I am looking to hike the New Mexico portion of the CDT starting around June 1st then Hiking the Washington portion of the PCT after that. In a normal snow year when can you hike the New Mexico section without hitting much snow? What would be a good town to finish the New Mexico section in? For Washington I’m thinking that July 16 would work starting at Cascade Locks. I hoping not to need to bring an ice ax for either.
Pika
Most northbound thruhikers start at the Mexican border at the end of April or first of May. There may be some snow in the Gila or on Mt. Taylor, and the water might be high in the Gila but otherwise there isn’t that much of a snow effect if you are hiking in April/May. If you go later in the spring, you risk having the forests closed because of fire danger. When they close them, it is usually late May. Then they are closed until the rainy season begins in mid-July. Even if the forests remain open, it is likely to be hot and waterless in June. If I were you, I’d start May 1, not June 1.
Ginny
You definitely won’t need to carry an ice axe for New Mexico or for Washington State at those times of the year.
Have a great trip!
Wayfaring bern