Mt. Whitney Portal Store & Hostel Forums General Mt. Whitney Portal Store Message Board How cold is the water on the JMT- Is swimming an ?

I am going from Kearsarge Pass to Whitney in early September.

Does anyone go swimming at the lakes along the way?

Am I crazy because the weater is too cold?

Are there any recommneded Lakes or tarns along the way that might have warmer water?

Thanks

I have swam in Guitar Lake. It is cold and you don't stay in long.

But then I swim in most Sierra Lakes where I camp. Just enough to get wet and get out. Believe me, they are cold!

The Kearsarge Lakes aren't too bad if you camp near there. You may be better served by pools in Bubbs Creek or Tyndall along your trip though. I was just in the upper San Joaquin river (above 9000') and it was perfect.

Hmmm, I'm planning the same trek in Sept and was planning to get wet and clean up whenever possible. Cold is ok...especially if you have some good scotch to warm up again!

But I'd love to hear from others...any lakes better than others?

Maybe see ya on the trail!

When I make the Onion Valley to Whitney trip (which I have close to a dozen times over the years), I always take a swim in the upper Kearsarge Lake. I have been known to stay in for up to 10 minutes swimming around. Now this usually occurs after several quick in and out dips before my body acclimates to the temperature of the water.

I also have tried Guitar Lake on a couple occasions, but now I usually camp at the tarns above the lake so I end up bypassing the lake now.

I usually find that the greatest problem preventing me from swimming in the lakes along the routes is mental.

Paul

Hey Granola Girl,

Thanks for the reply. I will be there the week after Labor Day. I am going solo and wouldn't mind meeting up and going for a swim and some scotch!

I sent you an message, you can check it by clicking on the "my stuff"

Let me know if your interested

David

David,

Wow -- I'm going solo too! Let's take our conversation offline. I wouldn't mind a companion, it would certainly make the trek more interesting! It sounds like we have lots in common. Should I bring a cribbage board and you bring the scotch?

GG

There's a great little lake on Bighorn Plateau that is relatively warm due to being fairly shallow and exposed. It's a great place to take a real swim on your hike from Kearsarge to Whitney. Also swam and camped at an unknown lake below Forester Pass, but that was COLD!