PCT as backup option for AZT in Sep/Oct

I would like to hike the Arizona Trail SOBO from mid-September and my plan is to fly from Frankfurt, Germany to Las Vegas on Sep, 13th.

BUT: the weather is becoming more and more unpredictable every year on both the AZT and the PCT.

That's why I would like to have a plan B (backup option) for the AZT and have thought about which part of the PCT I can still aim for in Sep/Oct (15Sep-15Oct).

Actually, the rule for PCT SOBO is that you have to reach Kennedy Meadows South before October 1st. So for me (weather and permit technically) only SOBO from KMS would be an option.

Maybe someone can give me another tip for the PCT.

As far as flights are concerned, I'm pretty flexible as I work for an airline. Maybe some section in OR or WA (15Sep-15Oct) is still possible?

I look forward to your answers.

in PacificCrestTrailby imcoref

63%

15d

WrapsUK

15d

To be honest you could sobo from mammoth/ reds meadow at 900 miles (relatively ok to access via public transport) and sobo from there if starting sept 15. You’ll be through the sierra by first week of October and the 200miles of sierra between mile 700 and 900 is some of the best parts of the trail.

fsacb3

15d

I haven’t heard of many people cancelling an AZT hike because of weather

Dan_85

NOBO 2017/2022

15d

What are your concerns with AZT SOBO? It's not hugely problematic other than some overgrown trail due to less maintenance during the summer, longer water carries and perhaps a few fire reroutes. In that regard, it's not really much different to Southern California on the PCT at that time.

As for the PCT, Washington is mostly out of the question by that time of year. A fewer lower elevation sections of Oregon might be possible. By September or October though, your PCT options will mostly be Southern California.

Depending on your confidence level with routes that are a bit less developed and travelled, things like the Hayduke or Grand Enchantment Trails could be possible alternatives.

imcoref

15d

my concerns relate to extreme dryness and too long water carries.

cfzko

15d

If you’re an experienced thru hiker I would pick the azt over the desert section of the pct. The azt is much more remote and interesting imo

Thehealthygamer

15d

Azt water caches are pretty good now. Water carries aren't horrendous as long as you can hike 20-30 mile days.

lessormore59

14d

Kinda disagree about September/October on the PCT. Washington is out by early October, but September is still fine most everywhere south of that. September especially is the absolute best time in the Sierra and the first couple weeks of October are gorgeous too. No bug pressure and the evenings are deliciously crisp. Mid October you should start paying attention to the weather forecast but if there’s snow it’s not usually more than 1-2 inches that melt out by the next day.

jrice138

[2013,2017/ Nobo]

15d

Trading a desert hike for a desert hike doesn’t really make any sense imo. Just pick whichever one you prefer, they’re really not going to be all that different.

sbhikes

15d

I think the water carries on the AZT for that time will be fine. In previous years some of those big tanks really dried up but the last two winters were really wet and they filled to the brim. They've installed one or two rain catchment tanks just for people. There are huge wildlife guzzlers that won't be dry. Maybe the worst issue for you will be that you'll probably be one of the earlier fall hikers and so there won't be as much current information in FarOut for you. The AZT is really beautiful. I loved it.

If you do decide to do the PCT you could start somewhere in the Sierras and go south into the desert. It will be beautiful with nice variety. I did a 3 day hike near Walker Pass in an October several years ago and it was pretty cold but very beautiful and water sources were still good. Also, locals believe September is the best month to hike in the Sierras.

timstantonx

15d

KMS sobo in September will put you in several 38+ degree days. September is probably the hottest month of the year in southern CA. Very long water carries.

differing

15d

The AZT is almost universally a backup plan for the PCT. As long as you stash water, the AZT is doable every year, but the PCT has devastating wildfires every year.

LDsailor

14d

I did the AZT in 2021. I started the last week of September going SOBO. I usually carried 3 liters of water and infrequently 4 liters. There are water caches although you really should not depend on them. The southern part of the PCT is dry, too, especially in the fall. You'll have the same water issues as you would have on the AZT. There are water caches on the PCT as well.

The diversity of the terrain on the AZT beats the southern 700 miles of the PCT, which I did in 2023. If I had to choose between the two, I would choose the AZT, and I really wasn't overly fond of the trail, so you can imagine what I think of the southern part of the PCT. The Sierra on the other hand is glorious. Another post made a great suggestion about doing the Sierra section if you want to do the PCT.

BTW. It did snow when I was about 20 miles north of Flagstaff. It wasn't a lot of snow and it was kind of fun waking up in the morning to my tent covered in snow. It didn't affect my hike in the slightest and the snow melted in a day or two.

imcoref

14d

Thank you all for these great comments!