by Phil » Thu Feb 11, 2016 12:59 pm
Nat Geos are fine, but I prefer the Tom Harrisons.
PCT from where? Entry to the GCT where? Exit where? I wouldn't bother with my crampons. Micro-spikes at most if you're going higher up. In the GCT, you'll possibly have some fords in the lower elevations right before Pate Valley, a fair amount of muck, and maybe a couple more mostly minor, but swollen creek crossings up by Tuolumne and then maybe again right before Glen Aulin on the Tuolumne River itself. You also might have a crossing issue right after Muir Gorge at Register Creek since you have no real choice except to in one place or another. Most of the stuff you can avoid by going around, over a log or timing crossings for earlier in the morning. Lot's of bridges. Of course, all bets are off if we get some outrageous and rapid snow melt this year and/or, any bridges get washed out.
There's no possible way you're going to miss the sights. You'll pass right by an entire series of incredible falls that will be really charged up in June, and you'll be blown away by the gorge itself from beginning to end.
LOTS of bears in Pate Valley, and rattlesnakes if it's warm enough. Just keep your food storage tight and watch where you step.
Great early season trip!