Mt Whitney Zone Forums General Discussion Why use switchback and not just go up directly with Chute

HI Sam,
If you are seeking a more direct (and shorter) route you should consider the Mountaineers Route. It is approx. 6 miles (one way) vs 11.x miles via the main trail. The main trail also has more "up and down" making the total elevation gain approx. 1,000' more for the main trail. The final 400 of the Mountaineers route is probably less risk than attempting to go up the chute of the main trail.