I’m hoping to start thru-hiking the PCT around the 14th of May. Do you think I’ll need an ice axe for the Sierras if I start that late?? (I’ve never used one and am hoping that a late start date will help me bypass this issue- but i don’t want to die either)
so . . .
Trolley
Trolley, it really depends on the amount of snow that year and how fast it is melting off. You really need to wait until sometime in March before knowing as some years get a lot of snow late. This year, you definitely wouldn’t have needed it. But in 2006, you would have definitely needed it.
However, an ice axe on the PCT is only used for self arresting. It is something easily practiced in an hour or 2 on a nice snow covered hill. I think there was a video on youtube showing you how to use one. Most thru-hikers on the PCT are in the same boat as you and they manage fine.
Miner
You will hit snow in the Sierra, unless it is a record low snow year. You will have to deal with snow on the passes and snow that obscures the trail. Unless you plan on entering the Sierra in late June, you will have to come to grips with snow.
On the plus side, everything is really beautiful with snow on it and if you get in early enough, you can avoid bugs as well. I left KM on June 9 in 2003 and managed to dodge most of the bugs. People a week behind got zapped. Learning to use an ice axe for self arrest and self belay is pretty easy. Check out “Freedom of the Hills” from your library. It has lots of nice illustrations and will help you get going.
Suge