Looking for some advice as a first time solo female hiker. I really want to do this hike and I have a permit for the 2 day trip for June 1st & 2nd, but I am worried about a few things. This will be my first time hiking solo, ascending past 10k feet, using crampons/ax, and hiking in the snow. I have done long multiple day backpacking trips with friends, but never past 10k, so I am unfamiliar with how altitude sickness will affect me and the snow sections have me a bit worried. Since I am going after memorial day, on a weekday, I wonder if anyone will be up near the summit that I can spot to see how they summit, since the switchbacks are snowed in. And after reading that a helicopter had to carry someone out I am a bit worried if this is a good idea.
Thank you so much for any input!
Hi Carolyn. I'd suggest some of the things the other people have already mentioned here. try to get up there earlier if you can and camp a night or 2 at the portal to help get acclimated to the elevation. Just research the symptoms of AMS and if you start feeling any of them, I would recommend stopping and resting and wait to see if it passes and your body gets used to the elevation. If not, head back down a little bit and relax. don't push yourself if you don't feel good. Just play it safe
From reading the other posts, it appears most people are reaching the summit through the chute.
Since you are going solo, having a personal GPS beacon would be useful in case of an emergency. and of course bring a map and compass.
Too bad you are going up before my group goes up or i'd tell you to join us. We won't be up there until june 3-5.
