Mt. Whitney Portal Store & Hostel Forums General Mt. Whitney Portal Store Message Board Trail surface

Hi there! Experienced hiker here, with a permit to climb Whitney in September. I was wondering what the trail surface is like: smooth compacted dirt, fist-size loose rocks, gravel, sand, scree, boulders requiring scrambling, etc.? A combination? We have all of those here in the Pacific Northwest. The Whitney climb will be my first time hiking in that part of California, so I'm trying to get a sense of what the trail surface is like late summer.

Hi reganf,

In September expect a combination of compacted dirt, sand, gravel, small rocks, and big rocks (which you can walk around or walk on). The trail surface can be covered with ice or snow, especially at the higher elevations. There are a few creeks to cross. After a heavy rain, parts of the trail can actually behave like a stream.

Often in September one can enjoy fine hiking conditions and the beginning of fall colors. But the days are shorter and temps are falling. A few early winter storms might be rolling through.

Jim

Thank you very much for your reply, Jim!