Mt Whitney Zone Forums General Discussion Whitney Main Trail Conditions 2013 (Out-of-Date)

If you are camping at Trail Camp, right at the foot of the switchbacks, an 8 AM start should be just fine. If you're camping down at outpost, then start earlier, say 6:30.

If it is a cold morning, it will take time with sunshine to warm the icy conditions. On a warmer day that won't be a big deal. And going up on harder snow is easier than coming down in the same.