Highway 74 to Saddle Junction PCT hike

[cynthia23]

Yes, one question I have about this hike (I've never done it) is when is the best time to do it? It's getting pretty warm--too warm already at the lower part? I'd like to hear from others.

[Hikin_Jim]

I hear it's closed for the summer...

It's been a long time since I've been down there, but in all seriousness I think your point is well taken. The trailhead is just short of 5000' (4919'), and the trail climbs to 6000' by the time it gets near Tunnel Spring. The route stays pretty much above 6000' all the way to the tram, so you're fairly high, but heat will still be of some concern. I seem to recall a lack of shade on a lot of stretches in there. An early start might be a really good thing.

HJ

[halhiker]

I did it June 22 the year I did it. I got a late start so wasn't on the trail until between 8 and 9. That was too late because we finished really late and almost missed the Tram. The high in PS that day was somewhere over 100º. The weather was fine except the climb out of Fobes to Spitler which was brutal. Hot and completely without shade. Other than that it was OK. I'd start earlier in the day next time. Maybe around 5.

I'd like to do this again and we could probably crash on my father-in-law's place the night before. He lives in the little cabin right across the street from the Paradise Cafe. The rest of of the shuttle we'd figure out at the time.

You could pretty much do this anytime the temp is going to be under 100º in the valley. Now it's just a matter of getting some free time.

[Wild]

Hi Sally! Well, starting near paradise cafe was really cool because it gave us the chance to hike basically the whole south ridge of the mountain. We passed just under pine mountain, palm view, spitler, and apache peaks, then antsell rock and red tahquitz. From there to saddle junction it was approx. 28 miles I believe, plus a few extra miles to resupply on water. Although, if done as a dayhike, I guess you could substitute the backpacking gear for water instead and avoid those extra miles. I was just imagining doing that trek and tagging the peaks all in a day hike.. what a brutally productive day that would be!

Hal, do you know the mileage from the cafe to the tram? That sounds mighty interesting as well. I imagine it would be more than going to humber park? Your father-in-law lives at a prime location..

Cynthia, it was my first time doing it so I can't really say. However I can say that the trail is exposed a lot during that section, and it does get pretty warm and sunny at times. The wind makes it nice though!