Any new updates? We are coming from the west side of Mt Whitney July 2nd and trying to decide if we need to carry axes or micro spikes.
Summitted on the 21st wearing trail runners and using trekking poles. Had microspikes but didn't use them. My cousin left his ice axe in the truck at the portal and it worked out not having to carry that extra weight. It was a little icy on a few sections of the switchbacks but careful foot selection and taking it slow is enough. In the afternoon the sun made it slushy which presented a different issue with footing, but again just be cautious and take your time through those sections if they still have snow on the 2nd.
