winter desert hike

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.

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

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.

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.

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

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.

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

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