Ice axe kennedy meadows How Many People Have Done the Whole Pacific Crest Trail? According to the Pacific Crest Trail Association website, 9,421 people have completed the the PCT as of 2023, and 112 of those people did it more than once. These mountains have had record-breaking snowfall this year I made it through the desert! 702 miles, 1/4 of the PCT, and I’m now hanging out in Kennedy Meadows with about 30 other hikers, all very excited about going through the Sierras next week. Nonetheless, I was lucky and despite hiking, my shin splint continued to Kennedy Meadows Resort (North) closes on Indigenous People’s Day. Gaiters. The last week from Tahachepie has been challenging. 1 Percent of Trail Completed 38. Hello! We are reliably stocked! And we have a perfect solution for PCT'ers. A dozen people were sitting on the porch of the Kennedy Meadows General Store cheering. Jul 5, 2017 · Day 40: Mile 702. Bear Canister: An item that is required by various Wilderness Areas, we went with the Bearvault BV 500. 1 Miles to Go 1,637. My shin splint healed, but I could’ve used an extra day to heal any niggles. Bear Creek, Mono Creek are impassable. . Do you think people could get away with bear can, microspikes, and ice axe at Lone Pine. Unless there are weird supply chain issues, yes, you should be able to order online. Jul 31, 2024 · Most hikers rest, resupply, and swap out/pick up additional gear (ice axe, bear canister, traction devices, mosquito net, etc. There were about 180 miles before the next common resupply stop – unless you were willing to descend over 2000’ to the east side of the mountains and head into one of the little towns: Lone Pine, Independence, Bishop. Jun 2, 2024 · Share ThisWeek 4 Mileage: 200. I will have mine mailed to me in Kennedy Meadows. Reply reply With all the snow this year, having the right gear can mean the difference between life and death. Here, in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada in California, hikers gather to prepare for a sudden change in conditions. She also has a great selection of food at much better prices than the General Store. 99 Sale. Kennedy Start at Kennedy Meadows – Kennedy Meadows is a classic resupply location for PCT hikers, and the beginning of the high Sierra range for their northbound thru hike. Ice Axe. That’s a 20% discount, available directly at Triple Crown Outfitters in Kennedy Meadows. I had heard once about the Posted by u/DjButternuttz - 12 votes and 15 comments 315 likes, 22 comments - hiker_rach on June 20, 2017: "Kennedy Meadows - a place I've been imagining for months. So as you can see it's gone down drastically from my previous report. Whatever tools you choose, ice-axe, whippet, micro-spikes, crampons, you REALLY need to practice - a lot. There should be a large flatrate box that fits the ice axe, or a PO employee can assist with finding the cheapest option if you bring it in. Otherwise it is just a piece of equipment you are bringing for no reason. There is only one section you would consider "bouncing" an ice axe which is from Cabazon (the town after San Jacinto) to Kennedy Meadows ("town" before the Sierras). Be the first to Last stop Kennedy Meadows & now we’re entering the Sierras‼️ This was a much needed couple days off in Kennedy meadows. If you need to switch sizes, no problem. If you do bring an ice axe, know how to use it. The one time I used mine to self arrest was on San Jacinto ridge just afer Idyllywild. May 4, 2025 · Saving Lives—One Ice Axe at a Time The Fowler-O'Sullivan Foundation is proud to partner with Trek for Trevor and Triple Crown Outfitters to help keep PCT We have daily mail pick up through the US post service. The snow is melting FAST! What does this mean for your hike? Where is a good place to hike? Here's some info that will hopefully help you and your group determine your path. We hold it for you in Kennedy Meadows so you don't have to pay postage to mail it back here. Folks who are passing through the Sierras - we are wondering if/where microspikes and ice axe are required. This marks the end of the desert, and start of the Sierra’s, the second section of the PCT. May 14, 2025 · Finished 700 miles and made it to Kennedy Meadows. 23 votes, 33 comments. Regular price $100. While there isn't a definitive answer to this question at this point, as we do not know how much snow will melt in the coming weeks, will an ice axe and microspikes likely be necessary in the San Jacinto Mountains this year? Feb 7, 2019 · Kennedy Meadows can feel like a zoo at times, especially in the earlier part of the season, as some hikers wait out winter-like weather at KM instead of heading out into the Sierras. PCT Trail Conditions right now. Click here for USGS Mapping Information. Trekking poles for supposed creek crossings (no I don’t use poles generally). Apr 28, 2024 · 46 dollars, please. Most (if not all) hikers send a resupply package to the KM store (some folks include ice axes and/or crampons in their resupply boxes). Waiting for me there: my ice axe, microspikes, bear canister, and six days of food. Why were they all looking at my group? Then I realized, they were clapping for us. It was a heavy snow year & a late storm had dropped a foot of fresh snow the night before on top of snow pack. Hey everyone! My PCT start date is May 14th. Directions are available on the Kennedy Meadows Resort web site. The Kennedy Meadows trailhead is located off of CA Highway 108, just west of the Sonora Pass. Legend, a PCT trail angel I met… May 1, 2023 · If hikers skip any of this section—from Kennedy Meadows South at mile 702 to Sonora Pass at mile 1017—they must obtain a new permit to be able to come back and complete it. Expand user menu Open settings menu. While there isn't a definitive answer to this question at this point, as we do not know how much snow will melt in the coming weeks, will an ice axe and microspikes likely be necessary in the San Jacinto Mountains this year? 11 votes, 13 comments. I picked up my bear can, ice axe, switched out some clothing, and ate so much Discover the best hikes and paths to Kennedy Meadows General Store – PCT in Kennedy Meadows, Tulare County. Mar 18, 2024 · Learn how to use an ice axe, and have one shipped to you at Kennedy Meadows. Please buddy up if you are hiking in the Sierra right now. 6 Miles: 10. Many northbound hikers carry an ice axe and hiking crampons starting at Kennedy Meadows. Just over 700 miles into the hike hikers trek into a general store parking lot in a town with a population of more squirrels than humans, the deck is filled with cheers and applauding from other hikers congratulating any new hiker for making it out of the first section of trail. Are they needed in the first 50 miles out of Kennedy Meadows? Thinking of just sending my Sierra gear there based on a lot of this kind of input. Bus service usually ends closer to the middle of September. Micro-spikes. Feb 21, 2025 · This section is usually considered to stretch from Kennedy Meadows to lake Tahoe, a roughly 390 miles section. We had packed the groups axes wrapped up in bubble wrap to two combined envelopes. 00 $69. A LW nylon spike plug keeps snow out Dec 22, 2024 · They stock Bear Canisters, Ice Axes and Microspikes for the Sierra. Spikes Jun 1, 2025 · Day 49 – Getting Ready for the Sierras We spent our zero day at Kennedy Meadows preparing for the Sierra section. using crampons/microspikes and an ice axe and Nov 2, 2022 · Ice Axe: Our CAMP Corsa Ice Axes provide the ability to self-arrest on snowy and icy slopes in case a hiker were to lose their footing during a traverse. Strange. Falls on steep, potentially icy snow can be a real danger. Buy your ice axe from Yogi. Adequate food. Bear Canisters, ice axes, and other Nov 18, 2013 · Many thru-hikers bring an ice axe. Will I need an ice axe, crampons, climbing rope, skis, or snowshoes? This depends on season, snowpack and your personal risk tolerance. true. Warmer pad. Despite the recent huge snowstorm in California, it has been a relatively low snow year, so it’s likely I won’t need it. My pack was the heaviest it’s going to be. I kept seeing their names in logbooks—planning to reach Kennedy Meadows by 5/21. I will for sure be hitting lone pine. SNOW STATS (from Postholer. Special equipment for the Sierra: Grivel Mount Blanc Ice Axe (if needed), Chainsen Light Spikes (if needed), and BV500 bear cannister (required) 23 votes, 33 comments. Log In / Sign Up May 31, 2014 · Warmer sleeping bag. Bigger pack to carry it all…Lots more stuff!!! Which added a good 10 pounds to my May 29, 2025 · Now, I was approaching the high desert and Kennedy Meadows—my big stop. I picked up my bear can, ice axe, switched out some clothing, and ate so much food. Similar to the ice axe, microspikes will assist in safely crossing the Sierra in icy conditions by adding traction to my hiking shoes. ) at Kennedy Meadows; In the Sierra Nevada, the trail repeatedly ascends to high rocky passes and descends into unimaginably beautiful lake basins Howdy - We will be heading north from Kennedy Meadows on June 30th. Kennedy Meadows is a vortex that will suck hikers into staying longer than expected. Then we hitched a ride to Grumpy Bear’s Retreat, where May 1, 2023 · If hikers skip any of this section—from Kennedy Meadows South at mile 702 to Sonora Pass at mile 1017—they must obtain a new permit to be able to come back and complete it. - - - - - - - - -The Corsa is a hyperlight ice axe designed for glacier travel and ski mountaineering. Typically, a thru-hiker will pick up an ice axe at Kennedy Meadows and mail it back at Tuolumne Meadows. That’s how much it cost to send seven ice axes to Kennedy Meadows South. The snow was finished for at least the next 300 miles, and it was time to embrace the heat of the desert. This allows us to safely store our food overnight between resupplies. Officially more than a quarter of the way done. Kennedy Meadows Resort and Pack Station 42421 State Hwy 108 Pinecrest, Ca 95364 Packages may be sent from the resort via USPS. Purchase ALL your gear for the Sierra and pick it up as soon as you arrive in Kennedy Meadows! No wait! SMC Kobah Ice Axe - 45cm. Jun 26, 2024 · Day 78 Current Location Kennedy Meadows (North), CA Miles Hiked 1,018. (Inflatable pad, puffy, bigger pack to hold more food, bear can) Ice axes aren't necessary every year, it depends on weather patterns and your timing. 2 (Kennedy Meadows) to Mile 712. I spent my two zero days in Kennedy Meadows preparing for the Sierras, socializing with other hikers, and eating. Apart from the bear can, gloves and skimask, what gear would you send to Kennedy Meadows? Do you think an ice axe is necessary? Share Add a Comment. My friends from back home, Captain Planet and Birdo, were on the trail just ahead. This item requires an additional $10 Large Item Shipping Fee. The aluminum alloy construction is LW, but still rated Type 1 for use as a snow anchor and self-arrest. 3% I heard clapping. After a tasty breakfast from the Cook Shack, we did our laundry and showered. Kennedy Meadows to Ashland. If needed, I will have mine sent to Kennedy Meadows, the southern entrance to the Sierra. Packages may be sent from the resort via USPS. Starting here would give you more time in the wonderful Sierra Nevada and allow for some acclimatization, (probably the easiest of all of the options I list here). The weight of crampons, microspikes, an ice axe and a bear can with an eight-day food supply was weighing me down. Letters and postcards ship for no cost. Then we hitched a ride to Grumpy Bear’s Retreat, where May 26, 2021 · 700 miles in, I’m sitting outside Kennedy Meadows General Store, planning logistics for the Sierras. why not just order one & have it shipped to KM as stated above or have it shipped to you, check it out & use same box for shipping. May 22, 2024 · I finally made it to Kennedy Meadows! I got a shower and did laundry ($10) at the Kennedy Meadows general store. SNOW STATS (Scott Parker's posting on Facebook): Kennedy Meadows to Muir Trail Ranch (MTR) – 159 miles - 28% is covered in snow MTR to Tuolumne Meadows – 88 miles – 61% is still snow covered Tuolumne Meadows to Echo Jul 10, 2023 · The yuccas, lizards, and Joshua trees have stopped and the trails turn into a lusciously green meadow. 5 Snowpack, Reroute and No Food To finish up week 3, I left Kennedy Meadows (South) and started back up the trail at 6:15 am. Jun 1, 2025 · Day 49 – Getting Ready for the Sierras We spent our zero day at Kennedy Meadows preparing for the Sierra section. Take a class, practice or at the very least read how to use it. Yesterday I picked up my bear canister, ice axe, spikes, and resupply package. Jun 10, 2022 · May 30-31. Gravity was not my friend at the moment, but the excitement of roaming into the Sierra Nevada range gave me the strength to walk up hill Feb 7, 2019 · Kennedy Meadows can feel like a zoo at times, especially in the earlier part of the season, as some hikers wait out winter-like weather at KM instead of heading out into the Sierras. Until it becomes an instinct. Many people learn how to use an ice axe on the trail. Through our program, we—along with Trek for Trevor—cover 10% each toward the cost of ice axes and microspikes for PCT hikers. Unfortunately, he had his ice axe and microspikes waiting for him in the post office 10 miles north of Apache Peak in Idyllwild. Warmer clothing. Send packages ($4 holding fee) to the General Store: Your Name – PCT Hiker – ETA c/o Kennedy Meadows General Store 96740 Kennedy Meadows Road Inyokern, CA 93527. Anker charger. Mar 6, 2017 · I am starting my thru hike from Campo on April 6, and looking forward to the adventure that this incredibly high snow year will bring. It's about a 9 mile hike from the trailhead at Kennedy Meadows Resort. Postage stamps are also available for purchase. I always resupply out of Lone Pine. As the Sierra’s continue to get slammed with snow, I’m questioning whether or not I should start looking for an ice axe to send to myself at Kennedy Meadows South. GPS phone for finding the trail in snow. But I start May 7th and I’m starting with my spikes in my bag and planning on sending my ice axe to Kennedy meadows with the rest of my upgraded gear. Pre-order now whatever axe you want. Word of caution: Putting on an apron doesn't automatically make you a chef. Similarly, carrying an ice axe doesn't make you an alpine mountaineer. Tuolumne Meadows: Highway 120 should be open if you’re passing through before mid-October but the store and post office generally close around the end of September. Adding my bear canister, ice axe, micro spikes, 6 days of food and 3 packs of cigarettes, it weighed in at just about 30 pounds. You could travel by car down to Lee Vinning or The one time I used mine to self arrest was on San Jacinto ridge just afer Idyllywild. Stronger (heavier) tent. This is a major resupply point for all of us, and I picked up some serious new gear in four separate packages: ice axe, traction spikes, bear canister I don’t know anything. Could definitely have used one about 3 times total - Baden Powell(3 ft deep icy snow cups on steep icy terrain, a fall/long slide was definitely possible) and twice while hiking over steep snow/ice covered passses in Posted by u/doxzer52 - 6 votes and 34 comments Last stop Kennedy Meadows & now we’re entering the Sierras‼️ This was a much needed couple days off in Kennedy meadows. I picked up my bear can, ice axe, switched out some clothing, and ate so much I’d send the box to Grumpy’s right before you start your hike, or wait until your sure you are actually going to make it and send one from Mojave or Tehachapi. I looked up to see what was going on. To enter the Sierras, you’re required to carry a bear canister, and if there’s still snow, microspikes and an ice axe are highly recommended. I have a Petzl Glacier, and I'm quite happy with it, though if I was going to buy another axe, I'd probably get one with an angle. That might not seem like a lot, but I don’t use a waist belt and Nov 14, 2009 · Personally, in 08, going NOBO with a start date like your own, getting to Kennedy Meadows on June 2, I didn't carry an ice axe. Some proactive hikers have already called up the PCTA to change their permits. I picked up a resupply, bear can, ice axe, a Aug 18, 2010 · Slopes that would be safe for the general backpacker (novice ice-axe user) can be done almost as safely (or perhaps more safely) with micro-spikes and trekking poles. com): Kennedy Meadows to Echo Lake/South Lake Tahoe – 394 miles - 23% is still snow covered. Carrying snow gear, plus big food carry, plus big water carry out of Kennedy Meadows doesn't make much sense to me. Depending on conditions and snowpack, an ice axe may be required to safely cross the Sierra. Bear Canisters, ice axes, and other unneeded equipment can be shipped for a fee which varies depending on the size and weight of the item being shipped. Also, got to meet so many new hiker and old faces I hadn’t seen in awhile. 4 Steps: 32,694 Elevation Gain: 2,430 After taking a week off to prepare for the upcoming months of snow travel, and visit family in Vegas, I was ready, and excited, to get back on the trail! I was also a bit nervous about making new… 598 likes, 0 comments - thetrek. The trailhead is located at the end of the parking area for the Kennedy Here's some info that will hopefully help you and your group move forward more easily no matter what section of trail you are on. If there is low snow and you don't need it, we will refund. After we receive your order, we will email you an invoice for the additional shipping fee. I had pre-bought spikes before coming to the states and sent them along with an axe to Kennedy Meadows in case they didn't have them, but like someone mentioned I found I needed a pair going over San Jacinto, so I went into Idyll-Wild and bought a pair. Explore it on the map and plan your own route to Kennedy Meadows General Store – PCT. Ice axe. Trouble is, I don’t know what kind of mileage I’ll be making given the extra weight, elevation, and additional climbing. co on June 2, 2024: "“As I left Kennedy Meadows South, I definitely didn’t feel like a gram weenie anymore. After 700 miles of arid desert, the trail will soon ascend in to the highest range in the contiguous US. Jul 11, 2024 · Last stop Kennedy Meadows & now we’re entering the Sierras‼️ This was a much needed couple days off in Kennedy meadows. kjvw gwxrpe ixmx ede mmoje akxcu xkuqik wbdtai pkaizy bsf