I learned so much about Mount Whitney from these forums, so I think its time to give back...
Full report with pictures:
http://hikinginsocal.blogspot.com/2014/06/mount-whitney-14508-via-main-trail.htmlI was a first timer going up June 24-26. Here is a brief trip report:
Day 1: Leave Whitney Portal at 3:30pm and climb to Outpost Camp by 6:30 pm, where I spent my first night.
Day 2: Left Outpost at 8 am and hiked up to Mirror Lake, stopping to acclimate and take in the marvelous scenery there. Left Mirror Lake at 10, ate lunch at Trailside Meadows, and made it to Trail Camp by 12:30. That night the winds gusted over 60 MPH, (worst winds were 3am-7am) breaking my tent poles, and allowing for very little sleep. Talked to a few people who were forced to spend the night in the Summit Hut after making the summit that night only to find the winds gust over 75 MPH on summit that night.
Day 3: Cached gear in boulders near Trail Camp, and left at 8 am, daypacking to the summit. Reached Trail Crest at 10:30. I was warned numerous times by descending hikers that the conditions above were just to dangerous (gale-force winds), and to decide if the conditions were safe enough to continue at Trail Crest. The clouds and serious winds subsided, and at 12:30, I made it to the summit. What a view! I could see San Gorgonio Mountain 200 miles away! Left the summit at 1:30, picked up heavy gear at Trail Camp, and continued down to Whitney Portal Trailhead, ending at 7:55 pm.
Conditions....
Water: Lots of water! the last reliable source was the springs on the lower sections of the switchbacks.
Weather: Pleasant the first day at Outpost (High 78 F, Low 50F), Cooler the second day at Trail Camp (High 70 F, Low 40 F), but after 10 pm that day the winds were terrible. If you stay at Trail Camp, prepare to loose some tent poles and sleep (I wasn't the only one who did). The Summit Day: Cool Weather , 40 F on the summit with 20 MPH winds, nicer weather past Trail Camp.
Snow: First snow crossing was just below Trail Camp. Snow persisted still on the cables, but with the rails there and some handy hiking poles, it isn't difficult to cross. There are a few odd patches here and there from the Cables and near the Windows. The Final snowfields in the last 0.5 miles are still clinging on , and require a bit more work, but, again with poles, they are easily crossed.
I was able to meet Doug at the Portal Store, as well as running into Bob R. on the Trail. Cool guy. If you are new, go meet Dave and Tracy at the Whitney Portal Hostel and Hotel (awesome people too). Thanks again to this Forum!
