Mt. Whitney Portal Store & Hostel Forums General Winter Access Forum time to LBS?

we're heading up next friday and i wanted to get from the car to LBS on evening #1, as i'm leaving LA midday and expect to arrive 5PM, leaving 2-3 hs daylight. can anyone estimate the time it will take to get to LBS for two fit mountaineers with 50lbs+ packs? i assume we will be able to start at the trail head by then. i don't want to be stuck on the ledges in the dark.

ahh crap, just saw the post that the road is closed. don't want to climb roads, wanna climb the mountain...

it has been a couple years since i did it at this time of the year with a full pack (although max 40lbs, what could you have that weighs 50lbs?) and I recall it takes a 1.5 - 2 hours depending on your pace. 2 hours is a pretty comfortable pace not pushing yourself too hard.

50lbs of FOOD!!!!! gonna cook me a 3 course meal. gotta eat well on the mountain.