Mt. Whitney Portal Store & Hostel Forums General Mt. Whitney Portal Store Message Board Snow and ice on the main trail 7/4?

Any recent info on the snow melt on the main trail? still ice axes and crampons for the 6th? Many thx!

I hiked on 7/1 no axe or crampons were needed. Didn't see anyone with any either. Rangers at the visitors center said there was 40% coverage on the switchbacks, but I don't think it was that much. The longest section I can remember was at the cables and the back side of the summit.

I hiked the Main Trail on 7/2. There are a couple snow patches on the switchbacks, one at the cable area and one near Trail Crest. There is no need for crampons or axe. Trekking poles are recommended, but not necessary either. The grooves cut in the snow by hikers are deep and well defined. You must, however, be careful because a slip results in a long slide. The other snow patch is on the back side of the summit and is a piece of cake because the cross slope is not as severe as on the switchbacks. There is a lot of running water on many portions of the trail due to snow melt, so waterproof or water resistant boots are a good idea. It was a beautiful day. The spring on the switchbacks is running like crazy and water is available there.

These photos are from yesterday morning (6:00am):





There was only one short section where the cable was out of reach.

I was there very early and did put crampons on for about three steps. Ice is still forming overnight and the snow melt that drips down on the upper section of the cables had ice on the path and cables (about 1/2" thick).

Just don't get up there so early!

Thank you everyone for the advice!!! This forum is great!