Mt. Whitney Portal Store & Hostel Forums General Mt. Whitney Portal Store Message Board Chute vs Switchbacks

Does anyone know what the difference in miles going the Chute route vs switchbacks? We are due to climb on the 9th, and would like to calculate time if we have to go the chute route.

thanks in advance for any help

The switchbacks are 2.1 miles in length. The chute climb is less than a mile, but, of course, much steeper...And right now, safer.

Trail Crest is at 13,600 feet and the cables are at around 12,700 feet. I would guess from the pictures that the chute could be about 1,500 feet long (1,320 feet is 1/4 mile). Nonetheless, the steepness of the slope is what makes it slow going. It would be equivalent to walking up the steps of a skyscraper, but up at 13,000 feet.

Judging from those who started about the same time as us on Sunday, the switchbacks are about an hour faster than the chute.