Mt Whitney Zone Forums General Discussion Quick questions about MR route

Hi Everyone,

Our plan is the exact same as Alex's, MR up and MT down, even on the same date. This is also our first Whitney attempt. So I just use this thread to ask my question instead of starting a new one.

My question is, how much water shall I bring? When hiking in Colorado, my water consumption is typically one litre every 5 miles and 1,500' gain. For example, two litres for a ten mile, 3k feet gain round trip. I should be able to pump water at one of those lakes along the MR, right? My plan is to take 2 litres and the filter with me, refill at UBSL, summit, and then refill again at switchback #23. Does it sound reasonable or too risky?

Thanks,
Frank

If you drink enough at the trail head, and at each stream intersection, you shouldn't need to carry more than a pint anywhere until you get to iceberg lake. From there, I'd drink all I could, and take 2 liters. Be sure to drink at the stream coming out of UBSL -- it is a significant side trip to get to the lake itself.

You don't need to filter or treat the water. Many of us don't, but you can do what you like in that department.

Switchback 23 may possibly be dry on your way down, but the inlet to the Trail Camp pond is always running clear.

I'm joining the MR question party. Doing a slower ascent of Whitney via the MR in mid October. Totally understand the risk of weather, and not going up if there's any major snow/ice.

However, my friend and I would rather play safe than sorry. Last year we turned around on Mt. Russell because we didn't bring a rope and didn't feel comfortable at the final 400 meters of the east ridge of Mt. Russell.

Do people do running belays on MR? What's the "sketchiness" of this route compared to the east ridge of Mt. Russell?

Thanks a lot Steve, great stuff!

Looks like we will have terrific weather this weekend. Any recent report of ice or snow on the final 400? We will bring ice axe, microspikes just in case, and most important, binoculars to take a closer look at MR the day before.

Connor, the commercial guides belay their clients up and down, every time.

Frank, I don't think you will find any use for the axe or spikes. And the Final 400 is completely out of view, until you reach the notch.

Steve - thanks again for the info. Look forward to the mysterious Final 400

Within a mile, you have water at the split between the main trail and the North Fork. You'll pass water twice before reaching the Ebersbacher Ledges. You'll have another water source before Lower Boyscout Lake. You can refill a Clyde's Meadow before reaching Upper Boyscout Lake. There is another Lake (I believe it's call the Frog Pond) and a waterfall before Iceberg Lake. From the trail head to Iceberg Lake is probably 4-5 miles tops. You will not have anything after that though. What I'm trying to say is that you have plenty of water sources all along the route. Personally, I drink a liter at the trail head and hydrate at the various water sources I listed. I don't carry any in my pack. You can if you want to play it safe.



I think Russell is a much greater "sketchiness" factor than the MR. If you feel comfortable on the East Ridge, the MR will feel like a walk in the park.

Led a group of 5 and summited on sat.

Many thanks to everyone especially steve and john.

My 20hrs+ study of online resources and checking out eledge a day prior in day light are the best things ever. 0 time wasted on route finding!!

Trip report to come.


Alex

Congratulations Alex,

All of your preperation paid off. Zero time wasted it remarkable for "first time" on this route.

Looking forward to your trip report.

John