Mt. Whitney Portal Store & Hostel Forums General Mt. Whitney Portal Store Message Board mountaineering route vs main trail

can someone explain what the difference is between the two trails and where i can find a map that shows both? We are heading up on July 1st and with all the snow i want to know what my options are.

THANKS!

I am heading up July 1st as well.

It seems like difficulty level is what seperates the two. The main trail is probably best suited for first-timers and the MR trail is for the more experienced. I could be wrong. I am a first-timer, but that's what I have gathered from reading these posts.

Check here for info on the trails:
http://www.summitpost.org/mount-whitney/150227

Good luck on your trip!

Without referring you to another website/chat room, the differences are the mileage and the difficulty.

The main trail is 11 miles each way, the MR is ~6.

Main trail is class 1 all the way. MR involves some Class 3.
Main trail will probably still have snow on the switchbacks July 1st so you may want to bring, at a minimum, microspikes. They sell some nice ones for a good price at the Portal and also at the Hostel. They also sell maps.

MR also involves utilising the E-ledges that time of year and if you're not comfortable with that I would suggest sticking to the Main Trail.

I believe there is a smaller daily permit quota on the MR than the MT.

I hope you find this helpful. Bring mosquito protection.