Mt Whitney Zone Forums General Discussion Current Conditions: Mt Whitney Trail

it's wise to bring appropriate gear and be prepared for varying conditions, as weather in mountainous regions can be unpredictable. This might include sturdy hiking boots, extra layers, sun protection, plenty of water, and potentially even traction devices for areas that still have snow or ice.

Good Afternoon! I summited for the first time recently and did my first video. What an experience, I was trying to get a permit for several years. I shot trail conditions during the day and at night. I left Whitney Portal at 12:30am. Here is the video for current conditions or to see what the trail looks like at night: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zL1Pydv5br8&t=4s

Watched video. Wow! Very well done...who took the videos of you on the hike as I know it was a solo effort. Congrats!@!

Dayhiked to the summit on 9/29.

The dusting of snow from two weeks back is near completely gone. There were some icy pacthes by the cables and small spots on the top switchback before Trail Crest but spikes were absolutely excessive.

Water is flowing almost everywhere. The water IS flowing during the day at the 23rd Switchback, but it was frozen at dawn when I passed it (leaving TC as the last reliable water).

Was not shocked to see the laser-cut steel sign that was at the summit two years ago was still there— I was surprised that it is pretty bent out of shape atm. Who is throwing that thing around?

I was very happy to see a newer painted sign (a handheld one for folks to take photos with) with "Tumanguya" the Nüümü (Paiute) name for Whitney. Tumanguya, I believe, means "Old Man" which was a name for a guardian spirit. In my view it is an older, better name since Whitney was merely assigned to the peak as a political favor to Josiah Whitney, (the man who couldn't be more wrong about how Yosemite Valley was created).

Hello, I have a day permit for Sunday the 27th. Hoping to get information on the current trail conditions. Is there any snow on the trail? Best, Papanna

Everything is currently dry. No storms on the horizon. There will be some ice on the trail at the cables and at stream crossings.

Thank you Steve!

Hey all! I was wondering if anyone knows whether there is snow/ice in the couloir on the Mountaineer's route. Planning to summit this weekend and deciding which spiky things to bring.

There's a 30% chance of snow showers tonight, low 10F, hi 19F. Take your meanest spiked things.

Hey everyone! Have an overnight permit for this weekend - goal is to summit Saturday! We're due to enter Friday, stay at consultation lake friday night, and summit the following morning. How do we feel about the light snow forecasted?

Steve, I see the note above re Mountaineers route - thanks for the bit of info. Having you inform this community is so helpful - much appreciated! But I'm curious how conditions are on main trail? Do we think the showers will impact the route? Do we think spikes/snow gear will be necessary? I am thinking it should be clear (although very cold!) given it is so late season and this will be some of the first pops of snow. Has anyone been up recently? Any reports to share? Advice to offer? Would love to gather input. Thanks this is the best forum!!!

The forecast calls for a chance of light snow. Up until now, the trail has been clear and dry. If the storm brings that snow, it should only be light, and maybe microspikes would be helpful. "Snow gear" shouldn't be necessary, only multiple layers for the bitter cold!

I always check the NOAA Whitney area weather and Mountain Forecast -- both linked on the weather page.

Hey Chance! I was wondering if you ended up making it/how the conditions were on Friday and Saturday. My school is getting a 3-day weekend starting on Friday, Nov 8th, so I'm planning to go up then if conditions aren't too dangerous yet.

-K