Mt Whitney Zone Forums General Discussion Ice cleat/Trekking pole question

Good morning all. This is my first post, but I've been reading the posts for a few months now. I hiked MW ten years ago on a three day trip. I am going in mid-july on a two day, and hopefully next year on a one day hike. Although I realize there is no way to predict conditions, I am trying to get all my gear lined up. As far as ice cleats, will I need a full blown set of crampons for mid-July, or will a set of those Yaktrax or Stabilicers style suffice for that time of year? Or will I need anything at all? Two of my kids are going with me so my equipment cost is tripled. Also, does the Portal store still rent poles? Ten years ago all I had to do was leave a credit card and I used a set for free. I figure those of you really familiar with the mountain will have a good guess as to mid-July conditions based on the current conditions. Thanks for any help.

Welcome to the forum, 3skid3! Glad you joined.

I just don't think it will remain icy into July. You will probably see a little snow/ice on the trail, but you should be able to navigate around it.

As for renting poles at the Whitney Portal Store, call the Hostel at 760-876-0030. I am sure they can find out for you.

Hey 3skid3, welcome! When in mid-July are you at Whitney? quillansculpture and I plan to be there 7/15 and 16.

Just going to miss you. Staying at the portal Sunday the 18th. Up to Trail Camp the 19th. Summit and all the way back the 20th. Thanks for the info.

3skid, Since you're taking kids, consider staying two days at the portal, or maybe up at Horseshoe Meadows a day before the Portal. It will really help with their acclimatization.

I should probably clear up the "kid" word. A 20 yr old college student and a 16 yr old football player. It's me who will need the acclimation!

If you continue to monitor this board as well as the other wps board, it will be easy to figure out what the trail conditions are before your hike.

In the unlikely event you need something, avoid Yaktrax or Stabilicers. Stabilizers aren't bad for the low-angle, hardpacked snow/ice, but a much better solution are the Kahtoola Microspikes, MSRP $59. They come in 3 sizes, so best to bring in your boots and fit them. They don't replace crampons, but for moderately snowy, icy conditions can be just the ticket.

If you actually need crampons, you can probably rent them. I understand the sporting goods shop in Lone Pine is a source.

Kevin is right. If you need crampons you can rent them in Lone Pine from Elevations for $15 a day. I doubt that will be the case though. Mid-July, history says you should be fine...Only time will tell

Thanks for the info gents, I'll just wait on the crampons.

Acclimation is kind of a weird thing. It seems that youth and being cardio fit are not necessarily an advantage in acclimation to altitude. There are lots of dicussions and studies on this topic especially on the Whitney Portal MB.