PCT from HWY74 to I-10

[BigTitan]

A couple of friends and I are planning on hiking this trail. I was wondering about how long it would take to hike this section. We've hike a few times and could really use some feedback. Thanks

[halhiker]

It depends. Right now there is a ton of snow and tough conditions. Count on a week.

If you go in the spring you'll still have snow on San Jacinto and it'll take some time to negotiate. Figure five days.

If you go in May you'll probably not have much snow on the trail and it'll be clear sailing. Three to four days.

If you go in the summer, it'll be hot on the twenty some odd miles until you get to Tahquitz Meadow. Figure the same time frame as May but it'll seem a whole lot longer.

A few years ago a friend and I hiked 74 to the Tram in one day. We figure it was 35 miles or so. If you pack light, don't carry over twenty pounds and start early each day, you can do it in two.

Hal

[BigTitan]

How about to strawberry juction and into Idyllwild. And do you think we would encounter much snow. We plan on doing this March 7,8, 9th. Like I say we are pretty new to hiking.

[halhiker]

The section from Apache Peak into Saddle Junction will probably have snow. The steep sections between Antsell Rock and Red Tahquitz will probably require crampons and ice axes. They are facing north and usually get a decent amount of snow. I haven't been up there so I can't say for sure but my guess is there will snow and ice in the shaded areas and on the northern faces on that whole section. If you're planning a hike Mar. 7-9 there might be better choices especially if you're new to hiking.

Hal

[BigTitan]

Thanks Halhiker, I appreciate the info. Any suggestions as to a good 2 or 3 day hike.

[halhiker]

You could do a nice trip on the PCT south of Hwy 74. You could hike from 74 north to Cedar Spring, hike down the Jo Pond Trail to Palm Canyon and then back up Palm Canyon to 74. Or a trip into the Santa Rosas via Horsethief Creek is nice that time of year. And Joshua Tree is a nice possibility.

[BigTitan]

Halhiker, sorry to bug you so much. But I was wondering if you might be able to help me with this question.
If we hike the PCT from hwy 74 to Spitler Peak, there appears to be a trail just after that on my map that leads to Apple Canyon Rd. trailhead parking. Is this a true statement? And if so, do you think this might be a good route. And I do appreciate your help and suggestions.

[some guy]

Sure is a trail there. There are three PCT access trails in Garner Valley: off of Morris Ranch Road (Cedar Spring Trail), Fobes Ranch Road (Fobes Saddle), and Apple Canyon Road (Spitler Peak Trail). So you have plenty of exit opportunities if you get bored partway through

It's all good trail, but you might have a hard time stretching that into a 3-day hike. Also be sure to check the weather forecast first. You're getting up in elevation there and March can still get some nasty weather.

[BigTitan]

Thanks some guy
Thats what I thought, but wasn't 100% sure. I'm thinking we'll try that. We might go alittle further than that, maybe Apache Peak, but if it looks to bad we'll definetly turn around and hike out thru Apple Canyon Rd.
Do you know if you can leave your vehicle parked at the trail head parking overnight, and is it even safe to do so?

[halhiker]

The Spitler Peak Trail is a good trail, about five miles long. I agree with some guy that it would be hard to turn this into three days. You could linger a LOT and climb all the peaks along the way. The camp site at Cedar Spring is very good and there is a decent campsite at Live Oak Canyon. Now, if you have your mind set on the PCT, there is a good place to visit in Oak Canyon down past Live Oak Spring and you could go there and then hike out to 74.

Anyway, the trip would look like this:
Hike up Spitler Peak Trial, head south on PCT to Cedar Springs
Hike South on PCT to Live Oak Canyon Trail. Hike over the Oak Canyon and camp at old cabin near spring designated at "rock house" on topo map.
Hike out to Hwy 74.

That'd be fun. Provided, of course, that we don't get any more snow.