Mt. Whitney Portal Store & Hostel Forums General Mt. Whitney Portal Store Message Board Lone Pine Peak and camping

I am looking to climb Lone Pine Peak the second weekend in May. Looking at the web cam shot it seems there is a measurable amount of snow in the area. Do you think the peak will be doable without having to bring crampons? Also, can you recommend a place to camp nearby as the campgound at the trail head isn't open until the week after our proposed hike?

I would think you would need crampons for your hike to Lone Pine Peak, especially if you travel early and late when the snow is icy. Moosetracks went up the Meysan Lakes trail last year around the 10th of May. See this photo album

http://www.flickr.com/photos/moosepics621/sets/72157605016240554/

Based on this photo, Last year on May 11th the northwest chute approach to Lone Pine Peak was already drying out, except for the bottom section visible in the photo

http://www.flickr.com/photos/moosepics621/2485940041/in/set-72157605016240554/

As far as camping goes, you could camp at Lone Pine Campground, Tuttle creek campground, or perhaps in the Alabama Hills.

Hi Walk in campground at the Trailhead is open now , not sure how you would use the crampon in snow and post holing but bring them if you have them. Thanks Doug