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

Hi John Sims,

1. Does the day use permit or overnight permit work on the mountaineers route as well?

2. I noticed the final 400 of MR looks steep. Does one need rope and harness? or is simply ice axe and clampon are fine? I am not a mountaineer, but I done pretty much all the hikes in Yosemite and Half Dome, etc. I have never used rope and harness to climb anything in my life. The 6 miles vs. 11 miles is tempting, but I want to make sure I am not going beyond my capabilities and tools.