Section hike near Palm Springs

[echoes]

Hey guys. I might be in Palm Springs at the end of March and I noticed the PCT passes nearby there, so I thought it might be fun to hike a short section, maybe 3-5 days. Can anyone recommend a section that I would be able to do in that time period? And would snow be a problem there in late March?

[The Weasel]

Going from Campo north won't have snow, but anything in the Palm Springs area (Mt San Jacinco and north) areas is likely to.

You might consider several days in Joshua Tree National Park, which is also right there, and very remarkable.

TW

[fiddlehead]

Also, the Anza Borrego desert is nearby.
It's a vast park with lots of hiking (including parts of the PCT)
Might be more wild and less people although Joshua Tree is very nice also.

Out of all the hiking i've done, I have a scene from Joshua tree here on my desktop background on my new computer. Both can be very beautiful places.

[fredmugs]

Also, the Anza Borrego desert is nearby.
It's a vast park with lots of hiking (including parts of the PCT)
Might be more wild and less people although Joshua Tree is very nice also.

Out of all the hiking i've done, I have a scene from Joshua tree here on my desktop background on my new computer. Both can be very beautiful places.

I hiked in the Anza Borrego desert about 3 years ago and I believe it was in March. Temps got into the 90s so be prepared for that. I bought 2 - 1.5 liter water bottles and it was just enough for the 12 or 13 miles I hiked.

I wouldn't mind getting out of here for a week on the PCT.

[The Weasel]

Also, the Anza Borrego desert is nearby.
It's a vast park with lots of hiking (including parts of the PCT)
Might be more wild and less people although Joshua Tree is very nice also.

Out of all the hiking i've done, I have a scene from Joshua tree here on my desktop background on my new computer. Both can be very beautiful places.

Anza Borrego is a FANTASTIC choice: Total wilderness camping anywhere, and wildflowers will be INCREDIBLE then.

TW

[Yamagame]

Anzo-Borrego wildflowers should be incredible then.

If you decide you don't have the time to drive out to the PCT, Joshua Tree (which is a little closer to Palm Springs), has the Boy Scout Trail which is a nice flat 16 miles round trip or the California Hiking and Riding Trail through that area starts at Blackrock Canyon Campground and can go 32 miles through the park set up as a shuttle. Problem with J-tree is that they ask you to bring your own water, as the little water they get naturally is reserved for wildlife. The town of Joshua Tree is cool, too, and a bit different than Palm Springs...

[leaftye]

The Whitewater River and Mission Creek area might be worth spending your time in. There is a rock house you could visit. Maybe you'll see some bears and bighorn sheep while there. I've heard rumors that there is an access trail from Palm Springs into that area, so that might be worth looking into. Here's a trail report of a hike out to one of the rock houses.

http://www.mtsanjacinto.info/viewtopic.php?t=2688



Here's the preserve along Whitewater River. It also has a link for the rock house area.

http://www.wildlandsconservancy.org/...hitewater.html



The Lagunas are great and could easily consume all your time. Lots of trail around there, including the PCT. If you go there, pick up the tourist map and maybe the Harrison map...but the visitors center is only open for limited hours on weekends. There's a paved side road to the west that you can drive down and park your car without hassle, although you might need an Adventure Pass like you'd need at many parks. I doubt you'll see any big animals here, at least I haven't. You'll need to plan your water situation more carefully here, especially if you're doing loops, but it's doable. Do keep in mind that some water faucets won't be on yet, but you can find out about that on Asabat's PCT water report. The Lagunas and the area immediately south of it has a very extensive variety of plant life, and there's a lot that's edible, although you might not enjoy it.

[echoes]

Thanks for the quick replies. I appreciate it.

[gerry0625]

Im doing my first hike on the PCT this year from Big Bear to Cabazon April 16th, i dont think cabazon is to far from palm springs. you could start in cabazon well off I10 near cabazon and hike the PCT to big bear. the ride back would only be an hour and a half.
Gerry0625

[Desert Reprobate]

High 80s today.