I plan to start walking the trail sometime in March depending on how cold it is in the mountains. At this time I don’t know where I’ll start. Maybe passage 2 or 3. I’ll walk as long as I want but don’t feel the need to complete the entire trail.
Linda Bardes
From our experience,April was a better month for segments 2 or 3, but who knows - March might be the month to go in 2010.
As to finishing the Trail, Linda, you might find yourself thinking, “Well, maybe I’ll do the walk through the Tortilla Mtns.” Then afterwards at home, you could start thinking about what the trail north of the river is like, (It’s especially neat). And on and on it goes. . . . .
If you don’t set a rigid schedule, just walking when you feel like it, you’ll likely find yourself eventually doing the 800.
kingmancruiser
I can’t imagine April being better than March. I was already sweating my ass off in January last year in those sections.
Linda, are you sure you don’t want to start with passage 1? Unless you are sketched out by a little bit of lingering ice or snow I would recommend it. It’s very scenic.
Anyway, enjoy your hike, it’s a wonderful trail. 
Apple Pie