Mt Whitney Zone Forums General Discussion Whitney Main Trail Conditions 2013 (Out-of-Date)

That's an amazing groove. Thanks for posting the picture.

Could anyone give me the current (estimated) night, morning and day temps at Trail Camp?

Thanks

Seven day forecast for 12,800': http://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php...75#.UceSaol5mc0 . Ignore the top part of the screen that has current conditions in Bishop.

Climbed Mt Whitney by the main trail on Saturday.
Perfect weather conditions.

Snow condition:
Trail is 98% snow free. There is some snow in the cables section which can be avoided easily. There is about a 30ft patch of snow right before you get on to the final plateau, but there is nice track through the snow patch so no danger whatsoever regarding faling or slipping.

Some small points from my experience
1. Dont carry too much water. We carried 2 liters per head and refilled at trail camp with a filter while climbing up as well as climbing down. We didnt even have filters but had iodine tablets. Many thanks to the fellow hikers who let us use their filter

2. Apart from trail camp, there are plenty of more water sources on the trail too.

3. Carry food with lot of carbs and bananas. You will need it to restore the energy once you reach the top.

4. The 99 switch backs never end. Just keep walking at a steady pace LOOKING DOWN on the trail.

5. The stretch from trail crest to the summit, is the most grueling according to me, although you gain just 800ft. The trail is very very rocky and you need to be extra cautions about your footing as there is a steep drop on one side. Plus your legs will be tired from already climbing for around 9 miles. Be mentally prepared for another 2 hrs of strenuous hiking from trail crest to summit. We thought it will be relatively flat, but were sorely disappointed after starting on that piece of trail.

6. Start as early as possible. We started at 3am, and could make it back within a relatively good time, but you always will want to spend some more time at the top.

Other than that, just have fun on the hike! Its difficult trail but not impossible

Thank you.

I mainly need the weather conditions for my wife, and from the looks of it, it's not going to too cold for her.

Thank you both for the information.

Summited July 3, 2013. No snow issues. Left portal at 1 AM, weather cool, two Icebreaker shirts, light hiking shirt, long hiking pants....trail camp around 530 AM, little chilly while replenishing water....up switchbacks, warmed up, t-shirt and shorts okay....little chilly when wind picked up in shadey areas...summit at 830 AM, 12th person to sign in at the top for the day. Good trip, good weather, plenty of water.

Bulldog34 posted these on Facebook, taken July 25, I believe. They show the results of a heavy downpour from the recent weather that passed through. With this much down at the Portal, there had to be some tremendous rain higher up.

Trailhead parking:




Thanks for the pics, Gary!

Does it seem to others that this summer's weather has been very wet compared to others? When I look at the web cam I do not recall seeing so many overcast/cloudy/rain days in the past.

Yes, thanks for the pictures. Poor Prius and econoboxes. I hope they were able to get out with all that dirt and mud. I got lucky a few weeks ago and got in the perfect window, right after an early July storm and right before this latest wetness.

John,
I think it was worst last year. I remember watching the weather reports for a few clear days to go up there and remembered it raining by the afternoon almost everyday.

Heading up on Sunday. Should I take bug wipes?

Thank you in advance for the advice!

I just finished 10 days up high , had lunch at the Portal today with Doug. never saw a mosquito despite the recent rains, never took out my bugnet or bug spray. of course, the few bugs that are there might like you more than me !

I hope they like me less Harvey!

Thanks so much!

August 15: There is a report that the spring crossing switchback 23 is dry in the morning, but running ok in the afternoons. It is fed by a snow field farther up the slope.

That means last water on the way up is the Trail Camp pond. I have always made my way to the inlet of the pond, and filled my containers without treating or filtering.

I am a first-timer and heading up 8/23/13. It looks like there are thundershowers predicted the days before our hike. If it does rain prior to hiking what does that mean in terms of the trail?
Thanks!

The trail is high and dry. After any rain, there is usually no problem, just less dust. There is no place on the trail where anything can become swampy.

The bigger issue is if it storms while you are hiking or camping on the mountain. Since the area is so high, what might just be light rain lower down can be icy and windy on the trail.

Watch the weather forecasts for conditions during your time on the mountain, and be prepared.

Thank you! I'm excited and frightened!

The spring at the switchbacks was running strong and sounded like a river when we came down(11:30am) the mt on the aug 18. When we went up there was nothing(7:00am)

I am a first timer too, RJS...hope to summit on 9.11...just wanted you to know I am excited and terrified all at once as well...please post how your experience went and best of luck!!!

We were at Outpost Camp Sunday night when the storms hit. 3/7 ended up hiking down and spending the night in a hotel. 4 of us stayed at camp and ran into lots of ice and snow/hail above Mirror Lake. If I had never been on the trail before, I don't think we would've been able to find our way to Trail Camp.

My hubby and I have a day permit for Sept 10. Are you doing it in a day?