Mt Whitney Zone Forums General Discussion Hiking Friends - June 18th - 21st

Hi! I am a solo hiker from San Francisco looking to meet others in Whitney Portal or on the mountain between June 18th and June 21st. Planning to do acclimatizing hikes on the 18th and 19th, then have 2 overnight permits for Monday, June 20th and Tuesday, June 21st. I don't have a hiking partner yet for the second permit.

Let me know if you are hiking those days and would welcome another in your group, OR if you want to join me! Not planning to use an ice axe / crampons unless necessary.

I've heard solo hiking is not advisable, so will probably hike to Lone Pine Lake and then turn around if I don't meet others. Any advice on the best way to find hiking partners on the mountain?

Some thoughts...

If you do not find yourself a partner, go as far as you feel safe. The trail is well worn, with the exception of the area directly above Mirror Lake, and that is not hard to follow on the way up. It requires your attention on the way down.

Crampons and axe should only be used by those you have spent the time to learn how to use them. I know it is popular to rent an ice pick, clampons and climb the Chute but eventually you have to come down. Wrong decisions on descent are very costly...see free helicopter rides, hospitals and cemeteries.

Conditions in another week can be much different than today.

I also have an overnight permit for Mon 20-Tue 21. I was supposed to be going with my brother and nephew, but they won't be able to make it. So, I'm currently solo. If you want to join up, I'll be camping at Whitney Portal tonight, site #23.

Correction: I'm going to pick up my permit, and stay down in the valley tonight. My brother still has site #23 reserved, so if you want to meet up, leave a note. I'll check before heading up. I'll probably hike from the Portal trail head to Trail Camp, starting around 8.

Hey.
I am also a solo hiker. Staying in lone pine tonight planning to stay at the portal tomorrow then I have an overnight permit for 21 and 22. Looking for others hiking during that time to possibly meet up with.

Hi People!

I am currently looking to go up to Whitney next Monday and Tuesday. Looking for a hiking partner. None of my friends will come with and/or are outdoors-y so I must still attempt to make a summit push either alone or with someone. I would prefer going with someone as it is not advised to go solo. If anyone wants to team up with me please let me know.

I went up solo June 20-21. I was mostly comfortable doing so. My biggest concern was that if I slipped and fell down the backside, nobody would know where to find me. If I were to do it again, I'd wait at Trail Crest until a group arrived, and ask if I can tag along.

Hopefully, you'll find someone to join.