High Sierra Topix

For those who've been on or around the JMT recently, is it worth bringing yaktrax or mini spikes at this point? Or would it just be adding undue weight to the pack?

Thanks for any responses!

Aaron

I would take the spikes. Yax are better for parking lots. They tend to snap when you need them most.

Of course, it's dubious whether you'll need them even on the high passes - poles would be the priority item, for me. There've been a bunch of folks out there already stomping over the snow that's remaining. But microspikes would be my vote, better safe than sorry.

As always, HYOH and take what pleases you, but...
Personally, feel poles will be enough/ample...snow is melting fast and plenty of tracks laid down over the high passes. Biggest problem now is punching through, not grip. Suppose you could take them along and then see for yourself... at Donahue...bet you send stuff back once you hit Reds.

From the few folks who I talked to hiking the JMT in the Bench Lake vicinity this
past weekend said Mather Pass was still very difficult, and still had a lot of snow
making things slow going.