thanks. I had a buddy get stuck doing Skyline during shut-down, luckily, he was the race director of The Tram Road Challenge race and they let him ride down with maint. crew. Bummer for you, since the wx seems decent, although I prefer when the desert lows dip into the 60's, if possible. ss

[drndr]

Where do a lot of people post trip reports now. All Trails? Facebook? It used to only be here. We've got a group going early Nov if there's no snow. Have always loved checking in here
Dan.

[guest]

Hey Dan,
As you can see, this board have lost some of it's members and momentum, (many have moved away, etc.) but a few of us diehards still check and post.
If I hear anything, I'll post, as I have a couple buddies who usually do Skyline this time of year, and I'd imagine some will be hiking to the peak this fall as well. Alltrails can help at times.

This storm that's heading into SoCal, may produce some decent snow. If you don't already know, an excellent resource for the west side of the mt., (Idyllwild),Devils Slide, Marion, Deer Springs, a section of the PCT, Little Round, Strawberry Jct trails, etc. is SanJacJon.com. Jon is in the local mtns. as much as anyone, leaes vary thorough reports, (there's one from Oct 9th), you just won't get much about Skyline and some of the mt. trails on the east side too much.

I thought I'd include a paragraph from his lastest post that hopefullt those considering going into the mtns. soon will read:

"The conditions on 11th-13th October are tentatively forecast to be similar to those of last winter which resulted in multiple significant hypothermia cases in the San Jacinto high country with which I was heavily involved. The coincidence of the storm with a holiday weekend further complicates the situation. Hikers – especially those from the Tramway where such conditions are rarely anticipated – may well be ascending through rain, before encountering strong winds, frigid windchills, and possible snowfall at the highest elevations. Being fully prepared for the challenging combination of both wet weather and winter conditions will be critical (at a minimum, having fully wind- and waterproof clothing, plus multiple dry layers, hats, and gloves stored in a truly waterproof pack system, is very strongly advised). A clear understanding that turning around may well be the safest option in such conditions is also invaluable.
Hope this helps, scott