I plan to start hike the PCT around June 15. Where is the best place to start from?
I would like to find a partner for the first few days, should I look for someone in advance or would I be able to find a thru-hiker I can join to? I’m very fit but have never hiked in the US.
Maoz
Then you should start much earlier due to extreme heat in southern california. Most people start near the end of April. I started May 14th and when I do that trail again I will start at least two weeks earlier!
Maybe you should consider starting in Canada and heading south if that’s your timeframe. Have you read Yogi’s new book on the PCT?
Tha Wookie
I’m not planing a tru-hike so I was wondering were would be the best place to start in mid June. I’ve read Yogi’s book yet but I got the new addition trail guides.
Maoz
Funny that you are looking to do some of the PCT around June 15. I have a wedding to attend on June 13 and plan to hike from the 8th to 11th(?)…I think. I may have a day or two after the wedding to hike, too, depending on my flight. My plan is to start at the closest place the PCT is to Reno (where my flight will drop me), then hike south to the southern end of Lake Tahoe (along the Tahoe Rim Trail) where the wedding will be held. Would this schedule work for you? If not, anyone else interested in several days on the PCT?
Moonshadow
Hey Moonshadow! It’ll nice knowing you’re out on the PCT ahead of me by a couple weeks, see if the bride and groom can change the date so we can hook up
Munch
Moose Munch
Most people try to follow Jardine’s timetable and enter the Sierras from Kennedy Meadows around June 15. The only problem for you would be that there is a long stretch starting out to the first resupply at either Vermillion, Muir Trail Ranch or Kearsarge Pass.
I’m not sure how you would get a ride to Kennedy Meadow. IT would be easier to get a ride to Lone Pine and hike in at Cottonwood or Trail Pass, or start at Independence or if you want to take public transportation, then fly to SFO, catch a bus or train to Merced and the local bus to Yosemite and start there.
Spirit Walker
Hey Munch - I’m so glad to hear you’ll be out on the PCT, too. I think I’d be pressing my luck to get the date changed, but I don’t think our hiking together is entirely impossible…you’ll just have to speed up! I’m jealous that you’ll be doing all of the PCT this year…but I’ll be with you in spirit.
Moonshadow
since it is a high snow year, from what i heard, maybe start in mojave on jun 15. busses go there. you will surely find some thrus, though its getting close to the back of the pack. from what i understand its not the most scenic stretch, its bonafide desert. but that way you will be coming through kennedy meadows a little later and hopefuly avoiding dangerous amounts of snow.
milo