Snow on Skyline?

[mookyee]

yeah thanks for the reports all. very useful information. we're still planning on going for the summit 4/19, but maybe the latest info will shrink our party by a couple. and maybe my pack will be a little heavier that originally planned. see you guys on the trail!

[guest]

Kellie & others,

That being said, is it safe to say it's POSSIBLE to hike Skyline without crampons and/or ice axe...? Loosing the trail is a bit concerning, but I'm hoping my memory and a good GPS will go to great lengths to help.

As mentioned, I feel good hikers w/ good balance, strenght & nerve should be ok. The snow seems to be melting & remaining tractable, and there are many good footprints across the areas to use, (poles will help here).

Remember, the traverse climbs gradually to Coffman's Crag (the bigass granite rock the trail heads towards, don't take any of the chutes before you reach this. You really need to stop & locate the trail visually after crossing the snow patches.

Many trees have come down across the trail, so pay attention (not easy when your tired).
Once you reach Coffman, you can either go across the snow patches or go straight up (not advised as it's very fatiguing and hard on the terrain).

Bring lots of liquids, heat can be as menacing as technical terrain, and it's getting warm (hot you those non-desert dwellers).

ss

[tinaballina]

Glad you had a great hike, may I venture to say your now "hooked" Tina?
You had a great companion in Biv!

ss

Yes, SS i am now hooked. i plan to do san jacinto as much as i can until the heat hits hard. I did have a great companion to take me up.
I do have to laugh when he states "maintained a level of chit-chat" on the way up, i did become a little chatty, next thing i knew we were at the top.

Thanks again Sid!

[tinaballina]

Let me know what you guys think, or if a hike this weekend (04/19) is probably still a bit to early in the season this year...[/quote]

It is good to go. Doreen and i are going up on Saturday again.
See you up there Kellie.

[Cy Kaicener]

Its not too early to go. When I hiked down below the traverse yesterday, I was surprised how much snow had melted in four days. Last Saturday the snow was difficult and yesterday a lot of it was gone. All you need are hiking poles.
Tina - I HOPE i can maintain the level of chitchat when you and Doreen catch up to me

[tinaballina]

Tina - I HOPE i can maintain the level of chitchat when you and Doreen catch up to me [/quote]

LOL, anything to keep the mind busy. Although starting that early in the morning i can't say i will be too chit-chatty. i am not a huge morning person.

[mookyee]

cy - any idea if crampons are needed on the way up to the summit? or can i leave these 5lb calf slicers at the car? thanks!

[Cy Kaicener]

Chris - I never needed crampons yesterday and Tina never had them last week. Take whatever gives you peace of mind. Everyone has a different level of experience. We are starting from the museum about the same time you are starting from Ramon Road.

[zippetydude]

Cy, am I reading your post right? It sounds like Skyline is clear all the way through to the tram...is that true?

If so, I might go either this weekend or next. It'll be fun to see everyone again on the trail.

z

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