Fuller Ridge Conditions for the PCT ThruHikers

[DavidEllzey]

The leading edge of the PCT thruhikers are fast approaching the San Jacinto wilderness. Many will be there by this weekend with the front of the "herd" hitting a week later.

There is some concern from what little is being reported about the conditions on Fuller Ridge that it is still fairly dangerous, especially for the majority who are fast moving ultra-lighters with only in-step crampons (if that) and no ice axes.

You guys seem to be the best source for up to date information, I was hoping to get a condition report for the area in general and Fuller Ridge in particular.

Thanks in advance, Dave

PS - I will be doing this section about May 7/8 so the report helps me decide what gear to bring.

[bluerail]

Still some bad areas of ice around Antsell rock, best done with gear. Was there today hoping it was better but it's not. The ice looks like it will be there at least another week or more, we were turned around by a very steep chute that you'd be nuts to do with out some kind of spikes and an axe. spent time trying to get above the chute but turned back by steep rock on the north side of Antsell rock. I'm sure those determined will get past it possibly going below the chute.
This chute at Antsell rock should be the first bad spot they hit.

[halhiker]

The bad spot is usually from Deer Springs to the Fuller Ridge trailhead. Any body been up there lately?

[DavidEllzey]

So it looks like 20 miles north of Hwy 74 they will start hitting the first of the chutes. From the photo you provided I would say that most thruhikers would risk following in the existing tracks but since that is at a mere 6,800' I think we can assume that there are quite a few treacherous stretches along the PCT as it passes through the San Jacinto region with Fuller Ridge most likely being the worst.

Thanks for the update guys and I will send a link to this thread to the PCT-L so any reports can get passed on to the hikers.

Dave

[Perry]

Hey David, if you are concerned about carrying too much weight, you might consider purchasing these:
http://www.rei.com/product/751753
http://www.rei.com/product/751754

I would carry a file because they will dull quickly on rocks.

[DavidEllzey]

Perry,

I guess great minds think alike!


Dave

[magikwalt]

I was up this weekend to do a loop that included the PCT from Saddle Jct to Little Tahquitz Valley. I rode the tram up and hiked light and fast through Skunk Cabbage Meadow to Tahquitz Valley with only small patches of snow. Coming up out of the valley the snow began to hide the trail. By the time I reached the point where the trail turns east heading towards Red Tahquitz the PCT the trail was total snow/ice. After a couple of falls I gave up and turned back.

Crampons are needed. GPS keeping you in line with the trail will be real handy.

I was planning on doing an overnight from Hwy 74 to Wellman's Divide next weekend with my wife but I'll probably give it another 2 weeks and check it again.

[Perry]

That's wild! It looks like you have a partner who also likes lightweight stuff. CAMP doesn't make crampon bags?

[DavidEllzey]

The wife and I try to use the same or similar make/model of gear as much as is possible/practical. We got these last spring on sale at REI.

The bags were a closeout item from an online reseller. I think I paid $5 each otherwise I doubt I would have gotten bags at all.

Dave