It seems that everyone hikes NOBO on the PCT, and spends a lot of time complaining about the incessant heat. What are the logistical challenges of doing a SOBO hike instead?
Joel
Southbound PCT?
system
#2
Hi There,
I did a little less than half the PCT as a southbounder (flipflopped at Castella, CA)and the main problems I see are timing related. You’d be getting through the Cascades in early season (SNOW), hitting the Sierras late (SNOW) and then beginning the desert really late (NO WATER) -and no trail angels to put caches out. I know that it has been attempted, but the success rate is low.
July/August are about the only months really recommended to hike the Sierras, though I suppose September could be nice. And the Cascades are brutal. Late July to August is about when things thaw and then the season is about over in September. Hiking in Oregon in September was nice weather, little rain, though by October 20th when we finished in CA it was getting very cold.
Hope this helps a bit.
Cross Country PCT '02
Cross Country