Mt Whitney Zone Forums General Discussion 2012 Whitney Hike Calendar

OK, I've thought about this long enough. I'm going to give the Mountaineers route a try. I've looked at photos, videos, and trip reports to the point that I think I can find the trail. Provided the weather forecast looks good, my plan is to head for Yosemite on Sunday, the 23rd of Sept. Perhaps hike to the top of Mt. Dana, or if altitude is an issue turn around earlier. Then, on to Mammoth Lakes for two nights. On the first day, hike to Lake Ediza - the fall colors should be spectacular. Next day, drive to Lone Pine, and see about a permit. After getting permit, drive up to the portal, and hike to the E-Ledges. It will be dark the next morning, so I want to know this part of the hike before launching. Then, on Wed. depart the portal ~5:15 AM (Twilight at 6:23, sunrise at 6:49). It should just be light by the time I get to E-Ledges, so I do not want to leave earlier. I'm planning on 7 hours up, and returning via the Main Trail, so perhaps as much as 6 hours down. Total expected time ~ 13 to 14 hours, which I think will be OK, since even if it takes longer there is a nearly full moon for the end of the decent, and the trail is easy to follow with head lamp. The big variable is weather. Unless the forecast is good for that entire week I will likely wait until next spring.

After further consideration I think my 7 hour estimate is much too optimistic. I'm now anticipating up to 9 hours, which will mean finishing in the dark (~9 PM). Not too concerned, as the lower part of the trail is easy to follow, and the moon should be a good source of light (in addition to headlamp). So, still planning on doing this, weather permitting, on Wed., Sept. 26th.

John, the MR is so direct, it shouldn't take 9 hours, unless you do a lot of rest stops.

Well, that is what I thought at first, which is why I guessed 7 hours. However, your video shows just over 8 hours, and then Quillansculpture mentioned 8 hours 20 minutes, so I though it best to back off the 7 hours. I would, of course, be very pleased to do it quicker:-)
Thanks for your comment.

I was carrying 15 lbs of overnight gear. And we stopped extra long at Iceberg Lake -- (Bob H arrived late, so I waited for him to rest up and eat lunch.) Then up at the Notch, I think we chilled about 45 minutes, since there was no reason to hurry to the summit and then wait so long for night fall. And invite AMS symptoms.

We were definitely loafing.

Well, that is most encouraging. So, would the following be a realistic schedule?
0:00 - Start
1:00 - Start of E-Ledges
1:30 - LBSL
2:00 - Start of Slabs
2:30 - End of Slabs
4:00 - Iceberg Lake
6:00 - The Notch
7:00 - Top out

Definitely realistic.

John, I'm anxious to see your report on this hike. I'm considering it too however the exposure makes me nervous. I'm hiking Half Dome Wednesday and am a little nervous about those cables too.

Hi Frank,
I'll try to get a trip report in the following week end. I'm sure the exposure will be something to deal with, but I've seen enough video and photos to think that it should be OK.
I've done Half Dome a couple of times, and I believe you will find that coming down is easier than going up. Take some gloves that will give you good grip on the cables (consider water ski gloves). Good luck with the climb. Let us know how it goes.

In reference to Wed's Half Dome hike: Don't worry about the cables. Worry about the sub dome. My daughter and I did a day hike from Curry Village-Half Dome summit and back. 14 hour round trip total. The sub dome was killer yet it seems like everyone's focus is on the cables. Sub dome is where they check your permit. Great view. Good luck.

Have decided to launch early, and hike on Thursday (20th). Looks as though we may start to get some "weather" next week, so want to go before any snow.

What is this "weather" you speak of next week?

Look at "exteneded forecast" for Summit, or Lone Pine, and you will see some chance of rain/snow over the weekend, and then more possibilities later next week. It has softened a bit since yesterday, so probably not an issue. I just prefer to go up without any ice or residual snow, and I know if I go this week there should be no weather related issues.

I've been trying to watch the weather forecasts but had not seen this info

Yeah it shouldn't be that big of an issue. If you look at the 10 day for Lone Pine you see it clears up by Sunday. Temps are definitely dropping though. Praying for weather to hold off for a couple more weeks!

Steve, this is a great thread! Can you put me down (+1) for an October 10th overnighter via the main trail?

Edit: Rest of post moved to October 10th overnighter

Last October we biked from Badwater to Whitney portal and then tried to climb Whitney all with in 24 hours. Unfortunately, our attempt failed because our hike was slowed by heavy snow. Last years trip report is here.

This Friday 9/28, four of us will begin riding from death valley around sunset. We plan on arriving at whitney portal around sunrise, where we will meet six other hikers. 10 of us will attempt to summit on Saturday 9/29 before dark. We have permits and will likely stay at Trail Camp Saturday night.

So far, things look like they are coming together. The weather looks good, its will be a full moon, and we were lucky to get the permits. I'll post a trip report once we make it back.

My buddy and I are going for a walk-in permit for an overnighter on 9/29. Fingers are crossed. Add two for Mountaineer Route (North Fork)!

I wasn't able to go last Fall since my daughter was born near my lottery ticket(s) entry date. If I left home then, with my wife pregnant and two already at home, I'd be a dead man. My wife is stoked for me now. Soooo, this trip has been 1.5 year in the making. Looks like it'll be a nice weekend!

I switched Brent N to the 10th, and added stephen_h and EPS.

Good luck to all of you!

Hey bud,

I lost my backpack (green, REI wonderland) with blue sleeping bag and purple thermarest bungied together, I think)while descending the Ebersbacher ledges on the north fork trail last sunday the 23rd, If you are heading up that way tomorrow could you look just down the ravine from the main waterfall crossing before you enter the ledges? I would really appreciate it if you could leave the pack out on the trail where it is visible and alert the forest ranger to pick it up. My iPhone is in it and I have some valuable video and photos I would love to have.

Call me at 949-548-7000 if you get this message and see my pack.