Mt. Whitney Portal Store & Hostel Forums General Mt. Whitney Portal Store Message Board High Sierra Trail late June 2012?

Thinking of a family hike from Sequoia to Portal on HST. Last week of June fits our schedule best. Kids are 9 & 11 and sure footed, but not up for waterfall ice climbing.

What sort of snow/ice are we likely to see? The most technical gear that we would bring is hiking poles and Microspikes if needed.

Also it looks like there are bear boxes all the way until Crabtree. Thinking of using them and only bringing a single Ursack or can for the last two nights at Guitar and Trail Camp.

Hi Jim,

In a typical year you will encounter plenty of snow in late June on the HST. Even a veteran hiker might find it a challenge. Of course, so far this year does not seem typical. But it remains to see how the next few months play out. Last year in early July, several groups turned around before the Kaweah Gap because of snow/ice. I struggled through in mid July.

Another issue in the early hiking season is stream crossings. Last year in late July they were still somewhat of a challenge for me on the HST. I would be exceedingly careful with kids 9 and 11.

Altitude is also a concern for some (independent of the time of year). In recent years I recall encountering several families turning around before the Hamilton Lakes because the kids were too sick to to continue.

In early season there will be plenty of room in the bear boxes for your stuff. Later in the summer, space is not guaranteed as others will be sharing with your group.

I think your kids are very lucky to have parents who will take them on the HST. What an adventure! But meticulous planning and preparation are key.In late August 1959 my Dad, Brother (8 years old) and I (9 years old) hiked the HST so we would arrive at the summit of Mt Whitney for the 50th Anniversary of the Smithsonian hut. We got cleaned out by a bear the first night at Panther Creek. Since one of us had altitude sickness, he did not want dinner that night anyway!

Starting in June, a phone call to the Ranger at Lodgepole (Wilderness Office) might clarify how conditions are shaping up on the trail.

Best of luck.

Jim F

Jim,

Thanks.  We're well acquainted with altitude issues and would plan on a very easy first few days.  It looks like there are bear boxes available at our early camp spots so instead of cramming all our food in canisters and pushing the pace, we can hump some extra food and take it easy, probably only bringing one canister to cover the last few nights.

Schedule-wise we either need to be finished before July 10 or start after July 24 or so.  The late start messes with some August plans.

We may keep the early schedule but have a lower elevation backup route.

Jim, I hiked from Horseshoe Meadows to the Portal in early July a few years ago. No problem, though conditions change all of the time. This year the snow pack is pretty light. Hopefully, you can get a trip report within a week of starting.

Faxed in our permit app on 3/1 so we should be good to go for a 6/22 start. Plan is for a ridiculously long 10 days- hopefully we can lift our packs with all the food. We will have bear boxes at most camp spots and will only bring 1 can for the last two nights.

Timing is based on a very leisurely first 4 days at only 6 miles each. That should acclimate the kids well before we hit the Great Western Divide on day 4. Also I didn't want to start on Saturday with our first camp (Mehrton Creek) so close to the trailhead, so we're starting Friday. After day 4 I'll loosen the reins and let them pick up the pace if desired so we can have a rest day at some point. Ending date Sunday so we can catch the Monday Crest.

Transit from home in Long Beach will be: walk 1.5 miles to Blue Line light rail, then Amtrak bus/train/bus from LA to a hotel in Visalia. Sequoia Shuttle to Giant Forest, park shuttle to Crescent Meadow trailhead. Getting back home we'll hitch to Lone Pine, take the Monday Crest bus to Lancaster, Metrolink train to LA, Blue Line home. Cost for 4 should be about $300 for transit with no worries about a car at the trailhead or arranging a car shuttle.

Keep an eye on reports about the cables on the 97 switchbacks. Snow and ice linger there for a long time after all else is clear.

Our permit arrived a few days after faxing in the app so the trip is on for a 6/22 start. Kids are excited about the trip.

I'll watch trail reports leading up to our departure; we could bring hiking poles and microspikes if there are significant icy conditions but I doubt it. We will be able to schedule our travel through the sketchy spots during the afternoon.

Now the biggest challenge is figuring out what the 9 year old will eat so he doesn't Bonk every day like our last trip. He would only eat one type of Clif bar, M&M's, and hot chocolate for 8 days straight.