Mt Whitney Zone Forums General Discussion Advice or tips for hiking Whitney end of May

I was so fortunate to receive a permit to hike Mt Whitney on my first attempt ever applying to the lottery this year! I live on the east coast, and am an avid hiker, having hiked well over 100+ Trails all over the country, including Half Dome, Grand Canyon rim to rim, and many others throughout CA, WA, MT, WY, UT, etc.

I am just looking for any and all advice for summiting Whitney on a day permit for end of May. This will be my first 14er, and I’m curious as to what conditions should I expect on the trail, gear (thinking crampons and ice axe and hiking poles).

I am also hoping to reach the summit to watch the sunrise, so was planning to start hiking at midnight and going through the night.

Thanks so much I’m advance for any feedback!

You just might need crampons and the ice axe, especially hiking through the night. The switchbacks between Trail Camp and Trail Crest might be useable by then, or maybe not. You should talk to people coming down and ask about them. Also watch for trip reports on the conditions just before you hike.

That's pretty ambitious to get to the summit from the bottom by sunrise. (A few people could make it.) You can start at 9 or 10 pm. You don't need any permit until you reach Lone Pine Lake, but after that you do.