Mt. Whitney Portal Store & Hostel Forums General Mt. Whitney Portal Store Message Board Doing a one day on 6/12- any current conditions??

I am headed up to the portal on the 10th to aclimate on the 11th and try the one day on the 12th. Weather has looked a bit sketchy this week. I was wondering if anyone can give me the latest on what might be in store for us at the higher elevations? It definitly sounds like crampons and ice axes are mandatory at the higher streches.

Hey Bubba,
I too am heading up on the 12th, to climb the MR. Are you going via the Mountaineer's route, or the Main Trail? From the pics and reports I've seen, it looks like axes and crampons (and the knowledge to use them) are necessary for both routes, but not having been up there myself recently, I'm not 100% sure. The snow on the MR couloir should actually make it easier to climb; you can avoid that $%&# talus and just crampon up. The weather looks like it will be clearing by that time, but be prepared for afternoon t-storms or snow showers. Good luck on your climb!
-Katie

I am headed up the main path with my older daughter. She has never used crampons, but shes strong and coordinated.

I do see its clearing up a bit, lets hope for warmer less stormy weather.

Sounds good. Anyone who's reasonably coordinated can learn how to use crampons pretty quickly. Have fun and climb safe!

How old is your oldest daughter? I'm taking my 10yo son up on 6/15...he's a tough kid, should be a fun adventure...

My eldest is 21, 10 seems a bit young for such an arduos adventure in questionable condtions, but he may be a trooper and future everest candidate!! I have a 7 year old who I would take in a few years, but not in June, perhaps August.

I went by REI today in Santa Ana and ran into a guy who climbed up this past week..other than witnessing another climber getting hit by lightning and descending in snow, ice, and low vis fog...he said it was a good trip!!

Summitbound, I took my twin daughters to the summit when they were nine. They did fine, other than coming down with a bit of altitude sickness, including me. But after summiting, we all did just fine on the descent. The conditions, however, were dry--without any snow, except well-trodden snow on the big switchback below the hut.

Thanks Wayne. My 10yo was born with an ice axe in his crib...we are going to consider Trail Camp the summit next week.