Hiking the PCT

Hike = 23.9 Miles

This is a very difficult hike that has no way to make it shorter. We, as a group, decided to start hiking into the night as long as we could, then sleeping on the trail and finishing the next day. Unfortunately, we didn't start hiking until almost ten. It might sound a little scary to hike at night, but we had a full moon and head lamps to light the way. It was actually pretty cool seeing the different creatures that come out at night. We crossed over all kinds of spiders, a few scorpions, and a rattle snake (not at night thank God). We hiked for about 5 miles at night and never crossed over a place to sleep, so when we finally saw a nice large spot on the side of the mountain, we decided to pitch our tents. This meant that we had to hike 17+ miles in one day with our heavy packs in warm weather. Needless to say, the next day was not fun. We started off strong, but throughout the day we got slower and slower. To the point where Carolyn and I contemplated staying another night. We made it through in the end by literally hiking less than 1.5 miles per hour. If you hike this, make sure you are prepared for a hard hike.

I would suggest either doing this hike in one day without carrying all the extra weight, or sleeping on the trail as we had, but getting further on the first day. If you want to stay somewhere nearby, Julien is still pretty close, but now you also have the option to stay in Warner Springs. Warner Springs has a cute little spa resort that sleeps many people per room and has hot springs to relax in. 

For this hike there are two places to hike. Depending on which direction you decide to hike in (we decided to hike north to south on this one, but I don't think there is an easier way), you can park near highway 78 which was the end of the last hike. The other option is to park at Barrel Springs  off of Highway S22. There is a nice large dirt and tree covered parking area here. 

During the spring months there are many snakes on the trail. This area is know for rattle snakes. We happened to cross over one at the very end of our hike. Carolyn walked right by it. Thank God for Jim noticing it, especially because it looked young, and we hear younger rattle snakes are more dangerous.

Warner Springs

Rattle Snake Information

http://www.californiaherps.com/identification/snakesid/rattlesnakes.html

Where to buy overnight hiking gear: REI

Look at how dirty my legs were from this hike. I know, disgusting!