Two Passes a Day in the Sierra - Pacific Crest Trail ep.6

Hiking 30+ mile days through the Sierra Nevada Mountains! While most do one pass in a day my goal is to do two. After dealing with some altitude sickness just south of Mount Whitney causing me to go into Lone Pine I was still a bit worried if this would be possible. Having hiked with a partner for a few days through that ordeal however renewed my spirit and set me off with a good mindset again to tackle the rest of the John Muir Trail section of the PCT, and hike strong.
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The first high alpine pass I would come up against would be Forester Pass, at 13,153ft it is the highest point on the entire Pacific Crest Trail and well known among hikers for being infamously dangerous. It is actually a man made pass, having been dynamited out some years ago, which speaks for how steep it is going up, and how small the notch is at the top. Typically in a high snow year this is a very dangerous section with a sketchy snow traverse above a very vertical rock wall and frozen lake. Fortunately, given my late start date and some luck with weather I was able to hike smoothly for my first pass of the day.
I knew if I wanted to also get over Glen Pass (at 11,926ft) before dark I would have to speed up quite a bit. Running into some old thru hiking friends along the way, I made it to the top of the pass as the sun was setting over the western Sierra. The snow was turning to ice on the way down and I took my time, camping near Rae Lakes.
Pinchot Pass (at 12,107ft) was next and didn't serve much trouble, but along the way I was told by many hikers how harrowing Mather Pass (at 12,100ft) would be. A hiker told me just an hour before ascending to the top that their friend had fallen and almost broken their leg, but that "I would be fine" in a sarcastic voice. As I went up Mather I saw what must have been 100 hikers all waiting at the base of the slopes, camped, waiting for the next day to hike it in the morning when the snow would be more crunchy and conducive to their micro spikes.
I wasn't carrying micro spikes, so no better time than the present! Mather Pass turned out to be the most fun pass of this entire section, in the end. While most of the Pacific Crest Trail you can zone out, and easily cruise Mather required some thought. The trail was covered in snow, and I had to navigate that carefully. At times I scrambled down the boulders instead as that is something I am more comfortable with. I had the most fun despite the fear surrounding this particular hike. It is good to listen to others and heed warning, but sometimes it's good to stop and consider your own experience level and maybe take a look at the challenge for yourself.
PCT landscape paintings by me!
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The gear I use:
Shorts - amzn.to/36VWUJV
Shirt - amzn.to/3LHGLGC
Shoes - amzn.to/3u6FMKm
Watch - amzn.to/3r29XQM
Hat - cieleathletics...
Backpack - palantepacks.com/
Pack Liner - www.gossamerge...
Quilt - enlightenedequ...
Sleeping Pad - www.gossamerge...
Tarp - zpacks.com/
Tent Stakes - amzn.to/3bKgoRq
Ground Cloth - amzn.to/3Kcrwp0
Wind Pants - amzn.to/3j5MlXd
Rain Jacket - enlightenedequ...
Fleece - www.kuiu.com/
Socks - amzn.to/3DDlk73
Beanie - zpacks.com/
Sun Glasses - ombraz.com/
Bug Headnet - amzn.to/3NKSkyP
Spoon - amzn.to/3cA3mVG
Food Bag - amzn.to/3rOVfeu
Water Filter - amzn.to/3LFuAua
Bear Can - amzn.to/3Mtsi2u
Trowel - amzn.to/3u6VIMr
Knife - amzn.to/3r3psb7
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Tripod - amzn.to/3eEFAL6
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Micro Fiber Cloth - amzn.to/38FIyLh
External Battery - Ravpower PD Pioneer 20,000mAh 60w
Wall Charger - Ravpower PD Pioneer 30w 2-Port
Hiking Essentials Shirt! jupiterhikes.co...
THE BACKPACKING GEAR I USE:
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[@JupiterHikes]

Thank you for watching! If you aren't already, subscribe to this channel for more thru hiking :)

[@rachescakes]

You know it’s a serious hike when Jupiter carries a trekking pole!

[@bensimonian1859]

Your smile is infectious, you make me happy. Have enjoyed your PCT adventures.

[@sabijoli]

stunning scenery capture Jupiter. The vastness of that part of the Sierra is depicted well, when standing in that land, one becomes ifull of awe for the power of the tectonics that created those mountains, and thanks for sharing your experience for those that cannot. or like me, who cannot film my traverse…

[@dougwilliams1741]

Sure appreciate you for taking the considerable time it takes to film.

[@sk-wx1cf]

So beautiful! Thank you for sharing not just the beauty of the Sierras, but your thoughtful appreciation of your surroundings. Happy hiking!

[@martinforrester8249]

So that's how you met Sprocket. Great to meet someone you connected with who loves to hike too.... a rare gem.

[@toocleanpappas5397]

Holy crap, I've never hiked the Sierra with so little snow! It looks so different! I agree with you that the sketchy parts are often the most fun. I remember hiking with Rits and Trex in the Wind River and going up Texas Pass. We totally missed the trail and rock climbed up the whole way. I could have done that all day long, so fun!

[@LynnStAubin-od5qe]

I love your enthusiasm and genuine smiles. The fact that you’re a hiking machine makes me shake my head in wonder. Keep enjoying and stay safe.

[@gonnahitcharide]

Truly happy for you and very much appreciated you sharing this with us. I’d like to see more of you setting up camp, eating, etc. if you’re so inclined to squeeze some in. 🤙🏻

[@wolfeadventures]

Just stunning. Your film making ability really inspires me Jupiter. Just fantastic.

[@samgoeshiking]

Holy crap. I can't believe you did Forester and Glen in a day!

[@nedanother9382]

yeah and that included that insane uphill to the kearsarge area before Glen.....I did Kearsarge and Glen in a day this summer. I'm still looking for where my leg fell off.

[@mercylessplayer]

As always, your positivity is heartwarming!

[@SR-ti6jj]

Great shots Jupiter! Your videos are always inspiring. Thanks for making them

[@vickirogerson179]

I’m so glad to see the PCT with you. This video was just otherworldly and the scenery was amazing. Very Cute marmot.

[@FocusOutdoorAdventures]

Love your videos! It’s great to see places I haven’t been, and also (like this video) revisit the places I’ve been to. Crossing that bridge was quite a moment.

[@FocusOutdoorAdventures]

…and to see Pinchot Pass for the “first” time because I crossed it at night!

[@barondavis5692]

Your hikes are fun to watch Jupiter.

[@michaelb1761]

Thanks for sharing. It brings back some great memories of hiking in the Sierra.

[@richardinjapan4578]

John Muir referred to the Sierra Nevada as the range of light. After your trek, we'll need to change that to "the range of light speed." Silliness aside, many thanks for your videos. The effort required to vlog your journey is amazing. Much appreciated.

[@slyfox1174]

Nice vids Jupiter , I wait every week for the next ones

[@Dion250666]

Thanks!

[@JupiterHikes]

Thank you!!

[@jhonyermo]

Stunning once again. Just can't get over it how great this video was. Knocked me out--as always. For me, Jupe is 'the' hiker I look forward too most of all.

[@BG-ez1jm]

Really enjoying watching!! Thank you for sharing Happy trails 🦘

[@padude131]

I too, look forward to the next video. I love the beautiful scenery. Jupiter, you are a beast hiking 30+ miles a day!

[@ChrisfromFL]

So I went back and watched the part of ep5 where I thought I saw Sprocket hiking in Crocs and realised it was wearing gaiters and the angle of gaiter over the heel made it appear she was in Crocs! Love your adventures and videos!

[@jimwilson5041]

Jupiter Great video and editing - especially with the pace that you are holding. Keep on keepin' on!

[@WALKITOFFDavidSmith]

Oh the cinema! Stunning footage always.

[@jnk4358]

So glad to hear you are having the Time of Your Life !

[@jennylievois]

It’s so beautiful 😭 hope you’re well ✨

[@wio2189]

I was a week behind you and remember seeing your IG post about the fun rock hopping down Mather which alleviated some of the fear mongering. It was okay. Thanks!

[@petr-podrouzek]

Amazing, great job my friend 🙂

[@chrisgregore359]

I love the videos you create. Thank you for sharing these with us and Happy Thanksgiving 🙂

[@tonysimi5763]

Nice to be young!

[@drytool]

Love your videos, brother!

[@Kai77-24]

What a rugged, gorgeous stretch of land. I didn't realize that was the Sierras. No trees! Lo!. Great work, looks fun to me too.Taking time in that last snowy bit because of uneven terrain underneath or slick without spikes? Just curious. I can see but not feel it like you. Love your joy, it's so contagious.😁

[@JupiterHikes]

I was taking my time on that particular snow because it was late in the day and the snow had melted quite a bit. I mostly did not want to posthole! But beyond that finding solid footing always important when the slope besides me is quite steep and rocky!

[@Parker-oc8es]

Good stuff

[@kierano5496]

Loving the sunglasses!

[@JupiterHikes]

the hardware store lady where i bought them told me i looked too feminine with them, and should choose something more manly lol

[@kierano5496]

@@JupiterHikes Ha ha - nah. It’s a thru-hiker thing. Like painting your nails!

[@micheleaday3902]

YOU ARE ♥️ SO BLESSED TO WALK AND HIKE THIS. ITS MY DREAM TO DO BUT IF THEY CAN FIND A WAY FOR DISABILITY TO HIKE TO MAKE IT ALL POSSIABLE. I LEAN ON GOD SO MUCH. 🙏 AND HE PROTECTS ME SO NO HARM COMES TO ME. BUT I SURE WOULD LOVE TO GO

[@jayray420]

Shocking how little snow in the Sierra, but probably the result of an extreme drought.

[@christopherch7307]

Uh yeah I'm thrilled 2... u suffering with a heavy pack like the rest of us do.🤣🥰❤️

[@AbleHammer]

Awesome 😎

[@nedanother9382]

5:40.....thats the very reason I backpack. I dare anyone to stand there and resist the temptation to be a backpacker forever.

[@nobison6185]

"So stinkin Beautiful " lndeed brother, indeed!!

[@carlblanchet]

The shirt is so dirt 😅 I love it! Might have to go with a white shirt as well

[@JupiterHikes]

It's unfortunately not even that dirty! I made a mistake and washed it with a brand new pair of black shorts.... and it came out the wash looking like that! The only thing that would fix it was some bleach, after finishing the hike

[@carlblanchet]

@@JupiterHikes oh too bad! Something to keep in mind if bringing white clothes I guess since separate laundry loads is too timely! haha

[@Jinxlikestohike]

7:30 Look at that chunky boy! Marmots are amazing.

[@colinwatt00]

Jupiter, you should be really proud of yourself for this series. As stated, the binge watch continues. Good Scotch in hand; loving it. May I ask, what is your source for music/audio?

[@JupiterHikes]

Thank you! I think the binge watch is the best way. I use epidemic sound for music. Still takes me a very long time to find songs I actually want to use, though it does narrow things down slightly

[@colinwatt00]

@@JupiterHikes I can appreciate that; music is my primary struggle for my channel ( @GREYWOLFMTB ). I spend hours looking for decent music.

[@deerless999]

SPECTACULAR,!!

[@CrowMagnumMan2024]

Thanks a million for all of the great videos you have really demonstrated what ultra light is about. Quick question why do you and other major ultra light hikers use the two part aquamira water system......instead of just bleach.....?

[@JupiterHikes]

Many do use bleach. I could list quite a few friends and we'll known hikers who do. I used aquamira here simply because I had it on hand. I had remembered a source or two in the desert (from my 2018 hike) that had a dead animal in it, so I used aquamira over a Sawyer in case I saw that again. Normally I would use a Sawyer, or nothing

[@CrowMagnumMan2024]

@@JupiterHikes Thanks you've inspired me to start dialing my gear in towards UL.....I just ordered a GG Kumo 36L Its a step in the right direction.....be safe and have fun....!!!

[@lowrydan111]

Show us your camp!

[@aurtisanminer2827]

“So stinkin beautiful” Right as I’m wallowing in the stench of my own fart. Lol

[@chuckburr517]

It would really help to know that date(s) the videos are filmed. It makes a big difference in snow and temps. What were the temps?

[@PlantWizardSkeeter]

What’s the date for when you were there? I don’t see it mentioned in the video or description. That would be helpful! Thanks

[@michaelstewart9366]

27 miles a day in the Sierras. Wowza

[@lancairdriver]

Funny, most all these locations are burned into my memory from my own hike, such a beautiful place. Question: were you so early in the season you didn't have bugs/mosquitos on your thru? Even in Oregon? I know you brought a head net, but I also know you cowboy or tarp camp. Do you sleep with head net on if the pests are bad? Thx.

[@JupiterHikes]

I think in a lot of ways it is campsite selection. While most will camp by that water source i'll keep going, or i'll find a breezy spot if bugs are around, or i'll just walk until i don't 'feel' the presence of bugs anymore as some spots are better than others for unknown reasons. I came across this group of hikers who were camped in a mosquito nightmare, thousands of them swarming, but ya know i walked no more than 10 minutes further... and no bugs! So all of those things are important for tarp camping

[@JupiterHikes]

I only slept with the headnet once or twice the whole trip, the rest of the time i was good without

[@christopherch7307]

👍❤️👍EPICITY

[@geoffreyluoma4166]

Jupiter! You have been incredibly inspiring and I appreciate your mindfulness, simplicity and joy! I do have 1 question. On what date did you start the sierras (Kennedy Meadows South)? Thanks brother!

[@JupiterHikes]

I think it was something like june 8th. it is known that 'ray day' june 15th (named after the hiking legend ray jardine) is considered to be the best time to get to kennedy meadows south and begin the sierra. I was slightly early

[@nedanother9382]

@@JupiterHikes you really have to watch the rain - in rainier times June can be virtually closed for hiking (fun hiking anyway). last cpl years thats not been the case.

[@davef5916]

awesome episode man! stunning country. did the ombraz die?

[@JupiterHikes]

no i forgot them in a hotel :(((((((((((

[@texasermd1]

What kind of site were you able to find to set up camp after traversing these passes? It looks like it's all rocky sloping terrain? Thanks for another great video!

[@JupiterHikes]

As i drop down in elevation theres more trees and some nice grassy spots! Camping high in elevation wouldn't be great so most camp in the lower sections, do one pass, then camp in the low section before the next one

[@christopherch7307]

4:30 how you making miles at that pace?.... just joking stay SAFE. Much love

[@papafoster16]

Are you still cowboy camping through this section? Or using that trekking pole to pitch a tarp?

[@JupiterHikes]

cowboy camping, trekking pole just used for snow! though if it is going to rain i will setup my tarp, it just isn't raining at all yet

[@CharmingGecko]

How many Benadryl and how big of a joint does it take to sleep on a foam pad with a 30 degree quilt? 😅

[@JupiterHikes]

zero for both! at least for me, though i don't recommend the pad it is what i have used for the last 8 years of thru hiking

[@heartattackhiker3527]

Nice

[@brentonpolk]

Hey Jupiter! Love the videos! I'm wondering what software you use to edit them?

[@JupiterHikes]

davinci resolve!

[@andyveres3982]

Yeah

[@JupiterHikes]

boy

[@DaystarHiker]

When was this done?

[@hoss4928]

What dates? Did roughly one pass per day and hit all the resupplies. Whitney 21 Jun, Muir Hut 28 Jun, VVR 3 Jul, Tuolumne 8 Jul. Wish this author'd used all allowed 35-days? Whitney was warm and calm the day before and the day after, but blowing and freezing on the 21st. Didn't dare go within fifty-feet of the edge. Hut had four-feet of snow inside, but warmed up inside for an hour or more. Most passes were well defined, 'peaky.' Mather was more of a plateau. Lots of post-holing for the fat guy (this author) who sunk where others floated. Had micro-spikes, almost used them approaching Muir-Hut, but never did. Dead-weight. It was a dream, over too quickly. Thanks for cinematic's of 2022 memories.

[@kurterikson9441]

What camera did you you use?

[@JupiterHikes]

Sony zv1

[@vincentleuga8135]

Awesome ! Maybe a stupid question, but which bear canister are you using ? (had hard time to fit more than 5 days in the BV500 :D )

[@michaellundphotography]

I’m sure he doesn’t keep all of his food in it or at all, just bring it with for the regulations. Just my guess though =)

[@JupiterHikes]

I used the 450, wish i had the 500 tho. I skimped myself on food to make it fit. And yes I did keep my food in it, and i did store it away from camp each night as per regulation. rules are there for a reason!

[@michaelb1761]

@@JupiterHikes Thanks for doing it and for saying it. I've never fit more than 6 days in a 450 with the first day's food outside of it. I'm sure I could if I could learn to like couscous. :-)

[@vincentleuga8135]

@@JupiterHikes Thank you ! I wish you all the best :)

[@nedanother9382]

well sir you are not obsessing enough....it requires something like one hour of staring at a pile per pound of food. With a lie about your whiskey you can fit 6 days and 5 nights in a BV450. Repackage everything, think powders, dried beans and only high calorie per ounce items. I actually like carrying a bear can. I love not worrying whats in my food and legit hangs are near impossible in the sierra's. Yep more obsessing is what you need.

[@kerrir1955]

Did you use the V2 desert pack? I have to ask…, why bother with a white shirt? Lol😊

[@JupiterHikes]

I used the V2, not the desert! Also the white shirt looks dirty, but that is because I washed it with brand new black shorts! It turned my white shirt grey even though it is clean. Something I hadn't experienced before or learned not to do apparently. Nothing some bleach cant fix however

[@kerrir1955]

@@JupiterHikes 👍

[@michaellundphotography]

Also white shirts are waaaaay cooler in the desert =)

[@nedanother9382]

I recognize the rock at the top of Glen pass from this summer. I was sitting on it when a guy in a perfectly clean white collared hiking shirt came up to the summit......like a GD Eagle scout. It was pretty badass looking.

[@memathews]

@@michaellundphotography White also attracts 50% fewer mosquitos than most other colors👍

[@protoearth]

Obligatitory Alaskan comment: Denali is the highest peak in US

[@michaellundphotography]

I’m sure he meant the lower 48 =)

[@barondavis5692]

Kia cars suck.

[@jayneshinoda9745]

Thanks!

[@CameronConnor]

Yeah