I was wondering when the official kickoff is for the PCT. I am interested in doing the section from Campo to KM this spring but want to hike with the crowd. Ive done KM to Ashland but am inexperienced hiking desert country. What would be the best time to fly into San Diego and start at Campo to make the Kick Off and be with the crowd for at least the first week.
BUCKEYE
If you want to hike with 400 of your not-so-closest friends, start the weekend ADZPCTKOP, which is the weekend of April 26. Enjoy the cramped conditions!
Better, start a week later or earlier. There will still be plenty of people on the trail, but it won’t be quite so crowded.
Suge
To help ease the herd effect, many are getting shuttled to and from the Kickoff. Check out the Kickoff website for more details… http://www.siechert.org/adz/
In truth, last year, about a whopping 15 thru-hikers left the Lake Morena campground on the Sunday morning following the Kickoff. So, the vision of hoards of thrus leaving then ain’t the case.
Squatch
Hey Buckeye. I’m hiking Warner Springs to Agua Dulce.
I’m planning on starting at Warner the week before the kickoff.
Last year I went to the kickoff and then hiked SOBO from Warner. There were more then a few clumps of hikers that we saw along the way but I don’t think it was too bad.
The only drawback is the water caches might run low and their was one point where good campsites were scarce.
I would try to get to the kickoff if you can, just to get the water report and meet a few folks. I had a great time last year. Go to the kickoff site and check it out. Just google ADZPCTKO.
Good luck
jalan jalan
In 2005 Yogi and I were driving back to San Diego on Sunday morning. On a close stretch of road, the PCT runs parallel for a bit. We saw a longish line of strung out hikers, maybe 30-40, moving down the trail.
Suge
No need to go to ADZ for the water report. I have it online at www.4jeffrey.net/pct
AsABat
Thanks for the link ASabat. I noticed some of the entries were from july of last year. Do you know if it will be updated?
Also, is the reroute around the copper canyon still in affect?
jalan jalan
The water report is constantly updated by people who hike through those sections if they phone it in or email it. Last year things were updated like daily though some not. The kickoff was cool if your into community. I arrived Saturday for dinner which was great, so to say free and all you can eat. Breakfest Sunday morning was awesome too, but some jerk started playing bagpipes at 6 am. Seriously upset several people there right in the middle of the campground, when people wanted to sleep in. I didnt leave till 4PM on Sunday waiting for the day to cool off a bit since there scorchers in SO Cal. Only ran into a few of the cool kids who werent in a rush to get shin splints and ankle problems. We took it easy at the begining so alot of the pack passed, but we caught up as the speed demons became injured or left to go to Independence after becoming seriously ill after they drank the water from the Kern. Go hit the beach in San Diego if your going to be there any way and relax for a day or two before hitting the trail start your hike off right in a peaceful mind frame. Go to Tiajuana to see what goes on on the other side of the border fence, and maybe pick up some anti Giardia meds or pain pills for your foot pain that will eventually develop. No perscription nescasary in Mexico.
Guino
Guino
The water report is constantly updated by people who hike through those sections if they phone it in or email it. Last year things were updated like daily though some not. The kickoff was cool if your into community. I arrived Saturday for dinner which was great, so to say free and all you can eat. Breakfest Sunday morning was awesome too, but some jerk started playing bagpipes at 6 am. Seriously upset several people there right in the middle of the campground, when people wanted to sleep in. I didnt leave till 4PM on Sunday waiting for the day to cool off a bit since there scorchers in SO Cal. Only ran into a few of the cool kids who werent in a rush to get shin splints and ankle problems. We took it easy at the begining so alot of the pack passed, but we caught up as the speed demons became injured or left to go to Independence after becoming seriously ill after they drank the water from the Kern. Go hit the beach in San Diego if your going to be there any way and relax for a day or two before hitting the trail start your hike off right in a peaceful mind frame. Go to Tiajuana to see what goes on on the other side of the border fence, and maybe pick up some anti Giardia meds or pain pills for your foot pain that will eventually develop. No perscription nescasary in Mexico.
Guino
Guino
if anyone is in the Kansas/MO area and driving out let me know as I am still on the ADT now heading back East on the Soutern Tier.
Should be out of East CO in about 3-4 days max…depending on how long I sit here on this computer and work on Journals…
Have fun ya’ll, regardless.
I miss the PCT Daily…:cheers
Lion King
Yes, I update the water reports whenever I learn something new. Section A and half of B is current. Most of the rest is from last year as no one has reported anything yet. I get the info from direct emails, the PCT-L, and trolling online journals. Unfortunately, I don’t get to hike the whole thing every week!
AsABat