[pct-l] Itinerary help-So Cal Desert sections

[Erik the Black]

Hi Karen, 

What I would do is divide your hike into four segments.

Here's a pic showing what I mean: 
http://tiny.cc/iFGG6

-------------------------------------------------------------
* Segment #1: Mexico Border to Highway 74 (151.8 miles)
* Segment #2: Highway 74 to Cajon Pass (191.2 miles)
* Segment #3: Cajon Pass to Agua Dulce (112.2 miles)
* Segment #4: Agua Dulce to Tehachapi Pass (112.4 miles)
-------------------------------------------------------------

Segments #2 and #3 are the ones that pose problems because of 
snow and fire closures (for which there is not expected to be 
an official re-route decided until late April).

Segments #1 and #4 should be no problem to hike in late March
and early April. I imagine you might encounter some snow at 
the higher elevations, but it probably won't be a big deal.

I'd do them in this order (similar to your initial plan):
-------------------------------------------------------------
1) Segment #4: Aqua Dulce to Tehachapi (north or south)
2) Segment #1: Highway 74 to Mexico Border (southbound) 
3) ADZPCTKO
4) Segment #2 & #3: Highway 74 to Agua Dulce (northbound)*
-------------------------------------------------------------

The main problem I see with this plan is after the Kickoff you
will be a couple weeks ahead of most hikers and diving right
into the San Jacintos in late April when there still may be a
ton of snow. I guess you could always go home and hang out for
a couple weeks in Idyllwild while it melts - if it's bad.

Good luck.

Happy trails,
Erik the Black

------------------------------------------
Pacific Crest Trail Atlas 2nd Edition
http://www.blackwoodspress.com/pct/atlas/
------------------------------------------


...
-----Original Message-----
From: Karen Keller [mailto:karen.kellerford at gmail.com] 
Sent: Monday, March 08, 2010 9:46 AM
To: Pct-l at backcountry.net
Subject: [pct-l] Itinerary help-So Cal Desert sections

I need to get an early start, plus I would like to hike some of the hotter
desert sections (avoiding the mtn sections that will still be under snow, ie
Fuller Rdige and Baden Powell and maybe Laguna Mtn) from March 28-April 22.
I figure I will not only benefit from milder weather and more water, but I
may get to see the wildflowers in Mojave or Anza B. that I'd otherwise
miss.I live here and have transportation support, so anything is possible in
any order. What would be ideal? I am  only guessing. This is my first time.
I was thinking about doing the mojave first (but I don't know where I
should begin or end). After that, I can get a ride home to Idyllwild and
then start at hwy 74 and hike southbound. By the time I get to Mt Laguna any
snow should be gone. Once I get to Campo I'll get a ride to kick off. Or,
after the mojave, I can get a ride to campo and hike northbound to 74, then
drive back to kick off. I was thinking after the kick off I'd start at hwy
74 and go north as soon as it is possible. Bottom line is I need to be done
with a month on the trail before the kick off but avoid snow. Suggestions
Please?