What really works for me is acclimating for 2 days/nights. On the way in from the Bay Area I stop at Mammoth Mountain Inn. At 9000 feet, it's just the right elevation for spending the first night at altitude. Just as important it is a full service hotel with comfortable beds so I can still get a good night's sleep, which is key two days from the hike. Then the next morning I just drive the 2 hours to the Portal campground at 8000 feet and hang out all day. I only sleep a few hours in the tent as I like to start around 2am and don't sleep very good in a tent. But...I got a good night sleep the night before so I don't feel tired or run down from sacrificing sleep for acclimization.
I don't think more than two nights are necessary, but each person is different. Also it makes a difference on how well conditioned or prepared you are as hiking with an elevated heart rate will accelerate altitude sickness issues. Hike slow to keep heart rate low (as reasonably possible). I use a HR monitor to make sure I'm not going too fast as it's very easy to do so in the exitement and it's easy to misjudge your cardiovascular load at altitude.
Last edited by bruce; 09/28/18 04:34 PM.
