Mt. Whitney Portal Store & Hostel Forums General Mt. Whitney Portal Store Message Board Trip reports for 2017

I haven't done the hike yet but I found this picture and it seems to serve as a good companion picture to yours.

https://cdn.hikingguy.com/wp-content/uploads/mt-whitney-trail-map-3-740x416.jpg

Thank you for posting....doing it Monday.

jshuttle5,

Thanks for your observations from your June 28 hike.

An important observation of yours: "Most people we met on the trail did not have a map nor did they have a working understanding of where the trail went."

Late in the afternoon on June 29 I hiked up to Consultation Lake to camp and noted the sound of a helicopter in the distance for over an hour. When I made the summit on June 30 I saw a flyer posted that there was a missing hiker, Marv Cope. Word on the trail was that Marv had made the summit and had split up from his group (sound familiar?). Today (July 1) I read on the Inyo Sheriff Facebook page that Marv has been located in the Actic Lake drainage. Fortunately, he is OK. Did he have a map and know how to read it? He apparently descended the mountain in the direction of Fresno, rather than Lone Pine. Interestingly, last night in Lone Pine, I overheard someone mention that he thought Mr Cope had recently written a book on hiking Mt Whitney!

Yesterday I saw several people on the switch backs at one time or another. As I enjoyed a snack at Trail Crest, several hikers descended from Discovery Pinnacle. I asked if they had just come up from the Crabtree Lakes drainage. No, they said they had just come up the switch backs. They were on the switch backs for much of their ascent, but did some scrambling when they lost the trail or snow/ice was a problem.

Hope everyone has a great July 4 Holiday.

Jim

Do let us know about the conditions! Many thanks.

Transitioning soon to the switchback area? Several more days and more people coming down the switchback and more rocks showing in the chute area ,it will be a hard call which will be the route of choice.


The short snow sections will scare the bejesus out of people that have limited snow travel experience,others again a non event.
Poles and foot placement will determine the safety,Hillsound longer spikes/crampons may help but if you haven't used either on a snow covered surface with steep side exposure you may not like the switchbacks or the chute . Many are turning back just before the switchback area.

Switchbacks working now ,opened up by a boy scout group lead by a retired teacher Ms Hobbs , short sections will still have snow coverage but the next few day a track will be walked in . People are staying on the inside of the cables . Wait if any of the area makes you nervous turn around!!!!!!!
Next hint make Trail Crest your summit goal this makes the hike very easy you save 4-6 hours return to the Portal in good shape not a walking zombie, which as always can lead to missing the trail/ taking the wrong turn at some point and then the people you left on the mountain will get down first. Oh staying in the group you started with always help.

Went up and down the Mountain yesterday (Tuesday July 11) using the Switchbacks. As Doug Sr notes, they are now very doable. Thanks to the Boy Scouts who helped open up the route recently.

Of the first 20 switchbacks or so, the bottom 10 are dry and the top 10 are covered in low-angled snow. So to start, either walk directly in the snow to approximately SB 20 to hit dry trail, or start on dirt and cross on snow from SB 10 to SB 20.

On the 23rd switchback, the spring is flowing strongly. It is currently the last reliable source of flowing water on the way to the summit.

At the Cables, 90% of the length inside the cables has a dry corridor several feet wide.

Well above the cables, there are two areas of interest were there is snow on the trail, but a solid tract has now been established. There is some exposure to consider.

Past the Keeler Needle, everyone is still avoiding the summit snowfield, and staying on dirt by taking the old trail to rejoin the Main Trail just before the summit.

Many hikers were on the Mountain. Many good people to meet and exchange info and experiences.

For those interested, on the Mountaineers Route Final 400, the bottom half is clear of snow. There is a wide dry route up the left side next to the wall. Iceberg Lake is still mostly frozen, and there is a lot of snow around it.

Jim

PS: Congrats to the last night's and today's finishers of the Badwater to Whitney 135 Mile Endurance Run.

Jim Thank you for the report,Maura and I stayed to about 10 PM no runners,driving down first runner was near Lone Pine Campground ,today I found out a flash flood was blocking 190 for awhile yesterday.

Earlene and I had lunch today in Corona .Good report !!

The switchbacks are the trail of choice now up and down , rocks showing in the chute so most are avoiding the chute slide down

Still a problem area is just above Mirror Lake, the trail is always gone in this section after a heavy winter. the trail is on slabs/ rock with steps cut in and somewhat steep .The area near Trailside meadow is the last area of concern as the trail is not melted out yet so follow the tracks off to the south and that will take you to Trail Camp. These will set you up for the easy patches of snow above trail camp. And on the switchbacks.

Main problem with the trail now is the hikers not able to walk on a snow covered surfaces are turning back . Hikers with experience are not having a problem

Trip report from 7/12 - 7/16 starting from Horseshoe Meadows over New Army Pass to Guitar Lake, up to Mt Whitney and down to the Portal.

7/12: ~8 miles. Started after camping overnight at Horseshoe Meadows, left at about 11am after late morning arrivals to make up the original group of 8. Several steam crossings but all were feet dry using rocks/logs. Passed several returning hikers who reported snow on New Army Pass. Got rained on for an hour in the afternoon. Made it to High Lake and camped at the base of New Army Pass, rained overnight.

7/13: ~7 miles. Climbed the switchbacks to crest New Army Pass. There was a ~50 foot traverse over snow about 3/4 to the top. Near the top of the pass, the last couple switchbacks were completely covered in snow with no sign of use. The vertical wall of snow was about 50 feet high with well established steps. Two of our party did not feel comfortable climbing it and turned back, returning to Horseshoe meadows parking lot, while the remaining six of us used our crampons and ice axes to easily climb the snow wall and summit the pass. Hiked down to camp at rockcreek bear box. Between NAP and Rockcreek, there were several stream crossings, two of which were feet wet.

7/14: ~11 miles. Hiked through Crabtree meadows to Guitar Lake. Trail leaving Rockcreek was flooded but a few hundred feet back down the trail there was a safe log crossing. A few feet dry crossings until the beginning of Crabtree meadows. At crabtree, a short ways down river there were two passable log crossings, otherwise the river would be a feet wet crossing. At the trail junction, the crabtree trail was marked with the ranger's warnings about a swift, deep stream crossing so we elected to take the PCT/JMT path instead (about 0.5 miles longer), with no stream crossings. At the Crabtree Meadows campground, stream crossing to the ranger's station and pit toilet was feet wet. Hiked the last 2.7 miles up to Guitar Lake, no water crossings.

7/15: (?)10 miles. Hiked from Guitar Lake up to the Whitney switchbacks. A few snowfield crossings but easily doable without crampons/ice axes. Only feet dry stream crossings. Up the switchbacks, there was one snowfield that we had to cross twice, needed crampons and ice axes for this. First crossing was more difficult and longer than the second. Reached high camp and left most of our gear and took daypacks from here. Ridge trail was clear of snow up until the final switchbacks to the summit. Main trail was covered in snow, a few people went this way, but alternate trail before the snow was marked with rock cairns and avoided all snow to the summit. Make it to the peak, clear weather and great conditions. Returned back the way we came to high camp, grabbed our gear, then hiked the short ascent to trail crest. We could see that the switchbacks had several snow crossings, and there were established chutes for glissading. We decided to glissade down. It was late afternoon so the snow was slushy but we still were able to get good speed. The well carved chutes were full of rocks, so we had to avoid them. Would probably not recommend glissading any later this year, and this was also the advice of the rangers we heard later. As the snowfield flattened out, we hiked the rest of the way down the remaining switchbacks and camped at Trail Camp.

7/16: ~7 miles. Left Trail Camp and hiked the trail/slid down 3 or so snow fields for the first 1000 feet. Were able to cut of at least a mile of trail using the snow routes. Feet dry stream crossings thus far. Hiked through outpost camp, first three stream crossing here were feet dry, but the final two (in very close proximity) were feet wet. Continued down the trail, were not able to find the old portal trail cutoff so completed the hike on the new trail. Logs were well in place for the long river crossing, but the second to last river crossing was pretty sketchy, hopping on rocks on the edge of a waterfall. Switching to water shoes would not have been any better, however. Made it to the portal at last, where we each enjoyed a burger!

Hi Doug. Does your comment about hikers with experience are not having a problem mean that an ice ax and crampons are necessary? I'm coming up next weekend.

Thanks.

Matt

Hi Matt,

I went up the Mountain two days ago (Wed July 19), using the switchbacks both up and down (like everyone). I relied on road running shoes and walking sticks. Nothing else was needed for me. (Some hikers packed micro spikes).

An issue confronting hikers on Wednesday was the following: On the ridge above Mirror Lake one has the option to leave the trail and to travel south of the trail on mostly snow (passing the shore of Consultation Lake) to Trail Camp. I and others who did this had no apparent problems. Those who remained on the trail were confronted with having a short traverse across a steep snow field (with an unfavorable runout and perhaps of questionable stability) above Trailside Meadow. From a distance, I watched one group arrive at the start of this traverse and they just stood there for several minutes, as if attempting to figure out what to do. Maybe others who stayed on the Trail here can share with us their experiences with this traverse.

The cables were clear.

The last (very long) switchback to Trail Crest was almost entirely dirt.

I walked through a lot of water, but the creek flows are mellowing out. From backside, it was looking more like summer in the Sierras.

As following the Main Trail clears, the other items remain: basic conditioning, pace and nutrition, ability to handle altitude and attitude, pack weight, group dynamics and decision making (if not traveling solo), contingency planning,...

Enjoy your hike this weekend! Do not hesitate to share your experience.

Jim

Best update the trail is mostly clear, a few very short section of snow but most are just walking on the trail.

Main problem now is the run off and the trail will have water running down the trail, also water in the area of Outpost camp .

Went up main trai yesterday, July 31, you can avoid the snow but not the water.

Trail getting close to normal summer conditions.

Crazy Jack

Hiked the main trail this past Sunday/Monday (7/30-7/31). Left the portal at 10am on Sunday headed for Trail Camp. There was ankle deep water on the trail just before Outpost camp. Some people stopped to take off their shoes/boots but me and others just walked through the water. My water proof boots and gaiters kept my feet dry. There was some running water on the trail just below Trailside Meadow but you could just walk through it or walk on the boulders on the edge of the trail. There is a short snow field, mentioned by Jim above, just before Trailside Meadow. I crossed that around noon so the snow was soft and footing was good. My boots and hiking poles were all that were needed but falling here would not end well. Plenty of hikers were crossing it without the use of poles but if you are crossing it in the early morning when it would be icy, I would suggest poles at a minimum. The trail was clear from there to Trail Camp. Sunday night I camped at TC under clear skies and light breezes. Monday morning I started up the switch backs at 5:14. There were two patches of snow on the switchbacks. The first was a little past half way and was icy when I crossed. The second was on the last stretch of trail before Trail Crest. This was again icy due to the early hour. After TC, the trail was clear all the way until about the last quarter mile. At that point there is a boulder slide blocking the trail. Cairns have been set up showing the way to the summit from the slide area. I reached the summit at 9:10. At the summit there was no wind and unlimited visibility in all directions. I met some great people and it was a great couple of days on the mountain. Cheers.

Matt

Hey Jack,

Did my friend Greggy Wood tag along with you, he was talking about it!!

Berne aka Mountaingoat

There was a very large rock fall ~2am thursday night below outpost camp right next to the trail, disastrous had anyone been on the trial. Ironic that most were clueless. Looked like a 5 gallon bucket of gray powder dumped 4' from the trail where it impacted, another one below, plus a huge splatter fanned out zone hosed with vegetation sprayed everywhere.
Even worse....I saw ~20 WAg bags between OPC and trailcrest stashed along the trail, like a poop bag perched next the trail that were there when I went up and when I came down,observing the ones that stick out, .... and worse yet a bunch of pieces of grey WAG plastic in the swelled stream crossings, I mean a lot. Not sure if people leave it thinking to pick it up on the way down and rodents get it or what. Later to find the cafe is closed for ecoli in the water...go figure.

My story; left Santa Clarita amidst flash flooding at ~8pm hit the portal @11;30, tried to sleep in the downpour, thought I was headed home early but was a few stars at 3am, hit the trail at 3:25am, glad I bought some $4.88 water shoes at Walmart for the stream crossings, no rain on the whole walk, topped out at 8:30am in shorts and sun shirt but then summit got cold, cold until trailcrest. Beat my knees up on the way down. Met a ton of really adventurous people, in Lone Pine at 2:30pm Carl's Jr large ice tea then picked up 3 hitch hikers from North Carolina(ID'd backpackers, not to be confused with bums, hippies or criminals). They had just done their 1st backpacking trip doing the JMT 29 days and needed a ride to LAX. LOL It was either the 5pm bus to bishop and a $350 rental car or hitch hike. In 20 minutes they had a car reserved and flights booked via smart phone. Took them to Budget in Lancaster where they got a $36 car. Nice guys


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Rock fall is common in the area , look close to google earth and that area just to the south from Lone Pine Lake to trailcrest can and will slide , recall you were waiting out a downpour , high wind and rain can start slides and during the melt freeze cycle during the spring we have rock fall, sleeping here for many years you will hear rockfall many nights.

The good news is the trail is away from the toe of the slopes and it is rare for rocks to get to the trail, we had one last year above Mirror Lake and about 20 years ago a major slide off Thor that took out 2-3 switchbacks and planted a very large spear shaped rock in the ground still standing about 20' high.

Wag bags are a problem , but not related to the water problem in the Portal, the sample that tested positive was in the lower campground near a bathroom fountain.

Don't fear your poop! I'm gonna say it: I used my WAG bag (singular), 3 times! And carried that sucker -and a small amount of fear, with me, for a whole day. Until it was properly disposed of in the appropriate receptacle. I too saw many wag bags along the trail and tucked behind rocks. Pack it out people!

Otherwise, a beautiful day! We tried a day hike on 8/5, and one out of 3 in our group made it to the summit. I made it to just beyond Trail Crest before my body gave out. I would love to try again before November. The weather was perfect, witnessed a rockfall, was pelted by hail bee-bees, and wagged in my bag. xoxo

Hi,

On my hike up the main trail a couple of weeks ago, I noticed that much of the snow had a red tint to it. What causes that?

Thanks.

Red snow, sometimes called pink or watermelon snow, is caused by an algae. Avoid eating it or melting for water. It can cause an upset stomach.