C2C for 10/18/08 - Opinions on Plan

[Zé]

I am organizing and taking a relatively large group (~15) to do this hike- the final goal of the "hiking season." I have not done this hike before.

Yes, I realize those two sentences sound like a recipe for disaster! But I believe our preparations, expectations, and previous hiking experiences will allow for this to be a successful journey. As I outline the overall plan, I would great appreciate any input or suggestions.

The group:So, the group I am taking is not a random hodgepodge of hikers, they have all hiked with me before on strenuous (4000-6000 ft gain) hikes and practically all summited Iron Mountain a few weeks ago. Based on their time to peak (all <= 4.5 hrs) I am estimating an ascent time of ~ 10hrs up to San Jacinto Peak.

Night before: I am planning on staying that friday night in Palm Springs - most likely crashing in a motel (someone had mentioned there are a few motel 6's or something that could work well, but I have to investigate this further). We will park a few cars in the tram parking area the night before that we can use to get back to our cars by the museum.

Water: Right now I am planning on starting the hike at 4 am. We will have headlamps but it is also going to be a few days removed from a full moon so I'm not sure if they will be used. The requirements for how much water to bring (as well as electrolytes and food) will be pretty strict and this group understands based on their Iron Mountain experience.

From what I've read, when we reach 8,000 ft, we can reach the upper tram and ranger's station where there will be water. So is this true that we can refill on water (w/o filtering) at 8,000 ft? If so, I can see taking 8-10 liters being enough for me on this hike (a bit less for others). I will also carry additional water for others.

The trek: Unlike other hikes I am going to be more stringent on keeping everyone quite close together as 1) the trail is not maintained and definitely possible for people to go the wrong way and 2) we are not coming back down the same way. While I have not done this trail, we will have maps/compass and importantly GPS with the coordinates of the approximate trail uploaded. Additionally, opinion's on this board seem to indicate that the trail is getting easier and easier to follow. I also seem to have a pretty good sense of direction, so I am thinking with all these factors, we will be able to make it up with getting majorly offtrack.

Communication: Several of the group members will have walkie talkies, although I am not planning on using them as I want to keep the group together.

I am expecting, based on this planning, that we can do this successfully. But I may be missing something, please let me know.

It doesn't seem we need a permit for Skyline, but do we need a permit to hike to the top? I am assuming no.

Is the food at the tram restaurant good?

[Zé]

Ok it appears I'll need to get a permit at Long Valley on the way up.

[FIGHT ON]

Johioseph. Z knows the trail and can tell you which way to go when you come to the forks at the first part. I would memorize his formula or else go with someone who has done it before. Everyone keeps saying it's too hot so make sure you start no later than 4. none of this 30-45 minutes late stuff. not on this hike!

[AlanK]

The plan seems reasonable to me.

There is a Motel 6 bear the intersection of Ramon Rd. and Rte. 111. There is another one a couple of miles further south on 111.

It seems to me to be pretty hard for an experienced hiker to get lost for the first 9 miles or so because you basically just head up. There are some trail branches near the bottom, but "up" is the operative word that will keep you on track. There are a couple of downhill stretches, but they are very short and have little elevation loss. If you find yourself going down for more than a couple of hundred yards, you need to reverse course and try again.

Near Long Valley, the route is on less obvious, but it has gotten easier and easier to follow over the past several years.

There is no permit required to hike from Palm Springs to the tram. Beyond the tram, a permit is required. For day hikers, self-issue permits are available at the Long Valley Ranger Station. Note that the ranger station in the valley, not up at the tram station.

There is water in Long Valley. I do not believe that the outside spigot at the Ranger Station works, but there is water n the rest rooms. Of course, there is water at the tram station but you have to walk up the ramp. Once is usually enough on that (at the end of the hike).

[Cy Kaicener]

I am going with another large group (from the Sierra Club) leaving just before or just after midnight on 17/18. There should be a lot of people on c2c that Saturday. If it is a bit cooler this coming Saturday, I will be going up Skyline as close to 3 am as I can make it. Udi from the outdoorsclub is taking a group this Saturday 10/4 at 4 am.

[tinaballina]

I will be going this saturday, on the 11th, the 19th and possibly the 26th. Just a tad crazy i guess. hiking consistantly for the last year i have to admit, skyline is my favorite.

[Zé]

Thanks for the tips!

[nspavan]

I am also planning on coming on the 18th. If you could let me know of details that would be great.

Thanks
Pavan

[Zé]

btw, there seems to be another motel 6 on the 111 one mile north of Ramon. Anything wrong with this one?

[AlanK]

btw, there seems to be another motel 6 on the 111 one mile north of Ramon. Anything wrong with this one?

I know of 3. One is just south of Ramon. one is a mile or two further south. The third is on I-10 well north of the main drag.