I’m starting the JMT from Happy Isles on July 1st. I’ve heard the snow is bad this year. Am I going to need snow shoes, ice axe, or related gear? I was planning on there being some snow but not enough to require anything more than gaiters. Any thoughts?
Matt
It’s still awhile away, so you’ll want to check again, maybe calling rangers or maybe reading some PCT trail journals.
But my assumption would be no snowshoes, since even if there’s a ton of snow, SOME people will have tramped through and packed it down by then. Ice axe is a personal choice. Usually i’d say no, and just try to time the passes so i’m not stuck on the steep ones when they are icy. This year though, it’s probably better to err on the safe side and take your ice axe. Crampons doubtful, microspikes maybe.
Your best piece of gear might be a pair of wrap-around sunglasses or ski-sunglasses. You’ll spend a lot of time with a lot of glare off the snow.
markv
hey matt, we’re headed out of happy isles on the 22 of june. All 3 of us are carrying crampons and i’m bringing an ice axe just in case needed. My main concern with all the snow is navigation. we hiked the trail nobo last year in july and barely needed a map. Good luck to you.
Chris
chris d