Mt. Whitney Portal Store & Hostel Forums General Mt. Whitney Portal Store Message Board Trail Report - 6/19 (First Timer)

Hi All,

Went up the Main Trail on Sunday with a group of 9, all males in there mid-20's and all first timers. Set out at 4am, hit a small patch of snow after Lone Pine Lake, and the trail above Mirror Lake was about 50% snow, 50% clear. Consistent snow on the trail from 11 k all the way to Trail Camp.

Of our group of 9, 6 summited (3 got altitude sickness). We all had different types of equipment from just trail running shoes to full crampons and ice axe. Those that summited returned to the Portal got back at 8:45pm. Looking back on the experience, I personally would have spent a lot more time acclimating (I was one of the ones that got sick) and I was also one of the few that was at sea level until 24 hrs before the hike. I also would have left the portal earlier - the snow slows you down ALOT. This is about a 16 hour hike round-trip right now. That being said, the snow was melting amazingly quick from my perspective. I think this TR will be irrelevant in a couple of weeks.

Thanks to Doug and all those at the Portal Store and on the trail who made us feel welcome. Can't wait to try for the summit again soon!

Newport,
Of those that reached the summit, what was the overall verdict on the use of ice gear (i.e. crampons vs micros and ice axe vs poles)? Thanks for the TR. Hope you can make another summit bid soon. Thanks for your input.

Thanks for the info. Can we get away with hiking poles and crampons or do you recommend ice ax. Are the switchbacks good to go? What about after you get into sequoia? Are conditions better?

Better luck next time. You now have the bug. Thanks again for the info.