[BULK] - [pct-l] Hiking the Southern California PCT in winter

[msaenz at mve-architects.com (Mike Saenz)]

Winter weather in SoCal is quite unpredictable. Currently, trail
conditions are very hike-able, as opposed to a month ago, when we were
buried in snow (San Felipe's were getting white-out conditions!). For
current conditions, the SGWA has a BBS that local hikers use for this
reason. See www.swga.org Also, there's a new Yahoo group:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/so_california_backpackers/
Where local Southern California Backpackers share info and support on
Southern California Backpacking issues (all trails, not just PCT).
For example, I'm trying to decide if I can continue on my PCT hike past
the 74 and up into Saddle Junction, or if I should stay lower for my
January outing. Here's a reply from one of our group: 

	From Eric Yakel, reporting on the PCT from 74 to Saddle
Junction:
	"Hah, fooled you.  I can tell you there are a few patches in the
shade from 6,000 to 7,000 feet.  Above 7,000 feet it is about
half-and-half, most of the snow being in the shade.  I went up there and
it was not to cold but very windy.  I think you can 	probably make it
now with just an ice axe.  Hope this helps."

Lot's of experience and advice between these three sources!

BTW- Thanks Eric!

M i c h a e l   S a e n z
McLarand Vasquez Emsiek & Partners, Inc.
A r c h i t e c t u r e    P l a n n i n g    I n t e r i o r s
w  w  w  .  m  v  e  -  a  r  c  h  i  t  e  c  t  s  .  c  o  m


-----Original Message-----
From: pct-l-bounces@mailman.backcountry.net
[mailto:pct-l-bounces@mailman.backcountry.net] On Behalf Of
Leemarsden@aol.com
Sent: Sunday, December 19, 2004 7:49 AM
To: pct-l@mailman.backcountry.net
Subject: [BULK] - [pct-l] Hiking the Southern California PCT in winter

I am pretty new to the PCT -- I just finished my first section, from
Campo to Idyllwild in late November.  Because of my job I will have to
do most hiking in 100 to 200 mile sections in non-optimum seasons.
Despite the snow in the San Jacintos, I enjoyed this last trip, though,
and think if I had crampons, snow shoes, warmer clothing, etc. I would
enjoy winter hiking.  

Is there anyone out there who has done much of this?  I am curious how
far you can push things with better equipment and what the conditions
are really like in at higher elevations Southern California in winter.
It looks like going north from Idyllwild might be doable with snow
shoes, crampons, etc.  

Am I crazy?  I would very much appreciate hearing from anyone who has
done this or has some experience with equipment and these sections of
trail in winter.  

Thanks very much

Lee Marsden
_______________________________________________
pct-l mailing list
pct-l@mailman.backcountry.net
unsubscribe or change options:
http://mailman.hack.net/mailman/listinfo/pct-l