I have a solo dayhike permit for Labor Day. One previous Whitney dayhike - very snowy 16 hour round trip to summit Memorial Day weekend way back in 2000 so looking forward to experiencing the switchbacks for the first time as well as a completely dry trail. Looking for comments/suggestions on my tentative schedule, especially acclimatization hike/sleeping on 8/30. Unfortunately I don't think I can leave San Jose on Friday night and get an extra night sleeping at higher elevation.
Sat 8/30 - early morning drive from San Jose to Tioga Pass area. Hike either Mt. Dana (harder option) or Tioga Peak (easier option). I haven't done either before and open to other suggestions. Need somewhere to sleep that night - preferably in the car if there are legal and bear-free options in the 9K-10K range around Tioga Pass area (otherwise will have to rent or buy a tent and try to get a site at Saddlebag Lake or similar - suggestions welcomed).
Sun 8/31 - drive to Lone Pine, collect permit, hike up to Lone Pine Lake to re-orient myself with the trail ready for hiking in the dark on Monday, visit WPS. Hoping to get a motel room in Lone Pine for the night (Dow Villa will be first choice) but if I have to bring a tent for 8/30 then I'd probably camp at the Portal Sunday night.
Mon 9/1 - day hike to summit and back, planning for 3am start. Hopefully stay at a motel in Lone Pine overnight.
Tues 9/2 - drive back to San Jose via Hwy 120.
