Mt. Whitney Portal Store & Hostel Forums General Mt. Whitney Portal Store Message Board Trip reports first week of October

Once again, I got a permit for October this year. I turned around last October when the weather was more than I was comfortable with. This turned out to be a good decision, as it was right before the gentlemen had to be rescued from the summit after spending several days up there.

I've been watching the weather reports, and it's looking like snow this weekend, (I'll be attempting October 4th). If anyone goes up over the weekend, I'd appreciate a conditions report, if you have the time.

Even if I only make it to Outpost Camp, I'm going to enjoy every minute of it, and look forward to a huge pancake!!! Just trying to get as much info as possible.

FYI I climbed her Friday and other than some ice at the cables and some snow/ice as you approach trail crest and about a 100 yard snow pack just before you hit the final summit rise on the pacific side, the trail was as nice as I've seen. Nothing of major concern happened on saturday but as I look at the mountain today (Sunday) all bets are off!
Just saying Brett
Good luck!

Hiked today (october 2) and had bad conditions. The wind was howeling and had to turn back above mirror lake since the wind blew right threw your pants. Good luck

Hmmm, sorry you had to turn around. I'm going with a group next week, October 13-15. Hope conditions are favorable then. Would you folks recommend crampons if there is light snow on the mountain or unnecessary?

Thanks!
>Taylor

There is a snow patch twords the top. we were wondering the samething. we talked to many people before we hiked and they said that crampons were unecessary. talk to people at portal who have come off the mountain. if necessary the portal sells Microspikes for 40$. Watch the weather to see if it snows a lot.

Summited Monday Oct. 3 at 11:20. Beautiful bluebird right up until about 11am when some clouds started to move in. Camped at Trail Camp and regretted it. The wind was HOWLING all night long. You could hear it coming down the canyon before it hit you though so at least we were able to brace for it. Made for a long night.

Trail conditions were perfect. Some ice on the cable section of the switchbacks but easy to negotiate. The now field just below the summit does not require crampons. Perhaps if you hit it very early in the morning microspikes would be helpful but even then it's so short I probably wouldn't bother with them.

There were a few snow flurries as we were approaching Mirror Lake on the way down. Not sure how much snow was deposited up high or if any stuck.

Thanks guys. Good to know. Gnarly pic of the mountain today!