First, I really want to thank everyone that contributes to this awesome forum. I have been following it daily in preperation for my upcomming first summit attempt on July 19, and the information that has come from the posts and responses I have found extremely valuable. I certianly plan to return the favor and post as soon after my trip with trail conditions and observations.
That said, as my trip is quicky approching, I did have some final preperation clean up questions, which I would be very happy if others could shed some light on:
1) To bring or not bring an ice axe: Based on the latest updates and trip reports, it looks like the switchbacks still have snow on them, as well as a couple portions of the trail past trail crest to the summit. I plan to take the switchbacks up and down, as I don't have experiance or feel comfortable enough climbing the chute, and if the switchbacks are not doable, I'll turn back. I have an ice axe, as well as hiking poles and micro spikes. Fairly experianced with the microspikes and poles, not so much with the axe (and no expericance with crampons so will not be using them). My question is if I should bring the ice axe for stability and possible self-arrest, or if the general consensus is that it will just be dead weight, and poles will be better/sufficent. Also, anywhere in the area I could get some practice on with the ice axe if i choose to bring/use it?
2) Diamox or no diamox: I live at sea level in San Diego. For elevation trianing purposes, the last 2 months I have done the higher peaks around me (Baldy, San Jacinto, San Bernardino, Gorgonio:11,500 ft) and have had absolutely no signs of AMS/headaches/nausea whatsoever. I plan to stay 7/17 at Lone Pine Campground, 7/18 at Whitney Portal, and hike 7/19 starting between 12-2 AM. That said, I had my doctor perscribe me some Diamox just in case. I understand and have read the great debates on taking Diamox on this forum and other places, but Im still going back and forth on how I should dose and if I should even take it in the first place and risk the side effects (although the side effects are listed to be pretty minimal). If I take it, my plan as of now is to take a low dose, taking a 250 ml pill and split into 4, taking 62.5 ml starting 7/17 (PM), 7/18 (AM), 7/18(PM), and 7/19 (AM): last dose after I start my hike/maybe when I am about to trail camp or crest. Would love some insight from others as to that dosage plan, or if I should even take it in the first place given I have not experianced symptoms in my prior hikes.
3) Prefered GPX route: For navagation, I have a Garmin Fenix 5x plus and Gaia on phone as well as a Garmin Inreach explorer. I understand the trail is fairly well defined, however me going solo and for my first time (some of which will be in the dark), I want to make sure I follow the right trail. Considering my plan to go up the main trail, taking the switchbacks, is there a "prefered" gpx of the route I can download onto my phone. I have found a couple from internet searches, just want to make sure Im using an up to date and accurate one.
4) Acclimatization hikes while in the area/before summit: My plan at this point is to drive up 7/17 AM, pick up my permit, drive up to lone pine campground, set up camp, and then drive to Horseshow Medows and do trail peak. Then drive down to lone pine for food, and back up to sleep at lone Pine camp. Next day I will do a little walking around lone pine camp, head up to whitney portal, and maybe do a little of the hike from the main trial just to get familliar with it as I will be hiking in the dark later that night/early morning. Does this sound like a good plan? Any suggestions for something else? Also, as for trial peak, exactly how strenuous is it, and about how long does it usually take. Also, is the trail easy to follow? Cant find a whole bunch of info on it or gpx maps/etc.
5) Campground etiquette/Whitney Portal Store: I see for Lone Pine and Portal campground official check in is at 2:00. If I am there earlier than that time and see the spot is already vacant, can I set up camp earlier than the 2 PM check in time? Last, any word on what time the portal store is closing up/stop serving food at this time of year?
Again, thank you so much to all that contribute to this post, and any others on this forum. Im very excited for my trip up Whitney and hoping it will be first of many!
Last edited by Justin; 07/12/19 05:11 PM.
