AWESOME VIDEO. My Tip? Mt. San Jacinto doesn't have heavy snow years, every year. Everyone wants to start early like March, but hitting San Jacinto too early combined with a heavy snow, weather year...why? Suggestion: Plan the nobo PCT as early as possible but say to yourself "depending on, and flexible with conditions on San Jacinto that specific year, that March". You can eliminate a lot of hazards with this simple step. Push it out if your year is a semi-rare brutal year on Jacinto. Also, I would take the downloaded route into the Garmin tactix, a battery and compass that lasts weeks/month, any day.
Cheers Scott. I’d recommend also considering taking an alternate from Spitler Peak Junction, heading to Idylwild via lower elevations and then rejoining the trail from the Black Mountain Road at mile 190.7. The slopes after mile 169 hold onto their snow well into the late spring early summer, even more so in a high snow year. Always check sanjacjon.com before committing and bring spikes.
@@thetrailhunter4469 love my sanjacjon! Just received an update this afternoon. And I contribute/donate. Love that report. I’m doing the Skyline Trail again later this week (Palm Springs to top of Tram 8,500ft.) My favorite, 8000 net elevation gain in 10 miles, keeps you in shape !
What a good video. I'm local to the Idy area and your tips were right on. Also SanJacJon is by far the best source for current PCT info around the San Jacintos.
I'm so glad you're outputting these positive messages when I know your gutted at having to quit the PCT. Adaptation is key I suppose. The PCT and mountains could possibly be a cruel mistress, but she's waiting for you!
Really enjoyed this video Russ. 👍👍. Had to leave the trail myself March 22 at PVCafe to return to Oz due to the media pandemic. Having spent 99% of my life within walking distance of a sunny beach, I knew I was ill-equipped for less than ideal snow conditions. Traces of chilblains on my hands and fingers only just disappearing now 3 months later! - I was negligently under-gloved for that time of the year, Will definitely be doing a mountain safety course in Oz or NZ before my next PCT attempt! At the moment Australia has everyone locked in the country… At least we have some awesome trails here - Larapinta Trail next month I hope. Cheers mate.
Enjoyed your pct vids you did some great footage ,some of the better footage out there on utube ! I didn't realise the mountains in the south of usa could get so cold in march until I watched tour vids , it looked awesome scenery ! :) good advice about practice practice ! 👍🙂
The Camp Corsa is still my preferred ice axe. I don't see how that axe would do a better job at keeping you safe than the Corsa, with the exception of the leash. The trick is to buy or make a leash for the Corsa, you will have all the features with much less weight.
Thanks Ben. The Helix is better for less experienced winter hikers due to its longer length and its heavier weight. The slightly heavier weight makes it easier to cut steps and drive the spike and the head into the snow and ice. The longer length makes it easier to use on slopes and during the event of self-arrest, the length of the axe should be so the spike meets where the top of your ankle is if you’re holding it straight down next to your body and so when you self arrest, the end of the shaft is easy to reach. The official included leash can easily be removed and replaced securely should you require to swap hands. The rubber cover on the head gives better grip and comfort and the Helix comes with a leash already. For the safety of less experienced hikers on the trail, this is the axe I’d go for. Here’s a couple of videos by an accredited source which will help folks choose the right ice axe. Winter Skills 1.3 how to choose and ice axe: ruclips.net/video/0Ffw23bAt6U/видео.html Winter skills 1.4 how to carry an ice axe: ruclips.net/video/s69frZ6MfOI/видео.html
Thanks Robert! Glad you found it useful. Most people aim to start the PCT nobo in mid-April. However if you’re looking at avoiding the snow then closer to May or even the first week of May will stand you in a better chance for a clearer run of the San Jacinto. That said, every year is different, last year was even worse and this year hikers are still encountering snow that started in May. Also, the lower elevations will have less water the later you start.
How is it that so many people manage to do this hike as their first time backpacking if its so dangerous? Would it be irresponsible to attempt the PCT without experience hiking in snow and ice?
From what I've seen the PCT would be considered more treacherous. That being said, the Appalachian trail gets a lot of rain but is also what id consider the most beginner friendly trek.
Probably because they all started quite late in the season. We had quite a bad cold front come in over the first 10 days last year. Thanks for watching.
I would have never thought of bringing micro spikes until the Sierras. I will watch closely before I set off April 13th to see if I should bring them or be set to have them sent out w/ my ice axe. Great video, so helpful and well done.
@@billgonehiking191 I'm leaving March 25th and I'm wondering that myself. I am going to start out slow but I really don't want to carry that gear before the Sierras.
@@billgonehiking191 just to add, your departure date will determine whether or not you hit snow earlier in the trail. If you leave in March like I am, there will probably be snow in San Jacinto. There seems to be a nice gear store in Idyllwild. I'll probably pick that gear up along the trail depending on the conditions
@@anthonypicone3463 I will be leaving mid-April. So, I think it should be okay. I am like you, and definitely don’t want to carry what I don’t need. I will jump off trail and get what I need for “just in case” situations like that.
I was so looking forward to your hike this year. It is one of the great disappointments of this pandemic thing. Soon it will be in the rear view mirror & you'll be on trail again. Such a great video with life saving advice. Wishing you well from California!
Thank you so much Stephanie. Means a lot. Yeah was a tough old ride that. Did the right thing in the end even though it was so upsetting. Next year though and lots of exciting things to look forward to. Thank you! Happy trails!!
Ahh just had a look and realised it was Trevor’s dad, Doug in the pod. I’ll give it a listen for sure. Was a pleasure hiking with Trevor and I’ll do anything to help Doug and his endeavours.
Pleasure to spend your last evening on the PCT with you. That sunset remains the most beautiful one on the trek (so far). Currently just past the halfway point. -Iceman
Ahh Iceman! I gave you that trail name and I’m glad it stuck. Haha was an absolute pleasure dude. Wish I was still there but hey, always next year. Stay safe out there. Best wishes from across the pond. Soggy Whopper.
This is extremely helpful. Thanks for the tips! Looking forward to doing some snow hiking in the near future.
I'm only half way through this vlog, but already I've gotta thank you for helping that guy with the Inreach. Well done brother!
Thanks so much mate. It was sketchy and I’d never been in that situation. He got down safely and he’s back home in Texas safe and well now.
AWESOME VIDEO. My Tip? Mt. San Jacinto doesn't have heavy snow years, every year. Everyone wants to start early like March, but hitting San Jacinto too early combined with a heavy snow, weather year...why? Suggestion: Plan the nobo PCT as early as possible but say to yourself "depending on, and flexible with conditions on San Jacinto that specific year, that March". You can eliminate a lot of hazards with this simple step. Push it out if your year is a semi-rare brutal year on Jacinto. Also, I would take the downloaded route into the Garmin tactix, a battery and compass that lasts weeks/month, any day.
Cheers Scott. I’d recommend also considering taking an alternate from Spitler Peak Junction, heading to Idylwild via lower elevations and then rejoining the trail from the Black Mountain Road at mile 190.7. The slopes after mile 169 hold onto their snow well into the late spring early summer, even more so in a high snow year. Always check sanjacjon.com before committing and bring spikes.
@@thetrailhunter4469 love my sanjacjon! Just received an update this afternoon. And I contribute/donate. Love that report. I’m doing the Skyline Trail again later this week (Palm Springs to top of Tram 8,500ft.) My favorite, 8000 net elevation gain in 10 miles, keeps you in shape !
What a good video. I'm local to the Idy area and your tips were right on. Also SanJacJon is by far the best source for current PCT info around the San Jacintos.
I'm so glad you're outputting these positive messages when I know your gutted at having to quit the PCT. Adaptation is key I suppose. The PCT and mountains could possibly be a cruel mistress, but she's waiting for you!
Is there a time in the spring to start the PCT to avoid the bad snowy cold weather? -don from Lorain Ohio USA 🇺🇸
Thank you for your tips
A lot of sense in this video, particularly the point about map and compass, given what cold does to batteries.
Excellent tips. Thank you.
Thanks Imran. Glad you found them useful.
Really enjoyed this video Russ. 👍👍. Had to leave the trail myself March 22 at PVCafe to return to Oz due to the media pandemic. Having spent 99% of my life within walking distance of a sunny beach, I knew I was ill-equipped for less than ideal snow conditions. Traces of chilblains on my hands and fingers only just disappearing now 3 months later! - I was negligently under-gloved for that time of the year, Will definitely be doing a mountain safety course in Oz or NZ before my next PCT attempt! At the moment Australia has everyone locked in the country… At least we have some awesome trails here - Larapinta Trail next month I hope. Cheers mate.
Enjoyed your pct vids you did some great footage ,some of the better footage out there on utube ! I didn't realise the mountains in the south of usa could get so cold in march until I watched tour vids , it looked awesome scenery ! :) good advice about practice practice ! 👍🙂
Hi mush just stumbled onto this absolutely awesome video! Hope your doing well yogi
Ahhh Yoges! Mate it’s so good to hear from ya buddy. How’s it going? Hit me up on Instagram. Would be good to catch up. Speeeoweee
Try the PCT again. It's an EPIC TRAIL. (Pick up where you left off.....)
Thanks for the information! What shelter/tent you used specifically in this section? The Stratosphere or the Zpacks?
Where in Julian can you buy the gear?
The Camp Corsa is still my preferred ice axe. I don't see how that axe would do a better job at keeping you safe than the Corsa, with the exception of the leash. The trick is to buy or make a leash for the Corsa, you will have all the features with much less weight.
Thanks Ben. The Helix is better for less experienced winter hikers due to its longer length and its heavier weight. The slightly heavier weight makes it easier to cut steps and drive the spike and the head into the snow and ice. The longer length makes it easier to use on slopes and during the event of self-arrest, the length of the axe should be so the spike meets where the top of your ankle is if you’re holding it straight down next to your body and so when you self arrest, the end of the shaft is easy to reach. The official included leash can easily be removed and replaced securely should you require to swap hands. The rubber cover on the head gives better grip and comfort and the Helix comes with a leash already. For the safety of less experienced hikers on the trail, this is the axe I’d go for.
Here’s a couple of videos by an accredited source which will help folks choose the right ice axe.
Winter Skills 1.3 how to choose and ice axe: ruclips.net/video/0Ffw23bAt6U/видео.html
Winter skills 1.4 how to carry an ice axe:
ruclips.net/video/s69frZ6MfOI/видео.html
Hello, thanks for the advices...when do you think it s the best time to hike the desert section of the pct???
Thanks Robert! Glad you found it useful. Most people aim to start the PCT nobo in mid-April. However if you’re looking at avoiding the snow then closer to May or even the first week of May will stand you in a better chance for a clearer run of the San Jacinto. That said, every year is different, last year was even worse and this year hikers are still encountering snow that started in May. Also, the lower elevations will have less water the later you start.
How is it that so many people manage to do this hike as their first time backpacking if its so dangerous? Would it be irresponsible to attempt the PCT without experience hiking in snow and ice?
Great information, thank you. Do you plan on doing the PCT again when all the craziness (covid19) ends?
Thanks Dean. Glad you found it useful. Yes next year. Considering sobo to give it more time to blow over.
I am so desperate to get out on either the PCT or the Appalachian trail. Which do you think is more treacherous?
From what I've seen the PCT would be considered more treacherous. That being said, the Appalachian trail gets a lot of rain but is also what id consider the most beginner friendly trek.
how come i have watched dozen of thru hikes of pct and snow never shows itsself untill sierras stuff like that so iam confused
Probably because they all started quite late in the season. We had quite a bad cold front come in over the first 10 days last year. Thanks for watching.
I would have never thought of bringing micro spikes until the Sierras. I will watch closely before I set off April 13th to see if I should bring them or be set to have them sent out w/ my ice axe. Great video, so helpful and well done.
@@billgonehiking191 I'm leaving March 25th and I'm wondering that myself. I am going to start out slow but I really don't want to carry that gear before the Sierras.
@@billgonehiking191 just to add, your departure date will determine whether or not you hit snow earlier in the trail. If you leave in March like I am, there will probably be snow in San Jacinto. There seems to be a nice gear store in Idyllwild. I'll probably pick that gear up along the trail depending on the conditions
@@anthonypicone3463 I will be leaving mid-April. So, I think it should be okay. I am like you, and definitely don’t want to carry what I don’t need. I will jump off trail and get what I need for “just in case” situations like that.
I was so looking forward to your hike this year. It is one of the great disappointments of this pandemic thing. Soon it will be in the rear view mirror & you'll be on trail again. Such a great video with life saving advice. Wishing you well from California!
Thank you so much Stephanie. Means a lot. Yeah was a tough old ride that. Did the right thing in the end even though it was so upsetting. Next year though and lots of exciting things to look forward to. Thank you! Happy trails!!
Well said. Came here after hearing Trail Tales podcast #103. You should check this out. They mentioned you too.
Ahh nice one. Haha hope it wasn’t all bad 🤪 I’ll check it out. 👍👍👍
Ahh just had a look and realised it was Trevor’s dad, Doug in the pod. I’ll give it a listen for sure. Was a pleasure hiking with Trevor and I’ll do anything to help Doug and his endeavours.
I guess do. It was March!!
🤙
Pleasure to spend your last evening on the PCT with you. That sunset remains the most beautiful one on the trek (so far). Currently just past the halfway point. -Iceman
Ahh Iceman! I gave you that trail name and I’m glad it stuck. Haha was an absolute pleasure dude. Wish I was still there but hey, always next year. Stay safe out there. Best wishes from across the pond. Soggy Whopper.
Only an idiot would consider weight over safely. Preparation, planning & the right gear is the key to success 👌
Don't go into long valley...
Don’t hike that section in the snow. Period.
Having gear is one thing, knowing how to use it is more important.