Hello, I’m planning on doing the PCT durring my summer months off from work. How bad is the JULY heat in the south? I would be trying to start at the beginning of JULY.
hoof
July start - Pacific Crest Trail
system
#2
I suggest you go to a site with climate data (weather.com for example) and punch in various locations along the trail to get factual data on temps April to July for comparison. On weather.com, punch in the town, when the forecast comes up, click the “month” tab. You can scroll forward and back through the months to find averages and records. There is also an averages tab - it provides a nice snap shot with monthly data, or you can switch to daily data. Monthly Campo high temps for example - April 72, May 78, June 87, July 93.
If you’re planning on starting at the southern terminus - the short version is you’ll be in VERY hot temperatures.
Starting up near Tuoloumne would put you in the middle of the nobo pack.
Token Civilian
system
#4
Several years ago, I tried to start a hike at Campo in mid-June. It took me all of 3 days to realize it was a BAAAD plan. The heat was intense. Couple that fact with the discontinaution of public water caches and it became very clear that I needed a new plan.
Matt
system
#5
Good point. How far apart would you say non public water caches are? For instance, in the data book it looks like the first water supply that would not be sesonaly dried up in July is at the Boulder Oaks Campground which is located 26.4 miles from the start of the trail. Would it be good to assume I would have to hike that far before a water spot? Or do you think I would have to go further?
Thanks for all the info.
hoof
system
#6
From the Mex. border you can pick up tap water in Campo (1.3 miles) and Lake Morena (20.6 miles)…
freebird
system
#7
Water isn’t the issue with a start that late. You can carry water from source to source, even if it means humping it for 50 miles between sources. The heat is more of an issue. The heat will slow you down and you’ll probably find yourself hiking primarily between 3 am and noon, and then 5 pm and midnight. This can be done, however.
How far are you planning to hike? If you want to do the whole thing, try hiking SOBO. This would be a good year to do it as we’re losing snow in WA quickly and a July 1 start would be great. If you’re NOBO and planning to finish, you’re probably also planning on breaking the speed record. So, I’d either start SOBO in WA, or starting somewhere in the Sierra, maybe coming in from Independence or Lone Pine.
Suge
system
#8
Yeah, I plan on carrying an umbrealla with me to for some continuous shade most of the time. Havn’t figured out how to rig it just yet though.
I actually plan on doing it in the course of 2 summers. July and August. To do it in one summer would be rediculous. That would be like 41 mpd. I’d die:)
hoof