Mt Whitney Zone Forums General Discussion Whitney Main Trail Conditions 2012 (Out-of-Date)

Quick update:

Just got back to LA and settled in after a successful Whitney summit earlier this morning. In regards to trail conditions, my party and I all summited in trail runners/tennis shoes [u]with[/u] trekking poles, but without microspikes. We found the snow on the switch backs was sufficiently compacted, but it certinaly had some slick spots. We left Trail Camp around 630AM and reach summit at 11ish. On our way back, we found that the snow/ice on the section of the trail from Trail Crest to the summit (along the east face of Whitney/Mt. Muir) was getting messy and it took a little extra attention to negotiate. We also decided to put microspikes on for our descent of the 97 switchbacks, and they helped immensely. With them, we made great time down the switchbacks. That's it for any "technical" info.

I'll try and write a more thorough report tomorrow but, all in all, I'd say that ice-axes surely aren't need along the Main Trail at this point (who knows what future conditions will bring), that trekking poles are a must, that microspikes could be very useful, and that snowy trail/traverse experience is particularly helpful.

It's a beautiful view from the top...

- Jacob

Day hiked the Mount Whitney Trail 10/20/12. Couldn't have asked for much better October weather. (Note the temperatures are forecasted to drop and the wind expected to pick up in the coming days) There are some very slick icy portions of trail. I highly recommend carrying a good pair of microspikes. Microspikes combined with trekking poles make ascending the 97 switchbacks and beyond a breeze, but they really shine on the way back down. The icy portions of the trail can be done with only microspikes or only trekking poles, but utilizing both will afford the most safety. I would like to thank everyone for their recent posts. This forum was an immense help in planning my hike.

Hi, Scott here from SoCal. Coming up 2nd weekend of November and following this site closely for updated conditions. I am hoping to avoid bringing along microspikes and crampons, will just have to wait and see. I am going solo which upsets my wife greatly so if you all have advice for finding meeting other hikers I am all ears. Thanks.

Scott,
I would bring the Micros regardless. I did the hike two years ago and can't tell you how many near face plants I had. Snow (if we get any!) is too soft for the crampons. Those Micros will come in handy at the lower elevations when the trail is slick with ice.

I think the only thing you have to watch for is an impending storm or the possibility of one. Gear wise, the ice axe will be useless for the same reason as the crampons. Snow is just too soft. There won't be enough to warrant bringing snow shoes either.

I'd just watch the weather and bring your best clothing and camping gear.

The crowd thins out in November but there will still be people at the Portal and both campgrounds.

will do a day hike on Oct 28th, this Sunday. Look forward for some condition report after this storm.

-Alex

Agreed. Bring the microspikes, you won't regret it. Hikers on their way up offered to buy mine from me after I descended The Switchbacks. I did agree to sell them for $200, but didn't have any takers. I used the Kahtoola micros, they worked great.

Ordered the Kahtoola's today. :thanks:

Kahtoolas are great. If you do any snow/ice hiking you will just love them. So easy to use and carry. I had never used them until several months ago when I moved to Alaska.

Any update on current conditions since this storm passed? How much/where does the snow start? Are crampon's needed yet or can we get away with micro spikes? Any info appreciated, have permit for this weekend...

FFSchooley, from the webcam view, it doesn't look like too much fell on Mt Whitney. During the storm, I could see from the radar pics that most of the snow was farther north, especially around Lake Tahoe.

Since most of the previous storm's snow had mostly melted or was well packed down, I think that microspikes and hiking poles will be sufficient.

Anyone know what current conditions are like? I'm going this weekend. WIll I need crampons, ice ax, etc?

Looking at the webcam view today, with no snow on Thor Peak at 12,300', the trail will be pretty much clear of snow to Trail Camp. But I am sure you will encounter some icy sections.

There just isn't enough snow, and especially hard-packed snow to use an ice axe. Microspikes and hiking poles would be better than crampons and ice axe, since there is lots of exposed rock on the trail.

Richard P hiked the trail Oct. 26, and took these pictures:

At the cables:


On the back (west) side:



His full album is here: Mt. Whitney - October 26, 2012


Also: Be careful! A hiker slipped on ice and was injured yesterday, and needed a helicopter rescue.

And watch the Mt Whitney Weather forecasts: Mt Whitney Weather

Hey thanks. With the changeover in time, what time do you think I'd need to get started from trail camp to summit and get back down on Sunday in a reasonable time? I'm also not likely to get microspikes (Santa Barbara doesn't have any outfitters that carry them) but reading the rescue for the guy who slipped on ice just had me spooked.

Early starts are always best. I'd set an alarm to wake up an hour before daylight so you can start hiking at dawn.

For microspikes, try calling Elevation Mountaineering 760-876-4560 in Lone Pine.
Ask about hours and availability.

It maybe too late now but I ordered microspikes on Amazon and received them in two days. Please post up some pics and trip report as I coming up the following weekend. Good luck.

Steve I noticed you posted a suggestion to sbhiker for finding MicroSpikes. I did not mean to suggest Amazon was a better source but I did get them in a hurry after unsuccessfuly searching locally (Orange County). Thanks for the weather assessment and link to the trip report. We'll see what this this next low pressure system has in store for us. Take care.

Scott

Anybody know if LPL is frozen yet?

Are you ice skating or fishing? lol Seriously though that would be good to know...

I understand the campground at Whitney Portal closed 10/31. Does anyone know if there's a place to camp near the trailhead?

I'd like to get one more day of fishing in. thinking of going up on Saturday.