Heading SOBO on PCT... Snowshoes?

[Patrick]

On Monday Afternoon/Evening(4/30), I will be heading South on the PCT from the 10Fwy and continuing to Hwy 74.

Will I need to bring my Snowshoes for that section of the PCT?

...bring them "just in case"?

[Ulysses]

I haven't talked to anybody who has been across Fuller Ridge yet this spring, but I did hike with a couple of NOBO thru-hikers last weekend who had just come from the Desert Divide. They said there was still snow in the section north of Red Tahquitz to Tahquitz Valley but they had no trouble getting thorough in trail runners. Some post-holing, but not too bad. Didn't need micro spikes. There is a section of snow on the east facing slope above Saddle Junction before the PCT turns west towards Strawberry Cienega, but I have been through there several times in the last month with no problems in trail runners. My suggestion: Micro-Spikes and hiking poles. Have a great trip. It's absolutely gorgeous up there this spring.

[Patrick]

Thanks much!

Am looking forward to it.

[Ulysses]

I've been watching Trailjournals.com and postholer.com for some trail conditions on Fuller Ridge, but haven't seen much yet. I suspect there are a bunch of thru-hiker passing through there now. Lucky bastards.

[Patrick]

Indeed. The hike next week is my trial run at the PCT. At best, I will only ever be a section hiker... unless I win the lotto or something and do not need to work anymore.