JfromLA- did your group use ice axes to glissade? I descended sat as well and thought the chute looked really rocky. I also didn't have my ax, so i'm curious what you used to control your glissade.
We all had ice axes, save for one who didn't bring one and used a hiking pole instead. We descended early afternoon and the snow was pretty mushy so going out of control wasn't huge concern.
I didn't have any trouble with rocks, but one guy in our group was complaining about hitting some right under the surface. He ended up walking down the last half of the snow chute.
Here is a video posted by Alana in Mt Whitney - "The Cables" of her walking through the cables section. Gives a pretty good idea of what you are in for.
Edit 6/21: Most of the snow is now gone, so it is easy to walk through this location.
Watch it in full-screen mode, and it will make you feel like you are there.
Thanks for posting Steve. We are a group of 10 hikers and on this video is my son and my friend Garry. My son wants me to go first and see if I slip and then his going next...LOL!!!
Your welcome! it was fun. We started wearing pants and change as soon at it gets warmer to during the day. We started at 3am and it's a bit cold. Goodluck and be safe!
My partner and I made it to the summit on Saturday 6/9 on our day hike. Started out from portal at 3:45am, 10 hours later we were at the summit, total hike time was 16 hours flat. We took it slow to acclimate and had very little symptoms of altitude sickness. Neither one of us had climbed that high before. We did not use any special equipment beyond trekking poles and caution. Extra care was taken at the cables and the snow field near the top. It was a glorious day! Thanks to everyone for providing tips and reports from earlier trips. I've been reading these boards for over year hoping for my turn to summit and all the research paid off.
First summit of Half Dome (cables down) May 18th, 2012.
First summit of Mt. Whitney (day hike) June 9th, 2012.
I'll take the rest of the summer off now.
Happy Trails!
"If you're gonna be stupid, you've got to be tough."
Anyone have information on summiting Whitney through Cottonwood Lakes?? My friends and I will be starting Saturday and probably taking 4 days to exit at Whitney Portal. Not wanting to carry any snow gear if possible.
I'll be at the Cottonwood trailhead on Thursday night (6/21), hiking in on Friday. I won't be going to Whitney, but I have done that hike several times. I do plan a day hike to Langley summit on Friday or Saturday. I will be taking no snow gear (crampons, ice axe, etc.), as reports have the snow level down to the no-gear-needed level. Write if you would like to discuss further. ricotetrazini AT gmail DOT com.
Hey thanks! I did hear that to Langley it is clear. Just trying to see if there was any news of Langley to the summit. We are going without gear - I'll be able to post how it goes! Weather report says windy...
Had a successful overnight hike to Whitney June 18-19, reaching the summit on the morning of the 19th. We camped at Horsehoe Meadow on the 17th, which proved to be necessary, as we experienced minor altitude effects upon arriving there, and then here and there during various points on Whitney. The mules and maintenance were on the trail as we started to Trail Camp, so we were dodging dumplings, but that wasn't bad. We started at 3:30am from Trail Camp hiking the switchbacks to an incredible sunrise. The cables had snow remaining still but a full path is clear and passable, and the snow field at the top had a skinny path through it. Made it fine with no equipment in darkness. Only two other hikers there when we reached the top. It was 32 on the summit in the morning, and there was a steady wind, so it was pretty chilly. I will post an entire trip report on my blog soon. It was an unforgettable experience.
Day hiked to summit on June 20th with my daughter, and a family friend. Perfect weather. The cables are not an issue. Plenty of room to hike between snow and cables. Snow field near top is a bit slippery, but really not a problem. Did not check the temp at top, but likely over 55 F. Very comfortable, with nice breeze.
I was up there Tuesday morning too. Left Trail Camp at 5:00 AM and made it to the summit at 7:30. You're right, it was very cold and windy that morning.
Check out my adventures at my California Travel Blog http://californiathroughmylens.com, excited I was able to add Mt Whitney and Half Dome to it this year.
Hiked to the top on the 4th of July. The conditions were great. The ice patch that jondotcom posted recently was the spot were I had to walk over ice. It actually seemed more icy than in that picture (which I know is not possible). I'm guessing if the picture was taken in the other direction, one could see how the ice was actually in the trail. Not bad though, maybe about 15 to 20 feet.
Has anyone climbed Whitney in the last day or so? How is the ice? Trying to decide if crampons are needed or if it's good without them. Hike is scheduled for July 31st and it's the first time up. Any advice would be greatly appreciated! thanks
I don't think anyone has used crampons for a few weeks now. We didn't use them July 4. Nothing that day to use them on. Snow field near summit was minor ... 20 feet mayb, deeply trenched, melting fast, with no sharp drop off. Picture in my onion valley trip report, though probably even smaller now.... Didn't see anyone with crampons that day. Of course, folks must make decisions best for them. Weather permitting, should be a great summer hike.
