Desert section in March?

imported
#1

I need to have your advice about my next PCT hike.
I plan to do the desert sections from Campo to Walker Pass.
Is it doable from mid March?
I don’t know if there is snow in the desert.
April is a bit late for me so it would be nice if i can do it in March,
Do i need specific gear for the cold?
I bought my gear last july before to hike from Walker Pass to Echo Lake, so i got everything set up, maybe i have to get Expedition weight patagonia underwear instead of my Mid weight?

Thanks for your help

french bob

#2

It’s important to recognize that the first 700 miles of the PCT are typically refered to as “the desert”, but it’s not all desert. You will definitely have snow problems if you’re on the PCT in mid-March. The San Jacintos (near Idyllwild) will be covered, and possibly impassable. There are other snow problem areas, too. With all the snow California is getting this winter, I wouldn’t recommend starting in mid-March.

yogi

www.pcthandbook.com

yogi

#3

Yogis right, its not all desert. If your locked in timewise start at Walker Pass and go south. That s mile647.2 and you can get to mile 401 and stay pretty much snow free. That 246 snow free miles vrs deep snow at mile180 leaving Campo, Doesn’t seem much differ- ence but it is. Remember in this desert of S/Cal is where us locals go to ski and we will be doing that til Easter this year…

MeadowEd

#4

Thanks guys!
So, i’ll be on trail early april, 45 days should be enough to reach walker Pass from Campo, i guess;)
Do you think i need warmer underwear than my Capilene mid weight?

Thanks yogi for your precious book;)

french bob

#5

In a normal year, I think mid-weight would be fine. But we can’t tell if this will pan out to be a normal year, or if the snow will continue to fall. My suggestion would be to put together a box of warmer gear, then bounce it up the trail. Doing this, if you need warmer gear, you can have it right away when you get to town.

yogi

www.pcthandbook.com

yogi

#6

Hello, French Bob,
I will start early April as well and I’m happy there is at least 1 more hiker! And if neccessary I will follow that advice of Meadow Ed (flip flop 200 miles from Walker Pass).

Frisian Rhino