Crampons or Ice axe

imported
#1

I am starting the JMT on September 1st do I need a set of crampons or an ice axe or can I just wing it with my trek poles.

The Hobo

#2

Unless there is an early season storm, you should have little, if any, snow to traverse on your trip.

The last time I walked the JMT, (Southbound - late September, finishing on Whitney October 9th of '05), the only tricky section was coming down Whitney on the Whitney Portal side. There was a bit of snow at the end of September, which covered the numerous switchbacks in snow & ice. I didn’t have my ice-axe with me, so I very carefully made my way down.

Given your start date, you shouldn’t have to deal with snow.

freebird

#3

I started Sept 5th and didn’t have to deal with any really, a few spots on the exposed passes but nothing to slow me down.

Have fun. It’s the best!!

Cheers

Cheers

#4

Hobo,
The Sierra’s are les than 60% normal snowfall this year. Unless there’s a miracle, there won’t be snow on the trail on the 4th of July - it’ll be bone dry by Labor day so leave the ice axe & crampons at home.

Ghoulwe