Starting the PCT really over in Mexico

imported
#1

Has anyone done this? Since the area on either side of the “border fence” near Campo is still USA territory, i’m wondering about the logistics of walking from Mexico, presumably on main roads. Is the closest legal border crossing Hwy 188? Can one walk through a normally-driven border checkpoint?

I did the PCT this year, and believe me i’m not losing sleep over having just started at the fence like everyone else. I just thought it might make a nice pre-kickoff walk to go connect my steps into the real Mexico.

markv

#2

I was thinking of finding a way to connect my steps from my front door in Santa Barbara to the PCT. It might be doable. I’d end up near where the trail goes down to Hikertown.

Not sure about connecting to Mexico. Some scary looking dudes were hanging around the area that I would not want to meet.

Are you doing the PCT again next year?

Piper

#3

I know you are asking about the PCT, but when you hike the CDT (your next hike?) you can start in Mexico south of Antelope Wells.

I think you live in Arizona? The AZT starts at Coronado NM. Both border fences there are barbed wire. You can cross the northern one easily and walk to Mexico easily past the southern barbed wire fence unless stopped. The AZT thru was the first time we slept at the fence and started our mileage in the morning of May 5th. There was lots of activity during the night, but we weren’t disturbed. Border Patrol met and walked with us about 2 miles into our hike.

GottaWalk

Marcia