Mt. Whitney Portal Store & Hostel Forums General Mt. Whitney Portal Store Message Board White Mountain peak

This summer I had the chance to climb White Mountain peak and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I have been contemplating climbing it at night during a full moon. I would appreciate if anyone out there that has done this, could offer some input or suggestions. If I do this trip, it will probably take place in late October. Is this risky in regards to the weather? I don't desire to hike several miles in the snow, or with temperatures much colder than 20 degrees. If the weather is too hostile I will do this trip next summer. I welcome all sound advice.

Sincerely, Rafael

Hi Rafael,

Some friends and I hiked White Mountain on July 4th, 2003 to watch fireworks from the summit (tiny pin-prick fireworks from way up there!). We started in the early evening and hiked much of it in the dark, but the weather was perfectly fine. Good headlamps or a full moon are necessary, and hiking in groups is certainly recommended. Needless to say you need to be prepared for very cold temperatures and bad weather, particularly in late October. I personally wouldn't do the hike in late October, but it's an absolutely perfect summer hike to do at night. Hey-- we even saw a Bighorn sheep very close to the summit-- a rare and very memorable encounter.

Best,
Dave

Thanks for the info InyoDave.

If anyone else has more info or advice I'd be glad to hear it.

Rafael

Hey, Raf.

I think you can count on it being quite cold at night (probably in the teens or even lower by late October). The night I spent at Iceberg Lake a few years back in EARLY October got down to 16 degrees, and the days were spectacular at that time. Remember how windy it can get on White Mt. as well, and you may be in for a miserable journey.

Of course, if you dress for it, it might still be quite enjoyable. To me, the key factor will be snow. If there's even a hint of it in the forecast, I'd steer clear - mostly because the road in will be a nightmare and you could end up getting stranded.

Sounds like with the wind chill factor, it will probably be insanely cold. I think I may postpone this outing until next summer. Thanks for all the advice.

Rafael

Don't put the hike off just because it can be cold. Hiking when it is cold is better because you don't have to carry as much water. You can always dress with warmer clothes.

Doing the hike at night when it is the coldest...that is the issue? So if a moonlight night is what you want...wait until next summer.

Hey everyone!
I've never climbed the White Mountains, but I spent a day aclimating close by at the Ancient Bristle Cone Forest. The beauty is that you can drive to 11K feet and the tree are incredible - ranging from 1500 to 4000 years old. Wow!
Nice way to aclimate before a Whitney summit attempt and driving saves your energy for a summit the next day! Give it a try.
Cheers,
SDinSD.