Mt. Whitney Portal Store & Hostel Forums General Mt. Whitney Portal Store Message Board Summit - mid September

A group of us our going to hike the summit in Mid-September. We would really like to make it to the top for the sunrise... Does anyone know what time we should leave trail camp to be on the summit when the sun rises? We are very average hikers and it will take us sometime to summit.

Since you say you are average hikers and you will be doing the switchbacks and summit ridge by headlamp, I would allow a generous 5 hours to be sure of seeing sunrise from the top. In mid September, the sunrises at 6:35 AM with morning twilight visible by 6. That suggests starting at 1:00 AM. Good luck!

I find that there is more to that stretch than just mileage. There are also a lot of boulders to hop and stepping up to do in certain sections of the trail above Trail Crest that take me extra time (particularly if I did it in the dark). Five hours seems more realistic for average hikers if you are prepared for the cool weather and don't want to rush to the top when you first see twilight.

Fred

The average hiker will take seven to nine hours to the top, figuring a 11 to 16 hour round trip as normal. However, you will be traveling exclusively in the dark, therefore, I'd factor in a bit more time.

Based on model and accessories your mileage will vary.

Personally, if you make to Trail Crest by sunrise you will all that you are looking to see.

Bill

I assume you will be camping out a night or two including your night at Trail Camp. That will help with your altitude adjustment. If you get to spend two nights before the summit bid that will really help.

From trail camp to the top of the 97 switchbacks can be a rough two hours. From trail crest to the top is another casual 75 - 90 minutes or so. That seems to add up to 3.5 - 4 hours or so, if you keep a steady pace.

Consider how strong you feel getting to trail camp. If you feel strong, leave at 2:15 am and keep a good pace, with some "short" breaks.

If you want a little extra time, leave @ 1:45 am.

If you feel wiped out by your trip to trail camp, leave at 1:00 am. But to me, that seems like plenty of time and some to spare, perhaps arriving at the top up to 90 minutes before sunrise.

If you do get to the top a little early, rest inside the cabin, where it will be warmer and out of the wind. Sunrise is spectacular and worth it. You may even be alone up there that time of day.