Mt. Whitney Portal Store & Hostel Forums General Mt. Whitney Portal Store Message Board Whitney Newbies with lots o' questions!

We have planned the main trail trek for October 9-11. Here is the plan:

October 9 - overnight at Portal
October 10 - hike to Trail Camp
October 11 - Summit attempt, then return to Portal

Here are the questions:

-Ice Ax/Crampons - what is the probability that we will need them? Are they worth bringing along? I know we just need to watch the weather, so that may be the answer, but what are your experiences with a mid-October trek - is there likely to be snow?

-Bears - we have no experience with bears. Zip. Quite frankly, we are a little scared! So any advice on food and whatever else we should know would be very helpful! We plan on buying a canister.

Thanks in advance for your help!

In my experience, there's likely to be some snow above, say 10K in mid-October, but more likely ice in the shady spots, so definitely bring crampons. As for an ice axe - the only time I've used one on the Whitney trail is in May or June to act as a glissade brake below Trail Crest. I'd definitely bring poles, and if the ice axe increases your confidence and you can stand the weight, then bring it. Makes you look pretty impressive tramping thru O'Hare with it.

As for bears - a definite yes to the cannister, and read all the stuff on this BB about having a squeaky clean car, with no trash showing, especially gum and and candy wrappers. But, as to whether the bears will have begun to den up by then - not sure. Will let someone more knowledgeable comment.

Will be getting colder by then, so a 20F, or even a zero bag will help keep you toasty.

Edit - one more thing - even if there appears to be lots of snow & ice I'd be very leary of attempting a glissade. Sadly, a couple of years ago about that time a fellow attempted it and slammed into a boulder at high speed with tragic results. There was more ice than snow, and under those conditions it's difficult to maintain control.

2nd question first. Don't buy the canister, rent one at the Portal Store. Doug will take care of you on this. I have never seen a bear up the main trail, but I am sure that they do exist. October is getting late in the season and the chance of seeing one should be greatly minimized, but canisters are required on the main trail at that time still. Now, your car down at the trailhead is another thing. Make sure you take all of the known precautions, or it getting broken into is more than just a chnce.
1st question. This can not be answered a month ahead of time, mainly because it totaly depends on what the weather is like at the time of the hike. I did the main trail 5 years in a row in the 2nd week of November (did it over my birthday each year) and never needed ice ax or crampons, but then have used them in early october in the past. You can't tell until you are closer to the time of your hike. If I had to make a guess, I would bet you will not need them, but this board is the best place to keep an eye on for the info to give you the needed advice. Hope this will be of some help, Bill

The answers to your questions are...

Winter Tools...there is a slight chance you might need crampons.

Snow...You chance of seeing snow on the upper portion of the trail is between 10 and 20%, based on going to the Sierra this particular weekend a lot of years.

Bears...in fifteen years going to the Sierra I have seen a bear day hiking once, never backpacking. Another dumpster diving in June Lake and one paws up on an Explorer in Whitney Portal.

Bears are not an issue at Trail Camp...marmots and the air force are. The canister is to keep the elfin bears at bay.

Thanks so much!

I climbed Whitney in July and had two VERY large bears come into our camp twice at the Portal campsite(#44)!!! They were within feet of me inside my tent and banging around the bear lockers. They quickly got bored and moved on. They are only there for food, so take precautions. My advice: keep a clean camp, check all of your clothing and everything you bring into your tent for anything with a smell. This includes toiletries, sunscreen, bug repellent,etc. Do the same for your car and you will have no problems. There really is nothing to be scared of if you do this. Up in trail camp there really is no worry.
As for weather, its too early to tell. But you better off being over prepared then under. Just make sure you know how to use everything you bring with you. Whitney is a BAD place to try to learn!!! Have fun!!!!