Mt Whitney Zone Forums General Discussion Whitney Main Trail Conditions 2013 (Out-of-Date)

It seems that the early melt conditions have brought about an early collection of wagbags. Where ever there are people, there is filth

And Some Guy went above and beyond the call of duty and hauled them out:

Nice job, that's awesome.

For a 2-day attempt (6/15/13)

It looks like the need crampons/spikes passed a few weeks ago assuming it's not an early morning endeavor when it's icy. Ice axes also sound unnecessary for the ascent if there are poles involved and some comfort on snow.

My question is:
Is there enough snow (in suitable condition) in the chute for glissading (and thus a need for an axe) or is that no longer an option? I assume it's down to rocks at this point but would love to slide down it again if at all possible and couldn't find any comments/pictures detailing it's condition.

Thanks!

Sounds like you really want to glissade.

Since you want to that badly, I'd carry the ice axe and go for it. There might be some rough spots, but with the axe, you can always stop and move to a different groove.

Steve,

Should I be worried of this little Sunday-Monday storm rolling in? What I mean is, worried about the amount of snow that will fall and cover the switch backs? It warms up significantly on Tuesday which would be our summit day so maybe a later morning start would suit us best.

I hate this waiting and watching period of planning!

Cody

Crazy weather! Record highs on Saturday, followed by chance of snow showers on Mt Whitney by Monday. Tuesday looks like an excellent day.

The weather forecast for Sequoia N.P. is for 20% chance of rain. NOAA says 30% near the crest. With that low a chance, I sure wouldn't worry about too much snow.

But be prepared -- it could get cold and windy, so take extra layers, and something to keep the rain off. WB Travis has often written here about freezing conditions on Whitney in the middle of summer. It can happen.

What's the weather like at Whitney Portal campground? I'm camping there Sunday & Monday. We start our 3 day hike on Tuesday.

The Feature Topics box just below the webcam images on every page, above on the left, has a link to the "Mt Whitney Weather" page. On that page, there is a link (second one down) to "Whitney Portal weather"

When you click on the Whitney Portal Weather, it opens a NOAA site that shows a 7-day forecast. Unfortunately, right at the top left of that page it shows a bogus "Current Conditions", that is for the nearest NOAA reporting weather site. Please ignore that, and scroll down a little, to the "9 Miles W Lone Pine CA -- 7 Day Forecast" part. THAT is what is predicted for Whitney Portal.

Sunday and Monday look very pleasant, only with a chance of a thunderstorm on Monday.

I hiked Whitney yesterday, and conditions are the Portal are similar to rest of the high desert - temps are well above normal, but expected to diminish beginning today.

In terms of trail conditions - the cable section shown in Bob Rockwell's photos have melted out a bit more. Just use a bit of care there, and in a few of the switchback corners, and no worries. The snowfield near the summit has a well-beaten path thru it. No need for any type of traction aids or ice axes, although several people were carrying them. And I'd echo Bob's comment re: skeeters - lots of them down low, especially in the morning.

Lots of folks on the trail yesterday - almost a carnival-like atmosphere. It was probably the warmest I've ever hiked Whitney, but even so, it wasn't unreasonably warm.

A most excellent description -- especially the switchbacks; a completion of the atmosphere would be a 'fist bump' every time you connect with the same people....over and over. The only other time that I have experienced this same atmosphere in the 'wilderness' (que up the audience laughter) was Half Dome. Both destinations are uniquely stunning with ease of access, but the "confluence of incongruities" (to qoute Les McCann) is hard to take at times.

Does anyone know what the conditions are like on the mountaineers route? I mainly want to know if crampons / axe will be required and is the final 400 icy. I have permits for 6/23, planning to go up mountaineers route and come down the regular trail in a day. Also is the route well marked? Its my first time up Whitney and I am planning to start when its still dark.

drekin: Based on the lack of snow on the Main Trail, the MR should be mostly clear, too. I wouldn't take the crampons or the ice axe. The final 400 should be clear enough to avoid what ice there is.

On your last question: No, it is not well marked! It is a "route" and NOT a trail. The Inyo N.F. website is extremely misleading. I've tried to get them to change it, but there is some bureaucratic reason for what they have. Here's the description from this link:

Let me repeat: There IS NO TRAIL. There are a few places where you will find a well-beaten use-trail, but for lots of it, if you do not understand where you are going, you will just be lost. If you start in the dark you are fine up to the North Fork L.P. creek. Then there is a path to follow another 15 minutes. Then paths split. Both splits come come together at the base of the Ebersbacher Ledges. A first-timer should NOT attempt the Ledges in the dark.

There is plenty of info on the MR in the first post in the Reference Forum, titled "Mountaineers Route Info and links within". Study it like crazy!

Thanks a lot Steve, I'll take a look at the forum and make a decision. Given that there is no trail I'm leaning towards taking the main trail since this is my first time on Whitney.

First time on the Main Trail is probably a good idea.

I am curious: How did you come to the idea of going up the Mountaineers Route? ...was it the Inyo site, or other sources?

I don't remember, I was toying with the idea of hiking Whitney last year but I did not get a permit, and I thought it would be more scenic and interesting if I did a loop (i.e., mountaineers route up, main trail down).

I noticed you mentioned you did not have a permit, keep in mind the loop you are considering requires 2 permits. One for the MR and one for the MT. The MT is a lottery permit (but some are available still) and the MR is reserved 6 months in advance in most cases through www.recreation.gov. The MT permit does not allow you to take the MR and vica versa.

Just a heads up in case you did not know.

I appreciate your writing, scuba, but some of the above is incorrect.

To make it clear, the two-permit requirement is ONLY if you backpack and spend the night on the Mountaineers Route (North Fork Lone Pine Creek), and then want to exit via the Main Trail. (The second Exit Permit is also required for backpackers entering any other Inyo N.F. trail and exiting the Whitney Main Trail.)

If you are day hiking, you only need the "Day Use Whitney Zone" permit, which permits people to go up EITHER the Main Trail or the North Fork (non-trail) route. With the Day Use permit, one can descend either way, as well.

Both the Day Use and Main Trail Overnight permits are within the lottery. The North Fork backpacking overnight permits are not in the lottery, but are like all other non-Whitney-Main-Trail permits: Available online up to 6 months in advance.

Davidb posted some pictures in the Trip Reports Forum:
    Main Trail 6/13/13


Several of his pictures...

The Cables:


The last patch of snow as you approach the summit:

6/18/13
Cables had less snow than shown above, the pack has receded slightly.

And the last patch was smaller.

I had no issues in my trail runners.