Mt. Whitney Portal Store & Hostel Forums General Mt. Whitney Portal Store Message Board Hike to Mt. Whitney

Hi, I heard about this forum from a friend who wants to take me to Mt Whitney in a few weeks. Not being too experienced hiking I have a few basic questions.

1) Would you consider it a long hike, taking more then 6-7 hours. I have heard it can be a little tough.
2) Do you think it would be a good idea to take a jacket or would a lightweight coat be better.
3) His plan is to drive to the parking area and start hiking. I think I heard it is not easy to come from sea level and do that.
4) I am going to borrow a "water reservoir bladder system" from one of my cycling buddies. He says it is a small backpack which carries about 50 ounces of water. Should I carry another quart or so.
5) Are tennis shoes enough or will my feet get cold.
6) Should I go run a little to train for this hike.

Thanks in advance. This hike sure sounds great. I have never thought I could hike a "big mountain" like Mt Whitney before.

I don't mean to be snide, but is your post for real?

start with this site's general info courtesy of Versatile Fred

http://www.whitneyportalstore.com/forum/ubbthreads.php/ubb/showflat/Number/34030

Per SanFranMan's profile, he has posted here 100 times since 2003.

If one of his 2004 posts (quoted below) is true, then his questions posted here certainly seem bogus (or else he has a serious case of amnesia).



CaT

In order to understand the obvious amnesia, see the altitude and brain damage thread. This case should give anyone pause!

bogus it looks

actually, I doubt the brain got anywhere near high altitude. more like armchair.

I think you should wear a T-shirt with running shorts. Highly recommend Nike high tops, and at least one Crystal Geyser water bottle. For entertainment on the trail, bring a boom box with a collection of your tapes. A beanie is probably excessive, given that its only November.

As far as training, don't worry about its pretty easy, maybe just ride your Rollerblades a couple of times before the trip.

Have fun..

Shoooewt! I'd forget the Nikes and go for Tevas!

But bring some Crystal Lite to go with that Crystal Geyser.

No need to bring a pack. Just bring cash! You can stay in Doug's new Hotel:


And take the tram to the top:


Once you're at the top, kick back in the hut with some famous hot brew:


Hope this helps.

Given his past experience, I am sure he was just being funny...summarizing some of the silly type questions that creep onto the board from time to time.

Did someone say CRYSTAL?!?!

Damn, the Starbucks was closed when I got there in May. I was really looking forward to a venti Frappacino.

Sorry for the humor during a slow time at work. Thank you all for comments about my amnesia, altitude and brain damage. How did you know the only hiking I have done lately is dreaming from my armchair. I even liked the reference to our old friend Crystal. Is that what Steve C meant by bringing along some "Crystal Lite?"

My favorite was krisztianr. His comments were exactly what I was looking for.

Anyone know were there tram pickup location is? That will come in handy on my next visit to the area.

Steve C,

Those pictures are hilarious! Do you have any others?

Aaron

Those pictures were posted last year by others on this board. Sorry, but I should have given due credit.

Does the tram ticket include a tour of the castle?