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 - ...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 - ...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.
Check out the lodging situation at Lee Vining while in transit
Check out the Whitney Portal Hostel first...
Save your energy just acclimatize at Tioga and the Portal. Don't hike to the top of Dana or Tioga Peak.
Driving back on the 120 is perfect...be sure to stop at Whoa Nellie's Deli. You can't miss it.
