Mt. Whitney Portal Store & Hostel Forums General Mt. Whitney Portal Store Message Board Snow ice at the switchbacks? Updates anyone?

I'm heading up Whitney in 2 weeks via Horseshoe Meadows and around the West side, exiting via Trail Crest. Any word on conditions at the switchbacks? In particular, any snow/ice at the current time?
Thanks for the feedback...

I hiked to the top on June 4th. The main trail is pretty much wide open with dry summertime conditions. There are only a couple of patches of snow remaining along the switchbacks, at and near the cables, which are easily negotiated.

Just Another, I'm thinking of doing this route instead of my usual main trail thing this year and am wondering how many days this generally takes. Have you done this one before and, if so, could you give me an idea about the mileage and number of days? I'm just trying to get a plan together for my entry and exit permits. Thanks!

I'll second Neil182's comments - I did Whitney yesterday (6/7/07), and conditions are as he described. There was a snowstorm a couple of days ago, dropping a few inches, but it has melted out and remains only in the shadows.

I've actually never done the route from this direction, but according to mapping software, it looks like it is about 38 miles +/-, and should be a better wilderness experience than the MMWT. We're planning on taking three hiking days, with a Sunday as a down-day, so it should be pretty good. Not too strenuous. We have 2 adults going with 3-4 Boy Scouts, so it shouldn't be anything too hard for them. They're great hikers. I can't believe the trip is in 2 weeks!

To everyone else, thanks for the trail input. Your conditions-report was just what I wanted to hear! Thanks again!

Re the Cottonwood trip. The last time I did this was in late summer, and as I recall, there was no water in Guyot Creek. That meant we had to carry from Rock Creek, to the first crossing of Crabtree Creek. I vaguely remember it being about 8 miles, although it seemed longer.
With the low snow year, I'd not be surprised by the same conditions at this time.

Just to clarify, the snow on the swithcbacks can be easily negotiated without crampons or ice axes?

I am sure that is what both Neil182 and KevinR meant.

That's correct - no crampons nor ice axes needed.

Thanks to everyone for the info.

Just went up to the summit on June 9. Switchbacks were easily negotiated, but trekking poles are helpful, but not necessary. Ice is prevalent in the morning hours in a few spots on the first half of the switchbacks, but was absent in the afternoon. The only tricky part was the cable section half way up where the trail is slick and the cables are bent out...Otherwise,
a very enjoyable hike!

I'll be putting up pics and a full TR by tomorrow, but snow and even ice is minimal past 6 a.m.

Sample of the "worst" spot on the cables:



Have fun!
-Laura