Mt Whitney Zone Forums General Discussion Whitney Main Trail Conditions 2015 (Out-of-Date)

What would you suggest for keeping legs warm? We're going up on Sunday, and are wearing hiking pants, but am concerned that we'll need something else.

I had the same concern, but the weather looks pretty good this weekend.

Temps At the Summit
http://timberlinetrails.net/WhitneyWeather.html

September 26 Saturday Sunny, with a high near 45.
September 26 Saturday Night Clear, with a low around 34.
September 27 Sunday Sunny, with a high near 44.

I just used regular hiking pants. My legs never really feel cold when I'm hiking, so I just used them during the early dark hours. From the switchbacks to the summit I just had shorts on and there was no sun with temps on the low 30's. It was actually warmer when I had the pants on.

If you're really worried about cold legs, check out these at REI:

SmartWool Midweight Long Underwear Bottoms I take a lighter-weight pair any time I expect to find cold temps.

But like others, long pants usually suffice, and the base-layer stuff goes on in the most severe conditions.

We picked up some long base layers from REI which we'll stash in our packs just in case. They're really light, so not much downside to taking them.

Anyone else going up Sunday?

Nicebloke,
Hubby and I are going up Sunday! Have you done it before? Depending on energy levels, we might do the Mt. Muir scramble too. What time are you leaving?

First time. Planning on being at the trailhead at 4am.

Saturday or Sunday? Leaveing Trail Camp around 4am also

Sunday.

Hey 'bloke:

I, too, would have been heading up the trail early Sunday morning for a full-moon dayhike, but due to unexpected family circumstances I will be staying back. The mountain ain't goin' nowhere, and I will definitely be back. Sorry I won't be able to say hello to the Portal Crew, though -- next year! A buddy of mine and his friend will still be hiking it (keep an eye out for a cowboy-hatted guy), so you'll have good company.

One suggestion: With the shorter days this time of year, you will have a narrower window of daylight for your hike. While I can fully appreciate how difficult it is to pry oneself out of a warm sleeping bag or bed at that hour, are you able to put boots-to-trail earlier? Say, 1:00 a.m. or 2:00 a.m. at the latest? Typically, you only want to be hiking in the dark once and not at both ends of the hike. At least for me, on the way down I am not as attentive to tree roots and rocks as I am on the way up, and have found that it is safer to be descending while there is daylight. Plus, you'll ensure that you will be able to enjoy one of Doug's amazing burgers before they close up for the night!

Good luck, enjoy it, and as my good friend +@ti2d says, "Have fun!"

BruinDave

Anyone doing Whitney day hike tomorrow 9/24? I'm on my own at the moment with 2 permits. My hiking buddy unfortunately had to pull out last minute so I'm looking to find a partner or to join up with others. Usually I don't mind hiking on my own, but for safety reasons, it would be great to be with others. I'm interested in a 2am start and hope to finish before sundown, but can be flexible if I can join others. Please let me know!

I'm doing a one-night backpacking trip on the main Mt. Whitney trail on Saturday and Sunday (Sept. 26-27). Planning to camp at Trail Camp on Saturday night and start early Sunday morning at 3 AM to summit and come back to the Portal by 3 PM.

Are mosquitos, flies, or other bugs a problem this time of year? I read on the forum that it's been a wet spring and summer along the trail so mosquitos can be a problem. I'm wondering if I need a face net. I have DEET spray.

TKO, it is a drought year. Not sure where you got the "wet" info. This time of year, there are practically no bugs, regardless of precip. levels.

[quote=TKO]I'm doing a one-night backpacking trip on the main Mt. Whitney trail on Saturday and Sunday (Sept. 26-27). Planning to camp at Trail Camp on Saturday night and start early Sunday morning at 3 AM to summit and come back to the Portal by 3 PM.

Same plan, see you all on the trial...

I'll be hiking (solo trip) the main MW trail in the next 10 days or so.

Can anyone tell me the smoke conditions on the trail and summit?

Not much smoke at all anymore.

The Rough Fire is nearly out. Current report:   9-30-15 Rough Fire Update
(Link from Main InciWeb page)

344 personnel working on it. Crews are working on extinguishing remaining burning stumps. In the North zone, a large interior island continues to creep and smolder into the John Muir Wilderness area.

Total burned area is 151,623 Acres (237 square miles!!!)

God bless those 200 men doing mop-up... ugh.

zero smoke. Did the summit on 9/30 and the weather was balmy.

Shoulder season: October is a time of much less daylight, increasing night time darkness. Winter storms are knocking at the door.

This picture taken the weekend of Oct 3-4 by Bob H, at Outpost Camp:



Bob encountered snow and rain. Here's a picture looking down on Bighorn Park.

Is it currently pretty icy/snowy up higher? I am looking at a Thursday (10/8) attempt and I am curious what to expect.