Mt. Whitney Portal Store & Hostel Forums General Mt. Whitney Portal Store Message Board 2024

I'm set to do a semi-loop from cottonwood to whitney portal via crabtree meadows in two weeks. will I need crampons and an ice axe going up the backside or coming down the front, or is the trail relatively clear? Any input appreciated.

Hi All,
Has anyone been up old or new army pass and summitted Mt
Langley? Also anyone camp recently at Long Lake.... Mosquito's ??
Bears??
any input would be appreciated.
Happy Hiking to all, Rick

http://www.mountwhitneyforum.com/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=106322#Post106322

Bugs were out at higher elevations, but I only got bit by Mosquitoes at the (old) trailhead while changing gear...I'd carry bug juice...

Long Lake's shoreline is very soggy...I didn't look to see what the usual camping sites look like...there is snow in the trees approaching the lake and a "dangerous crossing" at the outlet...stay alert to the possibility of snow bridge collapses...

Thanks Richard,
Sounds like the Passes will be heavy in snow.
Happy Hiking,
Rick

Seeing a different patern this week ,people using the switchbacks up and sliding down the chute/slush early morning so maybe that is the reason.

On the switchbacks a short section at the end of the cables still a problem for some but we have had the full mix of gear doing that section trail runners, some sort of soft boot some with micro spikes others crampons , most using poles or ice ax EXPERIENCE is the main element,people that do snow travel this section is of little concern others might not like this section and try the chute .
Warm days now and not getting that cold at night so we are nearing the peak run off.First creek has peaked and north fork slowing , so it may have peaked , Lone Pine Creek , so water crossings are rock hopping or I always suggest just walk in the wqter and avoid a chance of a fall.

Reached the summit on 6/10 at 11a starting at Whitney Portal campground at 1:30a. Did the switchbacks and added microspikes on the cable section only (ice axe or trekking pole adds support). It looked like this was the faster option than the chute. Suspect everything will melt off in the next few days. Great weather!

Thanks for the update. Def helpful

Great updatse Doug and Eric. Do either of you have a picture or two of the cables section we still have snow? I am planning to hike in next couple of weeks. TIA

Hiked to the Summit via the Main Trail yesterday June 13. Some observations:

(1) The fine forecasted weather lasted until mid afternoon when uninvited dark clouds and thunder visited for a few hours.

(2) A few hikers attempted the Chute with varying degrees of success. The Switchbacks are now the consensus route.

(3) The crux of the Switchbacks is the final 10 yards. There the Trail is covered by an approximately 6 foot high mound of snow, which was rock hard in the early morning and soft and slippery in the early afternoon. The mound is pinched: Immediately to the left is a granite wall with ice and dripping water, and to the immediate right is a steep dry granite slab tumbling several hundred feet. Separating the snow mound and the drop-off are two cables dangling from two metal posts (unfortunately) bent 90 degrees and now perched over the top of the drop-off. These two cables are the hiker's "protection." So currently one is advised to be prepared in advance with appropriate skills and a plan.

(Note: For some this area is a non issue. But I observed others turning back. This short span will clear with time.)

(4) On the Summit Plateau, the Trail passes through a trivial snowfield. Stay in the Trench others have prepared. No need to bypass by scrambling up rocks like last year.

(5) Water was everywhere. The last good water source is flowing out on to the Trail in the area just below the 23rd Switchback.

(6) Enjoyed dinner at the Whitney Portal Store the night before the hike. Had a lengthy discussion with Cayden, Richard P, and Doug Sr. Obtained a Conditions Update and some good insights. Thanks fellows!

Jim

In (3) of the Post I just made, I am referring to the "crux of the Cable area" (which is also the crux of the Switchbacks).

Really appreciate all the great info here. Does anyone have any updated intel on Langley?

Several reports of the cornice is still there, a scramble is used but some don't like it.

. Cold air mass moving in this AM so this will slow the melt down some.

Most using the switchbacks now , short section at the end of the cable area still snow covered but a track is in , wild card on footware trail runners to full on mountaineering boots .... Again as always experience and your reaction to exposure is the key .

Summited Langley 6/18. All clear except small section at top of nap crest. Easily navigated with hiking boots and trekking poles - no traction or ice axe needed. Windy, but beautiful and well worth it. Camped at High Lake. Long Lake still very soggy.

Not sure if this is appropriate here, but I also posted in the Whitney Permit System thread:

I had some folks cancel and now have some open spots on my day use permit for June 29th. No obligation to hike with my party. Three open spots currently available. I don't have Facebook, but feel free to share there; I hear the Whitney FB group is pretty good.

Some thoughts on giving out permits You as the leader /permit holder will still be accountable if something goes wrong. Also if it looks like you charged for the permits could be a redflag .

On the subject of permits - I summited on Wednesday June 5 and noticed that I only encountered a total of around 30 people during my 19 hour hike (it was slow but I did it!). I passed a few more on Trail Crest but they were from the JMT. I assume a few overnighters had already summitted and were back at Trail Camp by the time I reached the chute - the 30 people number doesn't include the people that weren't actively hiking. I started at 2:20am so it's possible alot of people started after me and never made it to the summit or got to the chute and turned around. With 100 day use permits and 60 overnight permits issued per day, are those numbers typical? Just curious... i expected to see more people.

Thank you Doug & Jim! Any additional updates on the cornice at the tail end of the switchbacks? TIA

Main Trail Conditions Update (based on a hike up the Main Trail yesterday June 22 with outstanding weather and a full moon):

(1) Packing gear in the parking lot at the TH, I turned to see the Black Bear with a Collar standing two feet away. When he realized I had no treats for him, he moved on to socialize with other hikers leaving their cars.

(2) Water levels along the Trail have decreased significantly, since I was here nine days ago.

(3) Rangers were checking permits at Trail Side Meadow. They were supervised by a friendly dog.

(4) The snow bridge at the creek crossing above Trail Side Meadow has collapsed.

(5) Consultation Lake has thawed and campsites along the shore have cleared of snow.

(6) At the Cables, the situation remains basically unchanged from my observation on June 13. A few steps near the end of the Cables require focus.

(7) The last good water source is flowing out on the Trail at the 23rd Switchback.

(8) On the final two miles of the Trail, twenty to thirty PCT hikers were encountered descending from the Summit.

(9) Talked to two groups finishing the High Sierra Trail. It seems creeks can now be crossed safely.

(10) Had the privilege to meet Doug Sr's granddaughter, now a young lady. I recall last seeing her when she was a kid. How time flies!

Jim

Outstanding summary Jim! Glad you had a great time up on the mountain. Heading out Saturday night so hopefully the cables are slightly better but will exercise caution. All the insights on the forum is much appreciated. Thanks to all contributors!