Mt. Whitney Portal Store & Hostel Forums General Mt. Whitney Portal Store Message Board Getting to Whitney Portal or Lodgepole

My brother and I are planning on hiking Sequoia the last week of May, and we're trying to figure out some of the logistics involved with the trip:

- We have a ride out of the park - anyone know how we could get from LA to either Whitney Portal or one of the western entrances to Sequoia without renting a car?

- I know the winter isn't yet over, but does anyone have any idea what the conditions will be like on Whitney during the last week of May? Will we need to prepare for snow on the trail?

- We will most likely have nine days for hiking (though coming from the East Coast, I'd like to take at least the first day to acclimate). I've looked at some guidebooks and websites, but does anyone have a favorite hike for that length of time?

Thanks for your help.

Jon

I don't know about the western side of the sierras, but for the east side I have some ideas. There are airport bus shuttles that go from LAX airport to Lancaster (~150 miles south of whitney portal). I know United Airlines flies into Ridgecrest-Inyokern area(IYK) which is ~80 miles south of whitney portal. But you would still have to figure out how to get the rest of the way. There are taxis in Ridgecrest that might take you up from there if you fly to Inyokern(call 760-371-4222 Starr Yellow Cab of Ridgecrest).

And yes, there will be plenty of snow the end of May.

Jon, do a search on the key word, 'CYMERYSS'. She completed the Giant Forest to Whitney trip last year over Memorial Day. She gives a good follow-up on her trip, includes pictures, etc. She posted the story on June 9, 2003.

Paul

From Ridgecrest, CA you can take the C.R.E.S.T. bus to Lone Pine. It is ran by Inyo Mono Transit and their toll free phone number is 800-922-1930. They run Monday-Wednesday & Friday.

We did the High Sierra Trail last year. We used the shuttle service from the Wilder House to get from Whitney Portal to Giant Forest to start the hike. We had to drive through Mojave to get over to the western side, so if you can get there I'm sure they could do it. I don't know if they pick up in LA, but it's worth a call to see. They were priced reasonably and on time.

http://www.wilderhouse.com/

If you go in from the West, I don't think acclimating is that important, I think it starts at about 6700 ft. We did the HST at the end of Aug in 6 days, but you will have snow at the end of May so it will probably take a little longer.

I was trying to post a pic of the view of Whitney from the west, but don't know how. Any hints from anyone on how to do this?

I know a couple of people that live in Visalia that MAY take you from Visalia to Giant Forest. I don't think they'll do it for free, but I'm sure it wouldn't be much (if they agree to do it). Email me if you want me to ask.

cancundudley@netscape.net