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Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 13
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Hi there, Two quick questions for a 1st timer. My group is planning a trip for late June. 1) We have a permit for the Main Trail and plan to camp 1 night (to acclimatize) at Trail Camp. We'll then rise at 1st sunlight the next day and attempt to reach the top and return home in 1 day. Silly question is: What would be a reasonable time to leave the portal for Trail Camp??? Its only 6 miles and I don't want to be sitting around for an entire day  2) Conditions permitting we are not planning on need a ton of gear to reach the top. Is it possible (safe and advisable) to leave camp setup during the summitt attempt?? It sure would be nice to not have to carry all that gear. Thanks so much for the advice.
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Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 548
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It's only six miles but it's also "only" 3,500 vertical feet of gain. It will also depend very much on the weather. When my son and I did the main trail in July, 2001, we got a leisurely start at about 11:00 a.m. from the trailhead. T-storms pinned us down at Outpost camp for the better part of an hour, which added to our time. Still, we made it to Trail Camp in time to set up camp and fix dinner before dark. My rule of thumb for backpacking is 30 minutes per mile plus 30 minutes per 1,000' gained. That puts Trail Camp about 4-5 hours from the trailhead. Given our storm delay, we weren't far off that estimate. As far as leaving camp set up, we did exactly that. We were camping at Trail Camp again after our simmit day so we left our gear in the tent, but our frame packs outside and covered with plastic garbage bags so they stayed dry. Our food was in a bear cannister a good way away from the tent and out of sight from the trail. Nothing was touched while we were gone. (We had day packs for our summit day.)
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Joined: Jun 2008
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If you're heading up to Trail camp to "acclimatize" then doesn't it make sense that you WOULD want to "sit around" at that elevation for as much time as possible, if acclimatization is your concern. (the correct answer is YES!)
In regards to leaving your tent, pack and some gear at camp: DUH!
It would be rediculous to attempt to take all your gear up on summit day, unorthodox at best! Leave what you don't need at trail camp, nothing is gonna get taken, theives are not likely to drive to the portal, climb all that way just for your gear (that they wouldn't likely be interested in or able to sell on the streets anyway). Mountaineers are good people! Take a "summit pack" with water, food, first aid kit, mabee a bivy, sunblock, shades - just what you need to get to the summit safely.
Good luck on your first attempt!
Last edited by Pranqster; 06/05/08 06:40 PM.
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Joined: Feb 2005
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1 - If your confident about your acclimitization prior to heading up the trail, the only reason to get to Trail Camp early is to explore around the area (head down to the lake, etc.). In Aug 2006 I hit the trail about 9:30am, took an extended break at Lone Pine Lake, took a nap at Outpost Camp, and got to Trail Camp about 5:00pm. I was in no hurry.
2 - I would either leave camp setup, or pack most of it before you summit. That way you'll have less to pack on the way back out. You only need to take the essentials up to the top. Just be aware the marmots will want to investigate your stuff while your gone.
Whatever you choose, hope you enjoy the journey and the destination.
Dan
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Joined: Dec 2002
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1. Grab a pancake at the Portal Store, then head up to Trail Camp. It is 6 miles, +3,600' to 12,000'+. Therefore, it is going take some time. We did in about 4 hours of hiking time carrying semi-winter gear.
2. I'd start a bit earlier on your 16 mile day, especially if it includes a drive back to SoCal. You are looking at least 12 hours from start to pack up to finish. Leave most of your stuff at Trail Camp, just bring enough water, food and warmies for trip to the summit.
Last edited by wbtravis5152; 06/05/08 10:59 PM.
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Joined: Jul 2003
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Silly question is: What would be a reasonable time to leave the portal for Trail Camp??? Its only 6 miles and I don't want to be sitting around for an entire day Have you been up to 12,000 feet before for an extended period of time? Are you familiar with the symptoms of AMS? Many people start their acclimation at the Portal or at Horseshoe Meadow before they begin their hike. It is not a silly question if you develop altitude sickness from too much exposure too quickly.
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