Mt Whitney Zone Forums General Discussion Hiking to Trail Camp

Good day I’m new to the board but not to hiking. I have previous experience hiking San Jacinto Peak twice, Alta Peak, and the Mt. Whitney trail up to Lone Pine Lake in March besides that I regularly hike Mt Laguna & the PCT, El Cajon mountain...all this since the pandemic began.

My goal is to do at least a day hike from the portal up the main trail to trail camp before quota season May 1st. Permits are easy to get right now and I’m aware theres a little snow as I hiked part of the trail last month.

I’m wondering if hiking to trail camp on the main trail in micro spikes on big boots with poles & gaiters is advisable?.

Although I would love nothing more than to overnight at trail camp and summit the next day I would only try if the conditions seem right but my main goal is to test my new sleeping system and tent. Also want to get some great photos of the lakes and summit block.

I don’t own crampons yet but I think you can rent them in Lone Pine IIRC

Best regards
Mike