View Full Version : Do I need a GPS for late August, early Sept JMT hike?
lvnv1212
01-26-2012, 12:25
How well is the trail marked...given that there will be no snow at this time? I have the Tom Harrison maps, and a compass - but was wondering if a GPS is recommended. I have a GPS, just didn't want to carry the weight if not needed.
Given the fact that I hiked it in late June/early July when the passes were still snow covered and didn't see a need for one, I'd have to say leave it at home. The Tom Harrison JMT map pack is all you need. The only navigational choices you'll need to do is know which way to go at trail junctions as not all are labeled JMT/PCT. So it helps to know if the destination listed on the sign is the one you want.
SassyWindsor
01-27-2012, 12:11
The JMT after June 20 or so will be defined, snow melt and remaining snow-pack could cause a problem or two. I'd say in Sept the well marked and worn trail will be easy to follow. Depending on amount of snowfall, winter on the JMT could be hectic, if not dangerous in places.
Depending on amount of snowfall, winter on the JMT could be hectic, if not dangerous in places.
Who hikes the JMT in winter? :-?
SassyWindsor
01-28-2012, 02:03
Who hikes the JMT in winter? :-?
If hiking you'd have to use snowshoes, ice axe, and maybe a parachute. Some people ski the trail. http://www.jamesalutz.com/index_JMT1.htm I'd consider skiing it, if after having a brain scan the doctors found nothing.:D
Helmuth.Fishmonger
01-30-2012, 10:42
Who hikes the JMT in winter? :-?
it is on my to-do list - if I had timed it right about 3 weeks ago, I probably could have "walked" it in January, given we had the driest conditions in several decades up there. But by the time I was able to hit the road to get there, the forecast changed and it snowed..
Ultimately, I don't want to walk in winter anyway - I want to ski/skin the trail, either winter 2013 or 2014.
this trip report from May 2011 (high snow year) gives you an idea about the conditions.
http://www.tetongravity.com/forums/showthread.php/221649-Mega-TR-Evolution-Loop-(inc.-Goddard-and-N.-Couloir-on-Lamarck
Helmuth.Fishmonger
01-30-2012, 10:45
another solo JMT on ski from 2010
http://www.silvertipmountaincenter.com/JMT.html
I would bring a GPS, mostly for the white-out conditions you can run into (although usually you would hide in your tent for a day or two when that happens). In summer, you won't need a GPS. Never needed one before they were invented, won't need one now.
royalusa
01-30-2012, 11:17
How well is the trail marked...given that there will be no snow at this time? I have the Tom Harrison maps, and a compass - but was wondering if a GPS is recommended. I have a GPS, just didn't want to carry the weight if not needed.
GPS should not be a requirement especially given that you are hiking in late August/early September. We hiked it in that same time period in 2011, the "high" snow year with no GPS. We used Erik the Black's PCT guidebook, since the PCT and JMT overlap for the most part. Where they did not overlap, we had Halfmile's databook. To get a better idea of the snow we did have, you might want to see our journal and video. Personally we were very comfortable with the little bit of snow that we had and the creek crossings. We were fine as well with no GPS.
Journal: http://trailjournals.com/entry.cfm?trailname=12749
(http://trailjournals.com/entry.cfm?trailname=12749)Video:http://www.youtube.com/user/royalusa/videos
RoyalUSA
nice video. we hiked the JMT in july 2011. did you use the ULA OHM? if so I have questions for you. like what bear can did you use and how did you pack it. I have the ULA and left it at home because of the bear can. I wanted to take it. sooo bad. stupid bear can.
another solo JMT on ski from 2010
http://www.silvertipmountaincenter.com/JMT.html
I would bring a GPS, mostly for the white-out conditions you can run into (although usually you would hide in your tent for a day or two when that happens). In summer, you won't need a GPS. Never needed one before they were invented, won't need one now.
I saw that link earlier. If the Sierra are anything like the Rockies in May, there is plenty of snow, sure. But the days are relatively warm, lots of daylight and generally easier to make mileage. Guess it is why we call it Spring skiing. :) A different beast then winter in the High Sierra.
lvnv1212
01-31-2012, 11:43
Excellent video royalusa - I can hardly wait. Will be reading your trailjournal also. Is that a Zpacks hexamid tent? Looks like your trip was a great alternative to the PCT! Esp for 2011.
Helmuth.Fishmonger
02-01-2012, 00:54
I saw that link earlier. If the Sierra are anything like the Rockies in May, there is plenty of snow, sure. But the days are relatively warm, lots of daylight and generally easier to make mileage. Guess it is why we call it Spring skiing. :) A different beast then winter in the High Sierra.
the problem if you go too late is that some of the stream crossings are rather deadly when it gets warm. The best time is late winter, but sometimes there's tons of snow. Last year in March there was constant extreme avalanche danger and you couldn't really go in.
royalusa
02-09-2012, 17:21
Excellent video royalusa - I can hardly wait. Will be reading your trailjournal also. Is that a Zpacks hexamid tent? Looks like your trip was a great alternative to the PCT! Esp for 2011.
Sorry for the delayed response. Yes, we used the Zpacks hexamid tent - a solo tent for both of us. Got the idea from Boston and Cubby's PCT hike (see their Trail Journal dot com).
Have a great hike!