Mt Whitney Zone Forums Reference Older Trail Conditions - Mt Whitney Trail, 2019

Summited the 11th. Used my microspikes in a few places, my friends did not. The cables were sketchy but I went left of the giant snow pile. It was icy in the early morning. It was way different than the dry years. So fun 👍

Really appreciate everyone who contributes to this web-page. Googling Trail Conditions found it and believe it provides the most useful and current updates. Starting on the JMT with my daughter on July 25, from Whitney Portal. Most interested in learning whether will need to bring micro-spikes (appears increasingly like probably will not be necessary). Also, like post, am interested in updates regarding Forester Pass conditions. Again, thank you to all who post and share your knowledge and experiences.

Pictures shared on FB by Mitch G. July 15, 2019.

At the switchbacks:


Here's a picture of the top switchback just before Trail Crest. Looks like shoveling the section worked. ...or someone came in and re-shoveled it.

I'm taking a relatively inexperienced crew up the MR the second weekend in September. Do we think most of the snow will be cleared from the chute/4th class above the notch by then?

It will be clear of snow/ice, unless there is a freak early storm, or an especially heavy hail storm just before you go.

Awesome, thank you Steve

We did the MR the first week of August last year and this is what we encountered. There were small snow patches in the shade, but easily avoidable. There is more snow this year, but it will probably be melted, however you can always get an early storm in September, as Steve said.



[Note the small crescent moon in the sky in the vee.]

Hi everyone, thank you for the amazing information and updates. We have a trip scheduled first weekend in August. Is there a need for microspikes going up the main trail, through the switchbacks, and between trail crest and summit? Thanks in advance.

No, not in August.

Thanks for this picture. It puts the words, "stay left of the main gully" in context.

I hiked up on July 22nd. My group brought microspikes, but didn't use them. We all wore trail runners, which gave enough grip on the snow. We didn't bring hiking poles, but they would've been helpful. If you do have poles, try to get baskets on them so they don't sink in the snow.

There are a few stream crossings that either require taking off your shoes or risking getting your feet wet. I'd recommend bringing an extra pair of socks.

The cables were pretty easy to walk past.


The rest of the switchbacks were pretty easy to navigate. There is snow on some of them, but you can clamber on rocks adjacent to the trail to avoid most of it.


The worst area was at the end of the ridge where the trail turns to go up Whitney. I would expect that to have snow for at least another week.


There's some snow in other places, but it is all easier to cross. Here's a patch below Trail Camp.

Very helpful, thanks. Going up Sunday. Is that "worst area" right before the summit?

Yep, it was right before the summit. If you look up Mt. Whitney on Google Maps satellite view, it shows snow in roughly the same spot.

I forgot to mention in my previous post, but I'd also recommend bringing light weight gloves. I wore canoeing gloves and was able to keep my hands on the snow to steady myself.

Ksearing, thank you. This is really helpful. We will be going up in 2 weeks. conditions keep improving, maybe in 2 weeks we will have little to no snow to cross.

Read someone broke an ankle post-holing on the snow below the switchbacks. How were conditions between trail camp and the switchbacks, still quite a snow crossing?

Thank you @ksearing, it was very helpful!!

@tpherson and @Wiff, I will be attempting in 3 weeks, so it'll be great if you can post your update after you summit

Thanks in advance!!

I will provide a full report!

Compared to 2 weeks ago: The parking lot is full to the point of parking far away / on the shoulder. The creek crossings are still high, but much lower. The trail was borderline crowded, though I veered off and enjoyed the hike up to Lower Boyscout - ledge scrambling was doable even for me (I have fears), my feet drenched from the two crossings, the ants were a constant annoyance, but there was stunning flower blooms with lots of butterflies. The Whitney view was astounding! I didn't continue because I was over tired and almost barfed trying to eat - it's rough to drive from 500 to 8400 ft then hike 3 miles to over 10k for me!

Anyhow, I saw helmets and ropes and people covered in sunblock, but no longer crampons and few axes so the snow must be minimal and I couldn't see much at all from lower on the trail, though even small patches can seem large when traversing. Reports of pika and grouse sightings with babies from smiling pairs coming down. I think it's weird that tours are allowed: the people in tow did not seem to have the needed experience for that route, IMO, and the store owner laughed and said the group I saw had called it quits when I mentioned now not-fun the leader's face looked.

Be safe - get experience and enjoy the place w/o summit fever. Please, pick up your trash, incl toilet paper!

Summited (No.7) on July 27th at 11:00 AM, no AMS, beautiful weather probably the best I've ever seen! Creek crossings were very high, there were people turning back from Lone Pine North Fork crossing, a lot of the rocks were covered in water, crossing before Mirror Lake was tough (thank goodness for waterproof La Sportiva Spires!).. Minor snow patches after Trailside Meadow, 99th switchback, and .5 from summit, but no prob without traction devices. The back 1.9 was a lot easier than other years because of trail maintenance, they really smoothed out a lot of the dangerous rough boulder-hopping spots! Summit weather was probably in the 50's, (I have never experienced it so warm up there) and practically no wind, no clouds, clear and visibility for hundreds of miles (I could see San Gorgonio). Took the old trail down from Lone Pine Creek crossing because the water was so high. The old trail is in great condition, someone cleared it up very nicely. The next few days are going to be very good for summiting.

Cheers!
-Dan

How often Google map gets updated?

The Google Satellite image of my house still shows me riding my horse in 2013.