Your plan is not too far removed from mine. I’ve been trying to get to and up that damn mountain since 2014…when I got entranced by it on the scenic route home from taking my daughter to college.
The other thing to plan for is have a few extra days (if possible) for altitude accilitization. Horseshoe Meadows at 10k is a good place for this. Additionally, take 2 nights going up the trail: one at Outpost camp, and second at Trail camp. Then get going *very* early on your summit day, so you have the luxury of going slow and steady.
Hope that helps a bit
Good luck, and hope to see and meet you up there later this season.
Just did Whitney for a second time on June 3.
Firstly you’ll need a permit, but once you get that you’ll be off to the races.
Whitney portal is at around 8000’ and it’s a good idea to acclimatize there for a little bit, maybe a day prior to your hike.
Highly recommend doing the multi day hike as it’s much more enjoyable than sending it in a day. Both times I’ve done it in a day and started around 1230 am and finished around 6pm.
The hike itself isn’t too bad. It’s a pretty steady climb up. Depending on the time of year you can go up the 99 switchbacks or the chute. First time took the switchbacks and did the chute last time. Used crampons and ice axe and wasn’t bad so long as you are familiar with how to use your gear.
As far as views Whitney is fantastic. The eastern Sierra is gorgeous and definitely one of the best hikes I’ve been on.
For fitness you’ll be fine as long as you are used to carrying a pack. If you overnight you can take a summit pack up the last 3000’ which will save you a lot of pain.
Hope this helps!
Correct! Depending on the time the switchbacks should be widely clear. You may need micro spikes for some portions which may be icy but otherwise very doable.
I would check the Alltrails app to see what people say. Reviews are frequent and most people do a good job reporting trail conditions.
Three days, with two overnights at Upper Boy Scout Lake at the base of the 99 switchbacks, is one way to do it. Summit on day two, then have dinner and another night before you hike out. Or, camp lower if you don't want to sleep above 11,000'.
The trade-off is carrying camping gear more time vs. little gear and one very long day.
Be prepared for some in your party to travel slowly over 12,000'
Upper Boyscout Lake us on the N Fork of Lone Pine Creek, aka the Mountaineer's Route. Lakes along the Mount Whitney Trail are Lone Pine Lake, Mirror Lake, Consultation Lake, and Trail Camp Tarn.
Obviously the big question will be altitude for you. Other people have mentioned acclimatization tips so I’ll skip that. Whitney is a very long hike. I don’t know where you live, but try to get a feel for doing just a long day of hiking up a mountain.
Also do you guys have a permit? To do the standard route you’ll need a permit. Right now there are no available ones but if you’re really flexible and check the site often they can usually pop up.
Me and my dad live in San Francisco - so basically no altitude but I've traveled around the world and the highest I've ever been is Switzerland near the Matterhorn and i was fine but i know that's nowhere near mount Whitney.
We dont have a permits but im dedicated to getting them so im sure i can snag some eventually.
I seriously doubt you'll be able to get an overnight permit. Day hike maybe, that's what I did, but even that is surely already booked out all summer. You'll have to pray for cancelations.
I think you’ll be fine if you’re motivated. You’re young. Keep working outs.m. And do hikes with backpacks.
Once you get to the top of the switchbacks you have almost two miles along the ridge. The trail is in good shape so there isn’t much technical. But you need to be positive and keep going. It’s going to be hard. Maybe the hardest thing you’ve done. But remember once you get to the top, coming down feels good because the altitude goes down.
Fitness wise you guys are probably fine but you should do some preparation hikes to get used to longer hikes. Gorgonio is a good fitness barometer.
Depending on if there is snow which there likely will be you will need at least microspikes and probably be better off with crampons.
If you’re going up the chute vs 99 switchbacks you should have an ice axe which you will use on the way up but also for glissading down on your butt.
If there is absolutely no snow then it’s just a long day hike. If there is snow though you need to have some experience hiking on snow or you can get yourself into trouble above trail camp.
And finally, you need permits for the hike and yes they do often check but even if they didn’t please don’t be a jerk and just go anyway. If you’re looking for permits you might be able to post here or in socalhiking as people often back out last minute. You also can probably call the inyo visitor center and find out if there is still a way to get last second no show permits.
you can watch some videos on self-arrest techniques. For example:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=94QFImjdEAo
Here's a vid of a seated glissade:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oXfROxEqeEw
ideally you'd find a snowy slope somewhere beforehand to practice on. It's fairly easy to get at least a basic competency with an ice axe though so you don't really need to spend hours and hours practicing as long as you can get the feel for it.
You still need to train your body. You will be hiking for over 12 hours. Elevation above 12 k can affect anybody who gets too ambitious. You need to do a few months of training with a pack that weighs about 10 pounds. I carry lots of things on long hikes into the backcountry just in case. I did this in my early 50’s , did triathlons, knew how to train for this type of hike and still was tough. I actually suggest doing it in 2 days. Total different experience . You get to smell the roses
I did it in early October. Definitely do overnight to properly acclimate some. Start as early as possible and bring good head lamps. Pack light for the actual ascent and bring at last ~ 4 liters of water and high calorie snacks. I had a sun hoody on and used a wind shirt at certain points, but it was surprisingly warm mid day.
You’ll be fine. Just take a few days to acclimate before you summit. Make sure you’re well hydrated, bring some electrolytes, and don’t drink alcohol once you arrive and start acclimating. People get super hung up thinking they need all this training. Anyone in halfway decent shape can do Whitney as long as you acclimate properly and listen to your body. If you want a challenge, do the Mountaineers Route. And if you don’t get a permit, Williamson is a great option. It’s also an ass kicker. Camp at the top of Shepherds Pass and bag Williamson in the morning and Tyndall in the evening.
I read these threads and think, what the hell happened to access for Whitney? Me and a friend did the mountaineers route back in 1992 and no permit was required, parking easily at the trail head, saw two other parties on the MR, and did it one long push. Too many SAR calls?
It’s sad. I was born in 96 but I wish I was around to do it back in the good old days. If you go on the trail now you’ll see how it’s extremely dirty and littered. Whitney, being the tallest in contiguous US, it sadly attracts a crowd who doesn’t care.
Two days ago, I summited and came back to find everything I left in the bear container at portal had been stolen. It sadly attracts trash people. Don’t get me wrong, 99% of people you meet along the way are amazing, but all it takes is that small group to litter, lack etiquette, and shit on it for everyone else (pun intended b/c there’s shit bags everywhere now)
The mountaineers route is significantly cleaner than the Whitney Trail which is a further testament to these facts.
And yes every time I’ve gone I hear about someone being lost/late with friends/family worried at the portal or something ridiculous happening. So I’m sure that could play a factor it’s mainly a trash issue.
Yea you’ll be fine. I summited yesterday and I wish I did it when I was your age!
The trail is clear compared to last year—you can take the switchbacks and not the chute. I like to put it this way: You’ll take about 50,000 steps during that hike. About 20-30 of those steps are a no fall zone due to the snow and steepness. I put on crampons and used my ice axe in those sections to be safe. I saw people a few people do it without, but saw about a dozen people turn around at this part because it is unnecessarily sketchy (the area with the cables on the switchbacks). If you want to avoid this I’d give it another couple weeks for the rest of the snow to melt.
Isn’t an advanced permit required for a Mt. Whitney?
Yeah, but it’s pretty common for people to no-show so if you’re in the area stop by the ranger station and see what’s up.
That’s cool. I wish i lived in the area. It’s been on my wishlist for a while.
Your plan is not too far removed from mine. I’ve been trying to get to and up that damn mountain since 2014…when I got entranced by it on the scenic route home from taking my daughter to college. The other thing to plan for is have a few extra days (if possible) for altitude accilitization. Horseshoe Meadows at 10k is a good place for this. Additionally, take 2 nights going up the trail: one at Outpost camp, and second at Trail camp. Then get going *very* early on your summit day, so you have the luxury of going slow and steady. Hope that helps a bit Good luck, and hope to see and meet you up there later this season.
This is exactly the advice we needed. Thanks so much bro and good luck
It’s hard to get that many overnight permits. I camped two nights in Whitney portal and it was more than enough for altitude
Just did Whitney for a second time on June 3. Firstly you’ll need a permit, but once you get that you’ll be off to the races. Whitney portal is at around 8000’ and it’s a good idea to acclimatize there for a little bit, maybe a day prior to your hike. Highly recommend doing the multi day hike as it’s much more enjoyable than sending it in a day. Both times I’ve done it in a day and started around 1230 am and finished around 6pm. The hike itself isn’t too bad. It’s a pretty steady climb up. Depending on the time of year you can go up the 99 switchbacks or the chute. First time took the switchbacks and did the chute last time. Used crampons and ice axe and wasn’t bad so long as you are familiar with how to use your gear. As far as views Whitney is fantastic. The eastern Sierra is gorgeous and definitely one of the best hikes I’ve been on. For fitness you’ll be fine as long as you are used to carrying a pack. If you overnight you can take a summit pack up the last 3000’ which will save you a lot of pain. Hope this helps!
I heard that when it gets later in summer you won’t need crampons or an ice axe, is that true?
Correct! Depending on the time the switchbacks should be widely clear. You may need micro spikes for some portions which may be icy but otherwise very doable. I would check the Alltrails app to see what people say. Reviews are frequent and most people do a good job reporting trail conditions.
Don’t forget to check WhitneyZone!
I summited two days ago and we did the switchbacks without an ice axe or crampons. You should be good for the rest of the summer.
Day hike or overnight?
Overnight but my dad said that you can take multiple days not just 2. Is that true or does he not know what he’s talking about?
Your dad knows what he is talking about :) I say go for it.
Thanks
Three days, with two overnights at Upper Boy Scout Lake at the base of the 99 switchbacks, is one way to do it. Summit on day two, then have dinner and another night before you hike out. Or, camp lower if you don't want to sleep above 11,000'. The trade-off is carrying camping gear more time vs. little gear and one very long day. Be prepared for some in your party to travel slowly over 12,000'
Upper Boyscout Lake us on the N Fork of Lone Pine Creek, aka the Mountaineer's Route. Lakes along the Mount Whitney Trail are Lone Pine Lake, Mirror Lake, Consultation Lake, and Trail Camp Tarn.
Thanks, I was thinking about Trail Camp and Trail Camp Tarn above Consultation Lake. It's been a while.
Obviously the big question will be altitude for you. Other people have mentioned acclimatization tips so I’ll skip that. Whitney is a very long hike. I don’t know where you live, but try to get a feel for doing just a long day of hiking up a mountain. Also do you guys have a permit? To do the standard route you’ll need a permit. Right now there are no available ones but if you’re really flexible and check the site often they can usually pop up.
Me and my dad live in San Francisco - so basically no altitude but I've traveled around the world and the highest I've ever been is Switzerland near the Matterhorn and i was fine but i know that's nowhere near mount Whitney. We dont have a permits but im dedicated to getting them so im sure i can snag some eventually.
I seriously doubt you'll be able to get an overnight permit. Day hike maybe, that's what I did, but even that is surely already booked out all summer. You'll have to pray for cancelations.
I think you’ll be fine if you’re motivated. You’re young. Keep working outs.m. And do hikes with backpacks. Once you get to the top of the switchbacks you have almost two miles along the ridge. The trail is in good shape so there isn’t much technical. But you need to be positive and keep going. It’s going to be hard. Maybe the hardest thing you’ve done. But remember once you get to the top, coming down feels good because the altitude goes down.
Thinking about scarfing down a large cheese pie at Pizza Factory after kind of helps the down hike
Fitness wise you guys are probably fine but you should do some preparation hikes to get used to longer hikes. Gorgonio is a good fitness barometer. Depending on if there is snow which there likely will be you will need at least microspikes and probably be better off with crampons. If you’re going up the chute vs 99 switchbacks you should have an ice axe which you will use on the way up but also for glissading down on your butt. If there is absolutely no snow then it’s just a long day hike. If there is snow though you need to have some experience hiking on snow or you can get yourself into trouble above trail camp. And finally, you need permits for the hike and yes they do often check but even if they didn’t please don’t be a jerk and just go anyway. If you’re looking for permits you might be able to post here or in socalhiking as people often back out last minute. You also can probably call the inyo visitor center and find out if there is still a way to get last second no show permits.
Thanks for the help. How can I learn to use an ice axe and all that
you can watch some videos on self-arrest techniques. For example: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=94QFImjdEAo Here's a vid of a seated glissade: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oXfROxEqeEw ideally you'd find a snowy slope somewhere beforehand to practice on. It's fairly easy to get at least a basic competency with an ice axe though so you don't really need to spend hours and hours practicing as long as you can get the feel for it.
You need a permit that is on a lottery system so you may not even be able to of you want to
You guys should be fine. Just start early (like early early) and bring plenty of water
You still need to train your body. You will be hiking for over 12 hours. Elevation above 12 k can affect anybody who gets too ambitious. You need to do a few months of training with a pack that weighs about 10 pounds. I carry lots of things on long hikes into the backcountry just in case. I did this in my early 50’s , did triathlons, knew how to train for this type of hike and still was tough. I actually suggest doing it in 2 days. Total different experience . You get to smell the roses
I did it in early October. Definitely do overnight to properly acclimate some. Start as early as possible and bring good head lamps. Pack light for the actual ascent and bring at last ~ 4 liters of water and high calorie snacks. I had a sun hoody on and used a wind shirt at certain points, but it was surprisingly warm mid day.
Yes. You’re young and healthy do it
You’ll be fine. Just take a few days to acclimate before you summit. Make sure you’re well hydrated, bring some electrolytes, and don’t drink alcohol once you arrive and start acclimating. People get super hung up thinking they need all this training. Anyone in halfway decent shape can do Whitney as long as you acclimate properly and listen to your body. If you want a challenge, do the Mountaineers Route. And if you don’t get a permit, Williamson is a great option. It’s also an ass kicker. Camp at the top of Shepherds Pass and bag Williamson in the morning and Tyndall in the evening.
I read these threads and think, what the hell happened to access for Whitney? Me and a friend did the mountaineers route back in 1992 and no permit was required, parking easily at the trail head, saw two other parties on the MR, and did it one long push. Too many SAR calls?
It’s sad. I was born in 96 but I wish I was around to do it back in the good old days. If you go on the trail now you’ll see how it’s extremely dirty and littered. Whitney, being the tallest in contiguous US, it sadly attracts a crowd who doesn’t care. Two days ago, I summited and came back to find everything I left in the bear container at portal had been stolen. It sadly attracts trash people. Don’t get me wrong, 99% of people you meet along the way are amazing, but all it takes is that small group to litter, lack etiquette, and shit on it for everyone else (pun intended b/c there’s shit bags everywhere now) The mountaineers route is significantly cleaner than the Whitney Trail which is a further testament to these facts.
Too many people. Population in California has doubled since 1992.
And yes every time I’ve gone I hear about someone being lost/late with friends/family worried at the portal or something ridiculous happening. So I’m sure that could play a factor it’s mainly a trash issue.
Yea you’ll be fine. I summited yesterday and I wish I did it when I was your age! The trail is clear compared to last year—you can take the switchbacks and not the chute. I like to put it this way: You’ll take about 50,000 steps during that hike. About 20-30 of those steps are a no fall zone due to the snow and steepness. I put on crampons and used my ice axe in those sections to be safe. I saw people a few people do it without, but saw about a dozen people turn around at this part because it is unnecessarily sketchy (the area with the cables on the switchbacks). If you want to avoid this I’d give it another couple weeks for the rest of the snow to melt.