Mt Whitney Zone Forums General Discussion Solo Hiking Mt. Whitney?

Hi Everyone,

I am planning on a solo day hike up Mt. Whitney sometime this month. Was wondering if anyone who has done it solo can share their experience and/or give me any advice? It would be much appreciated. Thanks in advance for your responses!

I did a solo overnight of Whitney 2 years ago, and it was the best hike of my life - literally.

Everyone I passed/crossed was very supportive and friendly. I planned my trip well, and just took each step as it came. If I was safe to continue I did (and thankfully I was - with a gorgeous overnight on the summit!). I stopped when I needed/wanted to, rested when I needed/wanted to, ate, drank, etc as I needed and wanted to. I don't hike often alone, but it was definitely a wonderful experience.

Day hiked Mt Whitney twice (and have another solo permit for a day hike at the end of the month). There will be plenty of other hikers on the trail, even in the early morning hours, and in my experience everyone was social and friendly. I would say don't be afraid to chat with other hikers, ask questions, etc., and especially don't hesitate to ask for help if you need it.

As far as the nuts and bolts of the hike, it helped to study a topo map ahead of time, read descriptions of the trail, look at pics and videos of the trail, etc.; it helped me know what to expect and to keep me oriented.

If you start in the early a.m. you will be hiking in the dark; I would pay special attention right after Mirror Lake, it's easy to lose the trail there in some spots while hiking in the dark.

It helped me to spend a couple days at altitude before the hike; the first time I hung out at Onion Valley and the second time at Rock Creek.

It also really helped to stay hydrated before the hike and during the hike; I drank at least 4 liters of water a day for 2 or 3 days before the hike.

Anyway, have fun!

I solo hiked Whitney in July. Make sure you have a 2 or 3L water bladder and something to purify water. Pack more food than you might need. As others have said plenty of people on the trail starting at Midnight. Everyone you'll meet should be friendly and willing to help if needed.

Hiking Mt Whitney was the best hike of my life. I'll be back next year. I'd go back in August if I could.

Hi May,

I recommend doing a "search" within trip reports. Search can be found in the banner at the top of the page. Select "trip reports", and "newer than 3 years", and specify "solo" in the search field. This will yield several trip reports, most with lots of details.

A couple of good examples would be:
http://www.whitneyzone.com/wz/ubbthreads...essfu#Post40149

http://www.whitneyzone.com/wz/ubbthreads...sful_#Post39067

Good luck!

In August there's no such thing. You'll be fine, meet many supportinve fellow hikers.

John Sims- thank you so much for finding those posts. They were really helpful

Thank you to all of you for taking the time to reply. I really appreciate it!

Bump

This is what I wrote about my solo trip back in June.

http://hikearizona.com/trip=132376

Grand, bump!

Anybody doing the day hike Saturday, Aug 13?

Anyone doing is hike aug 27, day hike , I have extra spots avail

I solo hiked it in September and October and almost always had other hikers in sight. So you're certainly right about August!

I could be enticed to make the drive out there

I'm planning on doing a day hike on Sunday the 14th (hoping I can get a walk-in permit)

Thanks! I enjoyed reading this

I got a permit today online for Sunday 8/14. My goal is to start between 12 to 1 AM on Sunday, let me know if you want to join me.

I successfully summited Mt. Whitney on 8/14/16! So grateful to everyone in this community...thank you!!