Mt. Whitney Portal Store & Hostel Forums General Mt. Whitney Portal Store Message Board Better Definitions for the MR

I was up there last Friday with Bob R, Steve C and Rick. I was too slow and only made it to Lower Boyscout Lake and didn't want the guys to abort the whole trip for me. Have to tell you the trail is very steep. Bob thinks it's only 3.1 or 3.8 miles to summit but you pay for the short distance in steepness.

I read 4 Whitney books on the MR section and here's what they really meant about certain areas and types of trails on the MR:

Ebersbacher Ledges: Cliffs! Really High cliffs!

It's an Exposed trail:Meaning Don't look down.

It's a Highly exposed trail: Meaning What EVER you do, don't look down!

EB Ledges: E-ticket thrill!

Bob R had related a story to us that morning of a friend of his some years ago having found a dead man at the base of the ledges. Apparently he walked off a dead end trail or was going too fast. Although this made my approaching them very nerve wracking, I'm glad he told us this story because I had the utmost respect for this area. There's dead end trails all over up there and granite dust on the ledges. Makes for slippery footing. This trail, I found, was harder coming down than going up. Just FYI for you all thinking of going. Bob, I'd like to try it again. could we go slower next time?

Interesting contrast between this post and this one:

http://www.whitneyportalstore.com/cgi-bin/ubb/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=1;t=000532

I guess it's all a matter of personal opinion, huh?

I gotta go try that sometime!!

Sherry, I totally agree with you on the EB ledges. My husband talked me in to taking this trail in 1999. We had done the regular route many times and wanted some diversion. that's a good name for it I guess. While he went hauling up the cliffs-that's what they are- I was not real happy about being that high on such narrow walkways. I haven't been back up the M/R but husband loves it. It just depends on how much height and *exposure* you're used to.

Anna J.

And P.S.

If I had known someone was killed on the ledges I probably would still have gone, but I too would have had more respect for them than I already did. Thanks for the info.

Anna J.

Went back and read the other post....saw my name there saying it wasn't that scary. It can be emotionally nerve racking if you are not in to that kind of stuff. When I had my two children there (about 10 years old) it was more difficult for me emotionally. I have also seen a few teenagers from one of our groups throw in the towel and go back to go fishing. Having said that I have been with multiple people up the ledges who overcame their fears and did fine. Last time I was there I felt it was harder coming down with a full backpack. I also discovered above the ledges you can stay higher and thus further away from the edge. One thing for sure. The MR is a big notch up from the trail.