I will be taking a temporary posting to San Diego this Fall and Winter and I was wondering about the feasibilty of section hiking the first part of the PCT during this time on the odd weekends that I have off.
Is this doable? Safe? etc…
JalanJalan
Section hiking in Fall
system
#2
The desert sections are very doable and in fact much nicer then doing them in the middle of summer. There is more water available after we start to get our winter rains. The temperature can be cold though at night.
The mountain sections will be cold and with some snow, though if you don’t go right after a storm you should be fine as the snow will start to slowly melt (even in January). Most mountain areas are safe as a result though you should always expect some ice in the shady areas.
Your biggest difficulty would be the San Jacinto Wilderness after some snow has accumulated this winter. Though even that isn’t a problem if you have the right equipement and know how to use it.
Miner