Joey
walking somewhere
- Joined
- Apr 1, 2014
- Messages
- 878
No, its never required. Nothing is required in GTNP other than a backpacking permit, and a food canister.I was reading on-line that in the earlier part of the season an Ice Ax is required. Is this for self arrest or is it needed for certain passes?
It is definitely something you may want to have, depending on the current conditions. Assuming you know how to self arrest. Every year is different. This June, there was still avalanche danger near both Hurricane Pass and Paintbrush Divide. Last June (2013), there was only marginal snow. You kind of just have to keep up with current conditions.
Generally, Paintbrush Divide is the one dangerous spot that lingers into mid July. Crampons and a trekking pole may be just as helpful as an ice axe. It just depends. Unless your comfortable on snow, and familiar with the rocky mountains, I wouldn't recommend planning a trip for the Crest Trail involving Paintbrush Divide before mid July. You can certainly do it, and it gets done all the time. But if this is new to you, why not shoot for a safer month. Backcountry rangers sometimes will dig out a trail across the slope, but there is no guarantee of that, and the dangers of a fall still exist.