THINKING OF PCT SOUTHERN SECTION IN APRIL OR MAY 2021

Ask the fine folks at the PCTA

https://www.pcta.org

They will know

I agree.  PCTA is a great resource, including info about permits and water, which is tricky in this area.

I highly recommend a book by Shawnte Salabert called Hiking the Pacific Crest Trail: Southern California, Section hiking from Campo to Tuolumne Meadows.  I have hiked much of the PCT in the area and it’s great, especially in the San Jacinto Wilderness.  The tricky part is planning your water supplies and being prepared for the extremes you will hit, which will vary between desert heat and high altitude in the mountains, which will likely have snow when you pass through.  You should be able to plan resupplies (at least) in Idyllwild and Warner Springs with their post office locations.  I’ve never had to do that, so I’m not an expert on that sort of data.

If you can’t get a permit that takes care of your entire trip, then there are many areas along this leg that shouldn’t require a permit b/c they are BLM lands.

-Michael

I was wondering how reliable water sources might be.   I can imagine doing 10 to 14 miles a day.   At 71 I try to carry as little weight as possible and of course water is heavy.   I have been dehydrated before and have no interest in risking that.  I know that is so variable depending  upon how much rain we get in the next few months.     But when is this bottom section from Campo onward the normal best time for access of water?

Thanks

Depends on the winter/spring rains but the major sources usually flow.  There are a number of caches and wells southern PCTers rely on (94, Mikes Place, Mary’s) as well.  Guthooks is updated for this reason mostly.

Even with a good rain, there’s some water carries, though they can be mitigated with night hiking.

Permit wise the first over 100 miles requires a PCTA permit or the Clevelands developed site only permit.  Think one is needed for San Jacinto too.  That’s about it.