winter desert hike

[John Devitt]

Hi,

I am planning on starting my second carreer this Spring, so I am thinking of taking a long hike in late Winter while I can afford the time.

I was researching the CDT in New Mexico, and was warned of harsh winds & bitting sand in late Winter to early spring. I ate a lot of sand in the middle east the last 20 years and am done with that mess.

I then started looking into the PCT southern area. I did not find any mention of harsh winds carrying cutting sand and debris. is there anyone out there with some real life experience with the this area in Feb – Apr time frame?

Regards,
John

[drowning in spam]

Lots of wind, but not much sand. I haven't had sand be a problem while hiking, but I have camped in a couple spots where sand would hit my shelter during the night. Don't forget about the snow.

[John Devitt]

Thank you for the reply. I need all of the education I can get on the South end of the PCT!
Regards,
John

[drowning in spam]

Oh, I just remembered one area with sand. If you cross I-10 when it's windy, you'll probably get a face full of sand. That's for a short stretch, although it feels like it's much longer because of the deep sand.

[Charles P]

The winds don't hit the Southwest until the spring, March/April. I wouldn't necessarily rule out the CDT in NM in earlier months. Though it can get pretty dam cold, and you would have to be prepared for the odd snowstorm.

[John Devitt]

Thank you for the specific info! I can easily do a Jan/Feb hike.
Regards,
John

[HkNewman]

There are 2 types of desert – cold high deserts like the Chihuahuan, Great Basin, then low wet deserts like the Sonoran, Mojave. The later will be warmer in winter. Though the maps show a distinct boundary, there can be a transistion zone.

[drowning in spam]

It's gets windier in March and early April, but I've hiked in very windy conditions in December through February too.

[Greg Mihalik]

spam

[Greg Mihalik]

spam

[drowning in spam]

Bump to make this thread show up in the forum listing again. It disappeared after the spam attack

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