Mt. Whitney Portal Store & Hostel Forums General Mt. Whitney Portal Store Message Board couple of questions

Hello, Reading the book "Mount Whitney" considering a trip there summer 2013. On page 57 of the second edition it talks about an exposed part of the trail where both sides dropoff steeply. How wide is this part of the trail and how long is this part of the trail?
Also if I camp at Consulation Lake is their top soil for tent stakes?

Since you are planning your hike in the summer you should have no problem with the Main Trail... yes, there are areas of the trial where it is long way down should you get knocked over, but remember thousands of men, women, kids and old folks (like me) that have made this memorable hike with no problem.
Dirt to stake down your tent - bring extra parachute cord to tie onto fair-sized rocks, there's plenty to choose from.
You've done the wisest thing already by asking questions. Be sure to review the top topic on this forum - "First Timers".

I have a second edition of "Mount Whitney" by Paul Richins, Jr. But page 57 doesn't mention any trail. Maybe you have a different book.

Are you talking about the section on the ridge above Mirror Lake? That's really easy and plenty wide to feel comfortable. It runs atop the ridge for about a quarter-mile.

He could be talking about the "windows" on the back side. Those "Windows" do drop off on either side, but the trail is over 5' wide. My daughter cannot look to the sides, but must look straight ahead. Really not difficult.

Could also be that portion at Trail Crest...

Almost inevitably, when a guidebook talks of drop offs on both sides, they are talking about the windows. Since I am afraid of heights, when I was preparing for my first climb up Whitney, I fixated on that. I shouldn't have done so. Assuming no snow/ice, this should not be a problem for most folks. It wasn't a problem for me, and I am more sensitive than most to heights issues. It also wasn't a problem for a close friend of mine who is even more sensitive than me. If you go through first-timer trip reports on this board and the other one, you won't see many folks mentioning it. For most, the windows are simply a nice place to stop and enjoy the view.

If there is snow/ice, then that's a whole different can o' worms, and not just at this location....

I can't find my copy of the book for some reason. However, I am pretty sure that the book is in fact referring to the windows. I had the same concerns that you are having, because I am not very good with heights, and the only place that gave me any problems at all was the windows. This section of the trail is not that bad, and is wider than 5 feet as I recall. Just look straight ahead and move quickly and you will be just fine.

As for the soil at Consternation Lake, I camped at Trail Camp. However, as others have advised, if you are unable to drive your tent stakes, just tie off to some rocks. And there are plenty of rocks! If your tent cords are short, just take some extra cord.

I hope that you will decide to go -- it's a fabulous walk!