That’s
3.5 months
. Conventional wisdom for southbounders is that they should leave Canada around early July and reach Kennedy Meadows South in early to mid-October. That’s about three months, possibly a little more.
When should I start southbound PCT?
We believe that
mid-July
is the optimal time to start a southbound PCT thru hike because it allows time for the northern Cascades to melt out. The downside to a late start is the risk you will need to hike quickly to make it through the Sierra before the fall storms.
Where is the southern start of the Pacific Crest Trail?
Southern California
The PCT begins on
a low hill near Campo (elev. 2,600′), a small town near the Mexican border
. It passes through Lake Morena County Park and beneath Interstate 8, then climbs through chaparral, scrub oaks, and pines to the rim of the Laguna Mountains.
How do I start PCT in Sobo?
Getting a SOBO permit is easy,
head over to the PCTA permit page and fill that bad boy out
. It is free, it is simple, you will almost certainly get checked at least once. You have to get a permit for the PCT if you are planning to hike over 500 miles of the trail.
Does the PCT go through Palm Springs?
It passes through the wilderness and exits north of Cabazon Peak near Interstate 10 in the desert near Palm Springs
. A hiking permit is required for travel through the wilderness section. Hikers should check with the local Park Rangers to know which sections of the trail require a wilderness permit.
Do you need a passport to hike the PCT?
You will require a passport for entry into both Canada and the U.S.
How long does it take to hike PCT southbound?
That’s
3.5 months
. Conventional wisdom for southbounders is that they should leave Canada around early July and reach Kennedy Meadows South in early to mid-October. That’s about three months, possibly a little more.
Which direction should I hike PCT?
Nearly 90% of PCT thru-hikers go northbound.
It is recommended to start south and go north
for several reasons: If you begin the hike in Canada, you cannot legally enter the U.S. using the Pacific Crest Trail, necessitating extra miles to get to the starting point.
What is SoBo hiking?
Simply put, a NoBo hiker is someone who is hiking northbound on a trail, while a SoBo hiker is
hiking southbound
. These terms are commonly used on long-distance trails like the Appalachian Trail, the Pacific Crest Trail, and the Continental Divide Trail.
How long does it take to hike the Oregon section of the PCT?
The trail is 2,650 miles and it generally takes the entire snow-free season to walk. That’s
about 5 months
. Elite athletes who are experienced on the PCT have finished the trail in as little as two months. The few who achieve sub-100 day hikes average well over 30 miles per day.
Is the Pacific Crest Trail continuous?
A few sections of the trail are along roadways. The management plan for the trail calls for
continuous trail tread for the entire length of the trail
.
Which is harder Pacific Crest Trail or Appalachian trail?
That shows, when evaluating the most obvious factor, terrain,
the AT is without question the more difficult of the two trails
. Not only is the PCT graded much more favorably than the AT, you’ll find a much more rugged tread with more rocks and roots on the AT.
What are the sections of the PCT?
- Southern California (the desert) Campo (mile 0) to Kennedy Meadows (mile 702) …
- Sierra Nevada. Kennedy Meadows (mile 702) to Echo Lake (mile 1.092) …
- Northern California. Echo Lake (mile 1.092) to California/Oregon border (mile 1.692) …
- Oregon. …
- Washington and the Cascade range.
Does the PCT go through Joshua Tree?
Along the PCT you first encounter Joshua trees as you approach Big Bear from the south
. However, it is not until you leave Hikertown and cross the edge of the Mojave Desert that you see them in abundance. By the time you reach Walker Pass, you will have seen Joshua trees for the last time on your walk north.
Does the PCT go through Idyllwild?
“And a place to camp and a bath.” The pair were hiking the Pacific Crest Trail, a Mexico-to-Canada route that passes near Idyllwild in the San Jacinto Mountains.
Every April and May, hundreds of PCT hikers stream through Idyllwild on their northward journey
– and those who stop in town receive a warm welcome.
How safe is the Pacific Crest Trail?
Although the Pacific Crest Trail is
safer than most places
, it is not immune to criminal behavior, including crimes of violence.
Can Canadians hike the PCT?
The trail begins at the Windy Joe/Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) trailhead, located 1km off Hwy 3 on the Gibson Pass (Lightning Lake) Road
. From the parking lot, the trail heads southeast for 2.2 km before intersecting the Windy Joe access road.
How much of the PCT is in Canada?
The
2,650-mile
Pacific Crest Trail, which goes from Mexico to Canada, crosses the U.S. border in the Pasayten Wilderness and continues for about nine miles to the Manning Provincial Park in British Columbia.
What is the hardest section of the PCT?
By far the most difficult stretch of PCT in Washington,
Section K
puts hikers through a grueling 127-mile trek over harsh terrain and treacherous conditions.
When should I hike the Pacific Crest Trail?
Summer and early fall
are generally the best time to hike in the mountains, while low-lying parts of California are most pleasant in spring and fall. Winter snow buries most of the trail from around October or November into early July. Those looking for normal dry-trail conditions wait until the snow has melted.
Do you need a permit to section hike the PCT?
No PCT long-distance permits will be issued for trips starting, ending or resupplying at Whitney Portal. To hike that section,
you will need to get a permit from a local land management agency
.
Is it better to hike the AT northbound or southbound?
If you are a fast hiker and like to keep your pace,
going southbound is easier
in this sense, as it is faster to pass people when meeting them head on, rather than from behind. Walking northbound with the flow, you have the chance to walk with new people, if only for a few minutes when you keep the same pace.
How many miles can you hike in a day?
This will depend on several different factors, including; fitness levels, terrain, elevation, weather and pack weight. Taking this average pace and applying it to an 8-hour hiking day (not including rest breaks), it is possible for an average person to hike between
16 – 24 miles per day
.
How busy is the Pacific Crest Trail?
So, is the PCT crowded? The PCT can feel crowded depending on which month you start and in which direction. The Pacific Crest Trail Association estimates that somewhere
between 700 and 800 individuals attempt the complete thru-hike each year
, with a 60% completion rate.
