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Joined: May 2010
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Hi. My partner and I are planning to make our first attempt at climbing Whitney via the main trail on 28th-30th May, assuming the weather is kind (which is looking dodgy at the moment). We've allowed a couple of days before the climb to spend some time at altitude to acclimatise/acclimatize/acclimate. Where's a good place to do a moderate day-hike nearby, and where can we sleep for a night or two at altitude? We're travelling in an RV and finding a campground that's open at a decent altitude seems to be pretty tricky. Anyone got any past experience or cunning ideas? Thanks in advance!
Matt & Krista
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Joined: May 2010
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It also appears we can't park our RV at the trailhead while we're on the mountain and the campground at the portal is full up for our climb dates. Any ideas what we can do? It would be a massive bummer if we had to bail on climbing Whitney because we can't find anywhere to park!
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Joined: Jun 2007
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Hi Matt,
Our group is climbing on the 30th/31st and also plan to acclimatize somewhere in the area. I think that access will be completely dependent on weather. Will snow melt and snow plows succeed, or will more snow accumulate? We are considering the following: Horseshoe Meadows (10,000'), Bristlecone Pine Forest area (10,000'), Onion Valley (9,200'), Lake Sabrina (9,000'), and South Lake Campground (8,800'). We will check with the Inter Agency Visitors Center in Lone Pine mid to late next week to get up to date access info. An RV may limit you further.
Regarding getting to the Portal from Lone Pine, depending on the time you need to go up (not too early?), I may be able to drive you up and drop you. We're not coming down until Monday, so you would have to solve that problem.
Logistics!
climbSTRONG
"Avoiding danger is no safer in the long run than outright exposure. Life is either a daring adventure or nothing" -Helen Keller
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Joined: Feb 2010
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Mammoth Mountain is 11,000 (plus) - you can snowshoe it and spend the day on top (starting around 9,000 near the ski lodge) - or if the tram is running you could just run around on top - or ... maybe they still are skiing there ... get your lift tickets and enjoy.
The brain is a wonderful organ; it starts working the moment you get up in the morning, and does not stop until you get to the office. Robert Frost
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Joined: May 2007
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Matt -
At the moment the road to Horseshoe Meadows is still closed. I called the USFS Visitor Center in Lone Pine earlier this week, and they're not sure when it will be open. My suggestion is to check with them as the time gets closer.
As for the Bristlecones - there's a good campground at Grandview. It's about 8K and still on pavement. You'll need to bring your own water - none is available anywhere around. I'd be hesitant to drive an RV further north than the Shulmann Center where the pavement ends, however. Sections of that road have notoriously sharp rocks and flat tires are not uncommon.
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Joined: Apr 2008
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Mammoth Mountain RV Park is around 8,000' and has all the RV stuff- plus shuttle buses run up to the Mammoth Lakes basin. Mammoth RV Park Rock Creek Lake Campground (or other campgrounds in the Rock Creek area) are over 9,500' but might not be open. Call Inyo National Forest for updates at Mammoth Ranger Station and Welcome Center 760-924-5500 P.O. Box 148 Mammoth Lakes, CA 93546 Hours: 8:00 am to 5:00 -OR- White Mountain Ranger Station 760-873-2500 760-873-2501 TDD 798 North Main Street Bishop, CA 93514 (Don't call the reservation number- they aren't local and probably don't know what's open). Inyo National Forest Campground List Regarding parking the RV- I guess park it in Lone Pine- maybe spend the night before and leave it at the RV Park at the south end of town. Shuttle service up the hill is available from Bob Ennis Mt. Whitney Shuttle Service You will probably be fine hitching back down to town.
Last edited by JimQPublic; 05/22/10 04:15 PM.
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Joined: May 2010
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OK, sounds like some good options for acclimatising. Thanks for the ideas gents.
Great news about the shuttle bus too, thanks for that. I'll get in touch with them as soon as I get some cell coverage. (currently in Zion NP).
Last edited by Matt Cave; 05/22/10 09:12 PM.
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Joined: Jun 2003
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Matt, Just because the reservation service for Whitney Portal campground shows it's full for your dates, it does not mean there won't be open campsites. Only part of the sites are available for reservation ahead of time. The rest are available on a first-come, first-serve basis. We've been coming without a reservations for years, & only once found nothing available. So, unless they've changed things since last year, you should be able to get a campsite if you arrive early in the day.
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Joined: May 2009
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Matt, don't know how long you have in the area, but outside Bishop is the secluded North Lake Campground (Inyo Nat'l Forest) at around 9,500... from there a nice hike to the Lower and Upper Lamarck Lakes... the problem would be your RV... you may have to park it at the lake and hike about 1/2 mile to the Campground - call 'em...
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