Mt. Whitney Portal Store & Hostel Forums General Mt. Whitney Portal Store Message Board QUESTIONS

Just a few of questions for anyone.

#1, if the road is closed (I am going in March), where do they usually close it? Also, where can I park my truck if I drive down the road and find it closed?

Also, I saw a picture with a small sign that said "road closed" but with tire tracks going around it. If one has the vehicle and the proper equipment, can we try to go past the sign, at our own risk? (Just a question, not saying I would do it...)

#2, if the Portal Campground is closed and we have to hike in, is camping still allowed in the campground (as opposed to going to outpost camp ) for backpackers?

If anyone knows the answers, please advise.

Thanks!!

Oh, one more question...

The bear canister thing is year round, right?

During the winter they place a road closed sign at the bottom of the hill, before the start of the big switch back. Cars of course drive past it when they can.

This winter snow will prevent you from making it much further then that on the road. In March, plan on parking down near the road closed sign and walking in to the portal. That took us about 4 hours from the road closed sign. The road is quite steep up there and even the big trucks don't make it that much further.

You can camp anywhere you want, Just set up your tent on the snow and enjoy the peace of hardley anyone around. It makes sense to camp at the portal instead of Whitney Portal Campground, since it is further in.

I don't happen to know what the deal is with bear canisters in the winter.

The "Road Closed" sign issue comes up every now and again, both here and on Death Valley boards. The majority opinion is that you can drive past the sign, but at your own risk. If your vehicle gets stuck or damaged, the county can't be held responsible because they closed the road. However, if an officer sees you, nothing says you won't get a ticket anyway.

I've gone up both the NF and main trail several times during the winter and never carried a bear can. We also never used one when we camped in the Little Lakes valley this December, and we don't plan on taking one up Mary Austin this weekend. The only animal issue I've had in the winter was when crows found our stash and took everything except for the spaghetti. Ever since we've buried our food atleast a foot down in the snow.

I'm not saying you should/shouldn't take a bear can with you, just telling my experiences.

Off topic, good luck on Mary Austin this weekend. It's a cool peak and the North Couloir is a nice mellow snow climb from Baxter Pass Trail(did it last June). Hope the weather holds off for you.
Eric

I went a little ways up the trail in Dec '03 and never even considered a bear can (and had no problems), but I met a ****** there who said they regularly wake up in the winter and break into people's cabins. I expect it's much less of an issue than in the summer, but I'm definitely going to be at least a bit more cautious in the future.

Hi I drove to bishop yesterday ,about 3 miles north of Lone Pine a bear crossed 395( four lane section of road )heading into the old Owens river bed area.