If I start at Tuolumne on July 20th-ish, and plan on 2 and a half weeks of SOBO hiking, how am I looking snow wise? Thanks!
bryanonfilm
Snow when starting July 20
system
#2
I don’t know if anyone can give you more than a guess. But here’s my guess at least: You’ll hit some snow, including a lot on the north side of Donohue and Muir Passes. But by then enough people will have gone before you that it will all be tracked out and no big deal. 2-1/2 weeks from Tuolumne should give you an excellent chance at finishing the JMT, even at a pretty average pace. Have fun!
markv
Trapsed enough to void ice axe and crampon?
system
#4
Again that’s a real personal decision, but i would definitely not bring axe and spikes in late July, even this year.
There are 3 passes that can be steep and intimidating: Mather, Glen, and Forrester. If you want some added security without an axe, try to time those 3 passes so it’s not first thing in the morning when remaining snow might be hard. But no matter the time of day, i doubt you’d have problems. When you’ve descended the south side of Forrester Pass, be sure to turn around and look back at what you just descended. From the south, it looks pretty impossible!
markv