tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2805100829126623437.post420972743374606468..comments2024-03-19T00:16:42.361-07:00Comments on Hikin' Jim's Blog: A Journey Up the Skyline TrailHikin' Jimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01554269915148144573noreply@blogger.comBlogger32125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2805100829126623437.post-30748474021266208962017-10-29T17:49:41.995-07:002017-10-29T17:49:41.995-07:00Thanks for the photosThanks for the photosAnonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16112085310978974529noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2805100829126623437.post-70075835713026073062017-10-29T08:38:36.627-07:002017-10-29T08:38:36.627-07:00Hi Jim did this climb in 1969 my friend pat and my...Hi Jim did this climb in 1969 my friend pat and myself were hikers for three years, by the way I was 13 years old. The only sign at that time was skyline trail not maintained no water it was late spring not to hot and started out at 6am. with a small amount of water and dehydrated food we took off to the tram station as we had been in long valley many times, the object was to reach the tram. The reason for the post is that this is the first time I have been able to talk to people that have done this since I have moved to Chicago 47 years ago and to this day I will always remember. At about 1pm our water was gone getting hot and the trek was getting more difficult. Our pace was slow stumbling and stopping and getting dark we used our plastic tube tents to sleep. No rescue boxes no cell phones we were always told to light a fire to signal distress we could see the tram car but no help. What saved us was the cold of the air and the warmth of our breath condensed water on the tube tent this was the factor that saved us so we could make the final run up. Three hours later we found a small patch of snow said a little prayer and made it to the top. Be prepared tell others were your going and stay strong Thanks for lisenting. John Gallegos Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16112085310978974529noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2805100829126623437.post-26225585130152494922017-10-26T14:52:31.226-07:002017-10-26T14:52:31.226-07:00Really appreciate for the detailed and fun-reading...Really appreciate for the detailed and fun-reading(OK, might not be very fun hiking) report!<br />Thank you so much for all the detailed information. Hope you are still checking comment :)<br /><br />My friend and I are planning hiking C2C beginning of December, we both are first time hiker on this trail, but we have done trainings and other long endurance hikes before. <br />Still this is so far the most difficult one we are planning doing.<br /><br />One thing concerned me is the weather, we plan to start around 2am so we can avoid any possible heat at down. But I am worried about the snow situation at the peak. Dig pretty deeply online I only came across your post which the hike was done in December.May I ask your opinion on this? <br />I checked the historical temperature but not sure what snow/ice would be like at the peak during early December. Do you know whether normally this route is still doable without getting into Mountaineering range? <br />Thank you!!!Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00630116307458355623noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2805100829126623437.post-54137133214258008042017-04-23T20:48:18.221-07:002017-04-23T20:48:18.221-07:00Good luck!
HJGood luck!<br /><br />HJHikin' Jimhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01554269915148144573noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2805100829126623437.post-12513772688055720022017-04-23T20:47:47.294-07:002017-04-23T20:47:47.294-07:00Hi, Chris,
Thanks for the link and the warning.
...Hi, Chris,<br /><br />Thanks for the link and the warning.<br /><br />HJHikin' Jimhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01554269915148144573noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2805100829126623437.post-31742429931526199752017-04-23T16:00:04.532-07:002017-04-23T16:00:04.532-07:00thank you for your post. it was very helpful in p...thank you for your post. it was very helpful in planning for our Cactus to Tram scheduled for this coming Sat. wish us luck.<br /><br />WanWansun Songhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06644452833362322303noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2805100829126623437.post-3983651341319143462016-01-03T15:36:47.852-08:002016-01-03T15:36:47.852-08:00Hi, Kelly,
Good for you for taking your son out. ...Hi, Kelly,<br /><br />Good for you for taking your son out. I take my 6 year old daughter out frequently. <br /><br />You are right to be concerned with elevation effects on your son. However, you might think about "testing the waters". I took my daughter up over 10,000' fairly early on -- and kept a very close eye on her. If your son were to appear inexplicably lethargic or to complain of headaches, then you need to descend at least 1,000 vertical feet as soon as is humanly possible. If, however, he seems fine, then he probably is fine. While it is true that serious elevation effects can be experienced as low as 8,000', most of the more serious effects occur quite higher, say 12,000' to 15,000'. But even at 29,000', there are those who do just fine if they are well acclimated. So, by all means be careful, but don't automatically rule out elevations above 8,000'. Be watchful, and if no ill effects are experienced, then you're probably fine to proceed.<br /><br />Here is a photo of my daughter at about age one -- on her way up to 10,000' in the Eastern Sierra. No ill effects. <br />https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ktQLWM9tvsM/TKAP8AoMtRI/AAAAAAAAI0A/gNpFlkytOBo/s1024-Ic42/P1020792.JPG<br /><br />And she accompanies me to this day. Here she is at about 10,800':<br />https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-H4WlSYhpTPI/ViRHcOwBsEI/AAAAAAABUDk/L7LuXo7CIGg/s1024-Ic42/DSC04094.JPG<br /><br />Now, would I recommend some more up and down Skyline hikes? Sure. Why not? As long as the weather holds and you're both in shape for it, I think it's a good idea. The part that I find somewhat worrisome is that you only go every couple of months. Typically muscles loose some of their conditioning in as little as 72 hours. What are you each doing to stay in shape? Hiking every other month, even very rigorous hikes, will not get you into shape for Skyline unless you're staying in shape by other means in the interim. <br /><br />Now, if you're staying in shape on a regular basis, then the bi-monthly rigorous hikes can be used as something of a gage. If the hikes are getting harder but you're still handling them well, then you're probably on the right track with your between-hikes work outs. If not, then your between hike exercise plan needs to be expanded in some fashion.<br /><br />Lastly, and hopefully you picked this up from my blog post, be careful in terms of the time of the year and the weather as you set the date of your first attempt.<br /><br />Good luck!<br /><br />HJHikin' Jimhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01554269915148144573noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2805100829126623437.post-84199258382588883262016-01-02T10:47:02.429-08:002016-01-02T10:47:02.429-08:00Hi Jim, not sure if you still check comments since...Hi Jim, not sure if you still check comments since this post is a few years old. :) My 9 year old and I are avid hikers, however are able to go only every couple of months. He is DYING to make it to the tram (we will not attempt beyond). We've made it to the first Rescue box so far. Would you recommend we do another one to the Second Rescue Box and one again further (coming back down both times) as more training? We are also going to try Momyer and have done Baldy (but turned around at the Ski Hut). My concern with him is the elevation effects. Thanks!!Kellyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15756409013329774922noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2805100829126623437.post-83468009022858704172015-04-20T20:54:34.796-07:002015-04-20T20:54:34.796-07:00You're welcome. I had a lot of fun preparing ...You're welcome. I had a lot of fun preparing for and then writing up this trip.<br /><br />HJHikin' Jimhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01554269915148144573noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2805100829126623437.post-52207344977037523602015-04-20T16:47:02.453-07:002015-04-20T16:47:02.453-07:00Hi Jim,
Thanks a lot for this helpful description!...Hi Jim,<br />Thanks a lot for this helpful description!<br />Best wishes,<br />Birgitkamikittyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12446532954008528413noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2805100829126623437.post-30752702788708349812015-02-24T20:06:31.079-08:002015-02-24T20:06:31.079-08:00Hi, Bob,
It's a worthy opponent. Make sure y...Hi, Bob,<br /><br />It's a worthy opponent. Make sure you go when it's cool and that you've done a hike with at least 5,000' of gain prior to trying it. Good luck.<br /><br />HJHikin' Jimhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01554269915148144573noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2805100829126623437.post-58704629664732015852015-02-24T16:25:57.637-08:002015-02-24T16:25:57.637-08:00
HJ,
What a description of a very difficu...<br /> HJ,<br /><br /> What a description of a very difficult tail. I grew up in El Paso Tx and noticed some of the very same cactus,trees, shrubs you photographed grow in the El Paso desert. I hope to do that next year .<br /> thanks for all the hints.<br />Bob V Neutcybotthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13270434180004956844noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2805100829126623437.post-73579449665365830842014-01-28T17:51:38.736-08:002014-01-28T17:51:38.736-08:00Wow, Keith, I'm glad you made it. Sounds real...Wow, Keith, I'm glad you made it. Sounds really freaking rough. Thanks for your comments.<br /><br />HJHikin' Jimhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01554269915148144573noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2805100829126623437.post-66799057803523291122014-01-28T17:50:36.174-08:002014-01-28T17:50:36.174-08:00Great, Ric, glad to hear it's helpful.
HJGreat, Ric, glad to hear it's helpful.<br /><br />HJHikin' Jimhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01554269915148144573noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2805100829126623437.post-83206251658591482762014-01-28T09:48:07.671-08:002014-01-28T09:48:07.671-08:00very helpful! I'm planning to make my first a...very helpful! I'm planning to make my first attempt in a week or so (Feb.) but maybe just to tram. This highly descriptive acct of what to expect will help. :) Runnin' Richttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01249567457124821722noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2805100829126623437.post-26748392490641157042013-10-06T09:29:22.187-07:002013-10-06T09:29:22.187-07:00Thanks for taking to time to do such an awesome jo...Thanks for taking to time to do such an awesome job documenting this hike. As someone stuck inside most of the time I will come back to this site often for inspiration and hope. Hope that sooner rather than later I can relocate to Socal where I can spend my semi-retirement enjoying the outdoors. I am also extremely grateful that you and others have posted the truths about this trail. While I had not seen your description before hiking the skyline this past August, there were a few other descriptions that enabled me to be prepared for the worst - and unfortunately it came close to happening. Before a visit with relatives in Santee I checked the tram site two weeks prior, no mention of shut down. When I reached the tram (left museum lot @ 1:45am) it was closed for annual maintenance (you think someone could post that on the trailhead boards?). The walk down into 107 degree heat was something I will never forget but just as unforgettable was the unique beauty and vertical challenge this trail offers. I took some of the very same pictures but I like your pics and descriptions the best!. My next and probably last chance to hike for next 12 months will be soon backpacking in the presidential range of NH. I know while I am up there above treeline I will be thinking about the skyline trail. Keep up the great work and know there are many of us out there that really enjoy and appreciate your efforts.<br /><br />Missing Socal from the New England,<br /><br />KMLAnonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02906338376838304093noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2805100829126623437.post-71541290971121121682013-05-31T17:36:05.685-07:002013-05-31T17:36:05.685-07:00Hi, JT,
Thanks. I do hope you get out into the S...Hi, JT,<br /><br />Thanks. I do hope you get out into the SGW soon; it's such a great place.<br /><br />I'll probably be at Echo this coming Wednesday.<br /><br />Take care,<br /><br />HJHikin' Jimhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01554269915148144573noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2805100829126623437.post-46081429478067201212013-05-31T17:25:04.984-07:002013-05-31T17:25:04.984-07:00Hi Jim,
I used to do do a lot of backpacking in ...Hi Jim, <br /><br />I used to do do a lot of backpacking in the SGW back in the 80s. It seems with life being so busy, I tend to return to our backyard (the San Gabriels) for overnight trips. Your trip reports inspire me to make the drive to SanBerdo...<br /><br />I really appreciate your reports and miss see you all on the Echo Mtn hikes!<br /><br />Keep up the good work,<br /><br />jtAnonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18070779113552428820noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2805100829126623437.post-90354094425270365992013-04-02T08:28:20.433-07:002013-04-02T08:28:20.433-07:00Thank you for saying that, and you're very wel...Thank you for saying that, and you're very welcome.<br /><br />HJHikin' Jimhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01554269915148144573noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2805100829126623437.post-79245540802578427832013-04-02T08:02:56.573-07:002013-04-02T08:02:56.573-07:00Jim,
Thank you for such a wonderful trip report. ...Jim,<br /><br />Thank you for such a wonderful trip report. You are amazingly thorough, the pictures are great and advice better. I may be attempting Skyline this fall, Octoberish, or I might wait until next year, but this post is a treasure trove of information. Well done!tekewinhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10230830520110635922noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2805100829126623437.post-59822399872077873422013-04-01T17:59:30.147-07:002013-04-01T17:59:30.147-07:00Hi, Marvin,
Make sure you do a 5000+ foot gain pr...Hi, Marvin,<br /><br />Make sure you do a 5000+ foot gain practice hike before you do Skyline to check if you're really ready. There's a list in my post of good practice hikes.<br /><br />http://mtsanjacinto.info is your best bet for current conditions. April and October are the typical months to do Skyline. It's been a low snow year, so the trail should be snow free in April and certainly by May. Heat wise, the first week of May should be fine, but keep an eye on the weather.<br /><br />I found the trail to be mostly followable, but I've been hiking for a long, long time. There are a couple of places where I got off the trail and had to look around for the right path. The trail hasn't been maintained the 1930's. I brought maps with me, and I referred to them on an off. There are a couple of downed trees to contend with as well.<br /><br />HJHikin' Jimhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01554269915148144573noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2805100829126623437.post-8146591420752812352013-03-31T17:18:27.862-07:002013-03-31T17:18:27.862-07:00Good evening:
I am trying to find information and...Good evening:<br /><br />I am trying to find information and research this Skyline Trail. My oldest daughter (16) and I (35) are planning to try to do this trail come Saturday, May 4th - - the snow should be almost or completely melted by then and while it is hot it shouldn't be as hot as the months from later May to September/October. Anyway, do you have any other tips/suggestions for the trail/hike? For example, is the trail itself easy to spot, or it it easy to get lost on the trail, etc.? Anything else, or even if you have other links about the trail and/or other people's experiences it would greatly help. Thank you! Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06900485914995732213noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2805100829126623437.post-46764593979352767242013-01-08T22:40:15.336-08:002013-01-08T22:40:15.336-08:00Hi, Teresa,
Thanks for that! I haven't tried...Hi, Teresa,<br /><br />Thanks for that! I haven't tried to learn the desert flora very much yet. I've got a book, but everything is in storage right now and will be for the foreseeable future. :(<br /><br />I did get my XC skis and boots out. I haven't used them for a decade (I had a very serious accident in 2001). Dunno if they're rotted out, but I plan to try them before the season is over!!<br /><br />HJHikin' Jimhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01554269915148144573noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2805100829126623437.post-23483498535125135802013-01-07T22:03:19.556-08:002013-01-07T22:03:19.556-08:00Hi Jim
Since you're a detail guy I thought I&...Hi Jim<br /><br />Since you're a detail guy I thought I'd help with a plant ID. The "mini barrel cacti" you saw are hedgehog cacti (Echinocereus), which put out a lovely bloom come Spring. You'll just have to get out on the trail again in April. See this: http://www.calflora.net/recentfieldtrips/sanjacintomountains09B.html. You might have seen the Engelmann species.<br /><br />Have to add I always enjoy your posts on the mountain boards and your excellent stove tidings. Got myself a Coleman Extreme thanks to you. Now you need to make good on your backcountry ski plans. I'll keep my eyes peeled for you in the South Fork Meadows area this season. Mt. Pinos is also great when there's coverage. <br /><br />Teresa<br />Teresahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07033686590435807962noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2805100829126623437.post-52638401016870340792012-12-13T15:10:35.681-08:002012-12-13T15:10:35.681-08:00Hi, Keith,
I hear you on the knee problems. I to...Hi, Keith,<br /><br />I hear you on the knee problems. I took ibuprofen and kept my knees wrapped, and I did OK. There's no way I would want to do this hike if I had to do the DOWNHILL portion too. That just sounds ugly.<br /><br />Hope to see you out on the trail some time,<br /><br />HJHikin' Jimhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01554269915148144573noreply@blogger.com