I Hiked the Pacific Crest Trail in the Dead of Winter—And So Can You!

Of course you can't hike the entire Pacific Crest Trail in the dead of winter. That would be impossible. But over the years I have hiked many sections of the Pacific Crest Trail in the dead of winter, and some of those for hundreds of miles and months at a time. My favorite of all winter hikes on the PCT is the section from the Mexican border, 250 miles up to the heart of the San Jacinto Mountains, and then back to the border. The secret to this hike is that it is mostly through the south-eastern deserts of California which, even in the dead of winter, are relatively snow free. And, if not balmy, at least usually above freezing during the day. Most of the time hiking is in the 3,000 foot elevation range with the only real high altitudes coming around Mount Laguna, (up to 6,000 feet) Combs Peak, (5,000 feet), and the San Jacinto Mountains (between 5,000 and 7,000 feet), which was where I had to turn around and head back south to the border.

With ample re-supply locations, more water than usual, incredible desert scenery, no rattlesnakes, and miles and miles of isolation, (I only saw about a dozen other hikers in two months) this section of the PCT is ideal for anyone wanting a major hike in the depths of winter. PLUS, on my two month hike, it was bright and sunny almost fifty of the sixty days I was on the trail. But even greater was hiking up to 7,000 feet in the San Jacinto Mountains in February! Virtually snow- and hiker-free, with temperatures up into the seventies, I reveled in the San Jacintos for almost a week until a snowstorm finally came, forcing me down to lower altitudes.

The logistics are pretty simple: fly to San Diego, and then catch the bus right outside of the terminal for the short ride downtown. Once downtown, catch the San Diego Metropolitan Transit System train to El Cajon, and then the San Diego Metropolitan Transit System bus to Campo where the trail starts. Entire transportation costs for me from Portland, Oregon were less than 200 dollars, and I was on the trail eight hours after leaving my house.

Once on the trail, resupply locations are about every twenty or thirty miles with stores, restaurants, and/or post offices in Lake Morena, (mile 20) Mount Laguna, (mile 43) Julian, (mile 78) Anza, (mile 140) and Idylwild (mile 180). I recommend doing this section anytime December through March. Although be prepared for colder temperatures and light snow in December and January, which I was able to hike through without any problems.

The most reliable information and maps for the hike come from Halfmiles PCT maps, and you can get permit information from the pcta.org website. All other information (towns and services available) can be found on the web. Because it is winter, I recommend taking a good supply of clothes, gloves, etc., a hearty supply of food, as well as a good tent and a warm winter sleeping bag. I also used "Hothands" and "Grabber" brand hand warmers, sometimes even putting them in my sleeping bag at night. These can either be bought beforehand, and sent down in your resupply boxes, or bought along the way. Remember; it is winter and temperatures, especially at night, can get down into the teens at times. Also remember; because it is winter, the sun will be going down as early as 5 PM, so gear your departure and arrival times accordingly each day. Bon Voyage.

Eric Bullard is an avid hiker, international traveler, and best selling author of two books; THE ASHRAM a true story of enlightenment and the dark night of the soul, and ZIHUATANEJO a true story of exile, love, war, and murder south of the border.