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

Is camping permitted on the summit of Mt. Whitney? I passed some JMT thru-hikers during the start of my NOBO trip, and a few were headed up to the summit to camp for the night.

For some reason I was under the impression camping was not permitted at the summit.

Thanks.

it is.

It is. Expect cold, windy, not much sleep and a beautiful sunset and then sunrise the next morning. As you toss and turn all night, there is something special to think about: being the (physically) highest person in the continental US. I like a bivvy better than a tent up there. Remember that there is not any water on the summit, so either bring extra or have enough fuel to melt snow/ice, which you may need to climb down into the chute to get.

cant you stay in the hut at the top? last time i was up there the room in the hut closest to the summit was unlocked.

it sucks they took out the toilet. i always wanted to take the highest dump in the lower 48 (49 if you count the aloha state)

Thanks for the responses! I'm speed hiking the JMT in August, 2009, and will plan to crash on the summit and start my hike at 12:01AM.

Why? Isn't part of the beauty of hiking taking in your surroundings and enjoying the moment. In life it seems we are always speeding, in nature I slow down.

I spent 20 days on the JMT this past September. It was a leisurely trip and plenty of time to enjoy the moment and soak in the experience. I'm now interested in seeing how quickly I can hike it. Speed hiking isn't for everyone. I respect your hiking style, and would never question it. HYOH.

Sorry, but I can't hold my fingers...

Just guessing, but to me, the difference in speed between a "fast" and "slow" hiker is probably no more than 5mph. Is it possible that that extra bit of speed makes it impossible for the "fast" hiker to "take in the sights?" Granted, going fast means you probably spend a little more time looking down so that you don't trip, or stub your toe.

Now, if the speed demon is walking thru the night, they're going to miss out on seeing some things. But, in this case, if the moon happens to be up, they're seeing the sights in a totally different perspective that's pretty cool.

Back on track: if you were heading up earlier in the season, I'd be concerned about getting past the ice that usually blocks the entrance to the hut. By August, it should have melted out. (Even though there's a door, the wind tends to blow spindrift in and it freezes near the entry.)

Happy Thanksgiving.