I am looking to thru-hike the PCT after finishing school. Only problem is that my school gets out in mid-June, so I’d really be hitting the trail on 7/01. First question: is it even possible to start then with the SoCal heat, and then Washington winter later on the trip? I can move pretty fast, but I’m worried about timing. Any thoughts?
Hiker Arc
My recommendation would be to start at either Yosemite or Tahoe and hike north to Washington, then flip south. Either that or just do a straightforward southbound hike from Manning Park. If winter starts early - then at least you will have done the more interesting part of the trail. Starting out from Campo means doing the first 700 miles in high summer, with no water at most of the springs - not a good idea. You would really be racing winter too to finish by the end of September. Three months is really pushing for a thruhike. I know folks who have done it, but it isn’t much fun.
Spirit Walker