Mt. Whitney Portal Store & Hostel Forums General Mt. Whitney Portal Store Message Board How long to do Whitney in a day?

Couldn't get an overnight permit but managed to score a day pass for Whitney's main trail in the second half of June.

I've done the trip several times before but never as a day trip without a heavy pack.

Any feedback as to how long it might take to go up and down -- presumably without any snow -- would be greatly appreciated.

Some people never make the summit and still take nearly 24 hours. The record is under three hours, car to car. I think most people take between twelve and eighteen hours, depending on fitness, experience, motivation, organization, tolerance of thin air, and (of course) weather and trail conditions.

If you stay in shape, plan carefully, and make good use of your time, you can keep your day to a reasonable length. Take care of yourself by eating and drinking all day. Constantly stopping for unnecessary breaks can add many hours to your day. Try to pace yourself, but keep moving.

Six up, five down. Hours that is.

12-16 hours round trip would be a fair estimate for someone in reasonable shape.
See if you can't spend a few days higher up to get yourself somewhat acclimated.Altitude is what will slow you down.
The days will be long at that time of year,but start early.
Better to finish in the daylight,totally demoralizes if you have to finish after dark.
Most of all make sure you have fun.It ain't a race. Look around while you hike.Don't just stare at your feet!
Lots of info on the switchbacks,done it several times and the wife and I like that part of the trail.Kind of fun really.
Hike your own hike.Keep your group small,easier to stay together. Again have fun!

I have been heading up with groups of friends for the last 20 years. One day trips are my favorite. Light packs (make sure you don't skimp on the right clothing)
My favorite game plan is this: I am on the trail by midnight. Take a few minutes at the Lone Pine Lake junction. Take another few minutes at Outpost Camp. A little longer at Trail Camp. At this point I top off my water, eat a few snacks, and adjust my clothing and foot wear. This will depend on the route. (Chute or Switchbacks)
Depending on the group. We will catch the sunrise at Trail Camp or Trail Crest (ish).
Some of my favorite photo's have been from this time of day. Alpine glow is amazing. I am a beach kid...Even after all these years, sunrise in the Sierra amazes me. The trip from Trail Crest is a slow grind (for me). Then on to the summit.
By leaving as early as I do, I get to chill for as long as I want on the summit. It also gets me down to the chute before it re-freezes. Then down to the Portal Store for the best food you have ever tasted in your life, EVER! After filling my belly and swapping stories, campfire time...
I have a saying, I start slow and then taper off from there. Got a second one, Never stand when you can sit, never sit down when you can lie down!
We take it slow, take lots of pictures, and share lot of laughs. Yeah it kinda sucks to get such an early start, but the time has worked really well for our groups.
Good luck! I am pretty darn jealous. My first year I have been shot down in the lottery!

Tad