Backpacking in April?

[renskelynde]

Hi all, happy to have found this resource... my 8 year old daughter is obsessed with the PCT. Before doing much research I bought us some plane tickets to Palm Springs in early April, figuring it would be warm enough for us to camp a few nights in San Jacinto. I am now worried that there will be snow for us to contend with! Our plan was to camp at either Idyllwild or Stone Creek for one night, then hike to Strawberry Junction for two. Not super ambitious, just time on the trails/backpacking. Can anyone advise us on what we might b dealing with weather wise? We've got enough time to change our plans if it's not an optimal time for us to visit the area... but if at the lower elevations we might be okay, we would plow ahead. Thanks!

[zippetydude]

April is a beautiful time of year around here, and you will have plenty of options. Your guess about snow is right, there will probably be quite a bit left at high elevations in April, but you can follow other portions of the PCT that are beautiful and varied and will be below the elevation for snow. Maybe take a day or two in Joshua Tree, maybe take the tram up and explore the snow covered mountain for a while without having to camp in the snow...unless she strictly likes pine forest, you can actually see more variety in the desert sections or the stretch coming up from Snow Creek without extreme heat limiting your options. Whitewater has beautiful scenery, car camping, and some wonderful PCT sections as well. If you come, check out Indian Canyons, the water only flows for a few months of the year there, but there are some great day hikes (sorry, not actually on the PCT) that an 8 year old would love since you can spend most of the hike walking up the middle of a gently flowing stream. I think you're in for a great adventure. Post if you want specific recommendations, there are quite a few people on this board who can give you great ideas.

z

[renskelynde]

Thanks so much! This is so helpful, and we are glad we can keep our plans intact. This is all we need at the moment, but we will be back with more questions as our planning continues!

[Ulysses]

Another great "section" of the PCT you can get on directly is at Hwy 74 near Paradise Corners. From that point you can go north along the Desert Divide. That is a wonderful time of year to hike that section. Superb scenery. Plenty of good water sources, and not likely much snow (though not impossible). At that time of year you might also meet up with some thru-hikers. Always fun and entertaining.

[renskelynde]

Excellent suggestion! We will check it out. A visit to our local REI didn't turn up many good San Jacinto resources (or PCT ones for that matter!) so we're open to reconsidering our plans. So relieved to know we won't be waist deep in snow...