I stayed on the summit in a bivy in late May of 2010. It was cooold, but I expected it since it was still late spring (had to use the snow chute that goes straight up to Trail Crest cause the 99 switchbacks were still covered in snow). Clouds came in after nightfall too, which made conditions a whiteout and it got very wet, very misty, and the wind whipped throughout the night. I was lying in a natural rock ring near the summit edge, but the wind chill made me crawl between a crevice, which helped me sleep a little better.
This past summer (early August) I slept in the chute between the Mt. Whitney summit and Iceberg Lake on the mountaineer's route, and it was surprisingly warm with a light breeze. I would recommend trying it at least once; as mentioned, the sunsets, sunrises, and overall experience is thrilling.
Last edited by illyav; 10/24/16 03:58 PM.
