[pct-l] CA/Dec. Hikes

[Amanda L Silvestri]

To avoid snow, you will of course wish to avoid altitude. Staying low suggests either the cost or the desert.  Both have their advantages.  Much of the Pacific Cost Trail is available and you should have little trouble hitting sea-side communities where you will be able to obtain water or other supplies.  You should be able to Goggle it for more information.
 
As for the deserts, there are sections A and E of the PCT.  Alongside section A is the Anza-Borrego Desert and State Park.  Lots of beauty there.  Information is available through the Rangers, Anza-Borrego State Park Info Center (760) 339-4384. Section A itself is a series of day hikes end-to-end.  You could pre-plant water for yourself ahead of your hike to be sure that it is always there or hitch to town as needed, never more that a hour or so from a crossroad, often only a few minutes.
 
Section E includes the Mojave Desert, you will cross it in two to three days from HWY 148 to HWY 58 near Tehachapi depending on your rate of travel.
 
You might also want to consider Joshua Tree National Park, east of Big Bear.   There is good camping and exploring there.  It is large enough to hike for several days and lots of rock formations to poke around in.
 
Have fun, but keep in mind that the desert can get cold so dress for that.
 
Shepherd