2026-Feb: Doppler Ball/Pleasant Peak via Skinsuit & Skyline trails/Level 2+/3

HikingOC annual peak to the Doppler Ball Wintertime (early Springtime this year and taking advantage of cooler weather). A few more miles to Pleasant peak as an option for those are challenging extra miles and elevations
This is a good hike for mountains training series with lower peaks nearby and OC area. It is recommended only for those who have experience with hiking long distances and climbing steep slopes (to summit)

Meeting time: 7:30 AM

DIFFICULTY/GENERAL RATING: Level 2+/3. You can check the RATING TABLE for more info about the hiking levels https://tinyurl.com/HikeRating

Stats: Total distance is 10 to 13+ miles, completed in about 6-8 hours. Elevation gain is about 2700 to 3000ft (4 to 5.5 miles up and 6 to 7.5 miles down)

Necessities: Adequate water (2 to 3 liters), hiking poles if you often hike with them, hat, sunscreen, snack or light lunch, layered clothing to adjust to climate change.

Directions:
Parking is available all along the south (eastbound) side of Foothill Parkway, from Border Avenue to Elysia Street.
We walk to the bridge just east of Trudy and meet under the sign that reads 'Skyline Hiking Trail'.
Do not leave valuables in your parked car. Be VERY careful getting in and out of your car - the traffic is moving very fast through there!

Weather: Extreme Heat or Heavy Rain on the day of the hike will cancel the hike. So please check weather conditions and be prepared for a last minute cancellation if the weather is not cooperating.

Description: It's about 4-5.5 miles up on the Skinsuit trail (steep slope, as tough as the Pipeline to Sierra Peak, 1.5 miles shorter, so hope a challenging fun to begin a new year resolution). The hike starts with a mostly flat approach to the ridge line for almost a mile, then the next two miles are intense with a climb rate of about 1,000 feet per mile. A mile along the fire road gets us to the Doppler and a light brunch. The way down via Skyline Drive all the way from the Doppler station (Beek's Place), it is roughly six to 7.5 miles.
More info: https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/california/skyline-trail-and-skinsuit-trail-loop
https://ifnaturecouldtalk.com/great-hikes-skyline-drive-trail-corona-ca

DISCLAIMER: Before undertaking any outdoor activity described on this site, it is your personal and exclusive responsibility to ensure that the activity is appropriate for you, that you have researched the activity description, and that you have proper training, equipment, and physical conditioning to safely participate in the planned activity.

REMINDER***: By joining the meetup, you agree to Meetup Terms of Service releases the Organizer and Assistant Organizers from any liability related to incidents that occur at Meetup gatherings***
>>>YOU acknowledge THAT WE ARE NOT PROFESSIONALS.
>>>YOU ASSUME RESPONSIBILITY FOR YOURSELF AND YOUR SAFETY
***Hiking is a rewarding and pleasant activity in nature, but there are certain dangers you should be aware of. Those include, but are not limited to, trip and fall injuries, bee stings, poison oak exposure, ticks and snake bites. By signing up for this event, you agree to hold harmless the hike organizer, assistant organizers and other participants for any injuries sustained during this hike***