Mt Whitney Zone Forums General Discussion Acclimatization

Quick question for those who have done this a few times...we're headed up early for some day hikes to get bodies used to the altitude, thinking about camping at and hiking around Horseshoe Meadow. Good idea? Other recommendations? Thanks

Spending a day or two at Horseshoe Meadow is a great idea. Lots of nice day hikes. However, be careful of the free ranging cattle, including a bull.

All the campgrounds are 'walk-in', which means you will have to park in a parking lot and haul your gear to a campsite. Not a huge deal, if you will be using your backpacking gear. Could be a hassle if you are bringing the full on car camping gear with the huge tent and camp kitchen. There are bear lockers, but they are shared lockers. As I recall, 2 large bear locker between 3 or 4 campsites.

If you want to have a guaranteed spot, you might want to try to stay at one of the Whitney Portal sites. Reservations can be made for most of the sites.

Here's a nice half-day or so hike from Horseshoe Meadows, including a story about the cows. I wouldn't worry about "a bull" -- open range cattle are quite docile.

    Trail Peak: Warmup / acclimatization hike

Thanks guys

I am under the impression that they don't let the cattle loose until a little later in the summer, when the meadows have dried out a bit, to reduce the hoof damage somewhat. How much, I don't know.

Oh, in re-reading Steve's funny story, I'd also mention that you generally want to stay out of those meadows in early season, because they are WET. You can easily sink up to your knee and lose your boot!

Also, have full-on mosquito protection. Permethrin plus deet when there is all that water.