Mt. Whitney Portal Store & Hostel Forums General Mt. Whitney Portal Store Message Board Lone Pine Peak, 6/5/2013

Having a few days off this week I headed up to the Sierras. First on my list was Lone Pine Peak, it's prominent peak is often mistaken by unfamiliar travelers as Mount Whitney, and, at 12944' high definitely worth bagging. Setting off at dusk (06/05/2013), I headed up the Meysan Lakes Trail for about 4.5 miles to the sign indicating the trail split between Meysan Lake and Grass Lake, passing around Grass Lake on it's west side and over a boulder field you are confronted by a steep scree slope now void of snow. I had heard that the left side of the slope was the way to go, Doug, at the Portal Store, advised me to use the right side. However, I choose to go straight up the middle furrow - more fool me, because almost every step sent a cascade of scree flying downhill, - In retrospect I think Doug's idea was the best. Having overcome the scree slope, which must be about 1500/1700' of loose rock and dust the rest is straightforward. Topping out approx half a mile further on, heading NE, just below and to the right of the summit ridge avoiding several false summits. The views on top are amazing, it is one of those peaks you just do not want to leave, after photographing everything in sight, I signed the register and headed back to the scree slope. Going down was much easier and I scree skied most of the way down. My GPS showed this as 12.71 miles and approx 5000' elevation gain, although I did not recalibrate it so my calculations may not be entirely accurate. Either way the Meysan Lakes trail is beautiful with terrific views all round. Cheers Phil

Hi Phil,
Thank you very much for sharing your beautiful pictures of your hike.
I was shocked and impressed to see all albums of your hikes in the past. It took me a long time to go through all the albums. I learned a lot about all new trails and mountains. All trails looks new to me because I hike like a commuter bus travels only two stops, from home to Mt. Baldy, just back and forth in between. Your hiking territory looks like a map of entire bus service of greater Los Angeles area. Before I venture out to a new trail, I will definitely check back your albums for an accurate trail information.

You have hiked Iron mountain more than any hikers I know. You have done mostly solo hikes,too. Now I understand that you told me that you love the solitude when we hiked together "Hike for the Heroes".

Thank you again for sharing your experience with us.

Hi Shin,
Thanks for your generous comments, I enjoyed the Trail to Lone Pine Peak, it was beautiful and much less travelled than some other peaks.

Congratulations on your leading Shoot at Will, that rock looks so intimidating to me.

See you on the trail.

Phil

It's funny, i climbed LPP for the first time on Monday. Didn't look for any beta knowing it was a slog....started up the left as well and quickly made an extravagantly awkward traverse to the right. There are actually some nifty little ledges on the right that are helpful on the ascent....then of course skiiiiiiiing all the way down.

I've only been climbing in the Sierras for 5 years now since moving to CA and that may be the finest view I've seen to date.

Hi GMBoy, Yes I agree, next time I will take the right side of the slope. Ditto that on the summit views.