When to Start - Pacific Crest Trail

imported
#1

When is the typical time to start hiking the PCT? I wouldn’t be able to start till Mid-March, is this too late?

Phil Masterson

#2

It’s usually too early to start. Depending on the previous winter, there can be serious snow issues in many parts of SoCal, not to mention the snowmelt in the Sierras. Most folks start mid-late April or even up til mid May.

Ducky

#3

I see this is dated 3/26/10. Did you mean mid-may instead of mid-march? If so, this is usually a little bit late because it will be warm to hot for most of first 700 miles or so. However, if you are a strong hiker, it will get you to the Sierras around July 1st which would be an excellent time to get there this year. The trade-off is you might finish in October in Washington. This would be iffy to say the least concerning snow there. I had snow in Washington starting around Sept. 15th.

If you meant mid-march, that is way to early this year. Lots of snow on San Jacinto and the San Bernardino mountains.

Robocop

#4

Phil - I would agree with what the others have written above. I would assume as Robocop mentioned that you meant mid-May.

However, if you did in fact mean mid-March for say next year, then…March may or may not be a good start time. It all depends on your level of experience & prevailing Trail conditions.

if you have some mountaineering experience & decent route finding skills, then you could start in March & enjoy the cool desert temps & frequent water sources as well as the incredible high desert flower display.

I started March 17th this year & have loved the hike this year so far (I’m @ Warner Springs right now). I have thru-hiked the PCT twice before & have delt with tons of snow in 2005 (a very heavy snow year), so I kind of know what I’m getting into just north of here (San Jacinto) & elsewhere on the Trail - although I continue to learn lessons on this trail :slight_smile:

I plan on hiking as much of the PCT as possible this year, but if I run into what I consider dangerous conditions for my ability, I will not hesitate to bomb off down to lower elevations and walk around sections.

Good luck with your hike & Happy Trails!

freebird