Mt. Whitney Portal Store & Hostel Forums General Mt. Whitney Portal Store Message Board Water sources above Trail Camp

Hi there,
I am planning to camp at either Consultation Lake or Trail Camp before summitting Whitney on July 2. I have a three-liter Camelbak that I'll have filled up for the summit day, but I'm thinking I might need a little more water for the summit hike and back.

Are there any water sources above trail camp... and how reliable are they? (I have a filter, of course.)
Also, any good tips on how to find nice camping spots at Consultation Lake or Trail Camp? Thanks!

As far as I know, no reliable water sources. There is snowmelt in the afternoons in summer (that is NOT considered reliable), but I don't think there is now.

You could potentially carry something like a Jetboil or a stove and container and harvest snow and melt it before filtering.

From this board;

http://www.ridgenet.net/~rockwell/Whitney_water_trail.pdf

The last reliable water is at switchback #23 at about 12,350 ft. and about 4/10 of a mile above Trail Camp. Right now there is a fair amount of water coming out of this spring, and it is flowing down from switchback #23 and running over switchback #22 all the way to switchback #17(12,340 ft). As long as temps stay above freezing, you should have no problem with using this spring as a pure source of water.

I remember last year there was the stream at one of the early switchbacks. I actually filled up two 3 liter Camelbak bladders at Trail Camp before heading up for the summit. I think that was more than enough for the hike.

Try to find a spot where your tent would be surrounded (partially, atleast) by rocks at Trail Camp. I remember it being pretty windy when my friends and I camped there last July. The rocks helped break the wind a bit.

kristen

The water on 97 Switchbacks is best utilized for the return trip. Stop somewhere between Trailside Meadow and Trail Camp have a bite to eat, some electrolyte replacement and filter some water.

No. At the time of your trip, the water at switchback #23--at elevation 12,400', and 400' above Trail Camp--will be flowing like a banshee 24/7.

Regarding your other questions, there are several spots at Consultation Lake. Just go there and look around. As far as Trail Camp is concerned, there are wonderful spots east of the main camping area. Again, just look around.

Thank you all for your suggestions.

Two other related questions:
1) How much water would you suggest is needed for the approx. 10-mile roundtrip hike from Trail Camp to the summit and back?
2) If a spring is being fed by nearby snowmelt, is it necessary to filter?

Thanks!!

Poly, both your questions are answered in this thread:

Water sources: Main Trail and Mountaineer’s Route

I've gone through that area a few time when there has not been a drop of water. It made me rethink my approach to taking on water for an ascent.

I do agree that there will be water there this time of year for ascending day hikers.

That is the reason why I do not tell people there is any RELIABLE source after Trail Camp. Often you will find a couple of usable water sources on the switchbacks in summer, but they are far from reliable, in that they may NOT be there when you need them.

BobR's experience regarding time of year for water availability overrules my 'chicken" approach, of course Which is why his snow-prognosis I am so grateful for!