A nice waterfall coming down from Mirror Lake to Bighorn Park where there are campsites if you were to do this climb in two days. ), Mt. The hike is strenuous, long, and the effects of the altitude can become intense (spend time acclimating before heading to the trail and be sure to eat / drink consistently throughout the day), but the rewards are a panoramic, jaw-dropping view that stretches as far as the eye can see, as well as the joy of having achieved a true hiking milestone. You've made it to the ridgeline. There was some bad weather the day before, it actually didn't seem to snow much but the snow from Sunday 12/13/2020 must have got blown around into deep drifts and hid previous tracks.
You can choose to descend back down the Mountaineers Route or the main Mt Whitney Trail. There are other routes besides Whitney Portal that lead to Mt. Attempted summit on 12/8! The hike to get there on the main Whitney Trail is 22 miles with 6,000 feet of elevation gain. Dogs are actually allowed on this trail up to Trail Crest (13,777'), but they may not be your best friend after the 97 switchbacks! The Mount Whitney Trail is a trail that climbs Mount Whitney. - as of 12/18/2020, the road is closed about 3.5 miles below the actual trailhead (measuring using directions on google maps). Mount Whitney Trail is a 22.5 mile heavily trafficked out and back trail located near Lone Pine, California that features a lake and is only recommended for very experienced adventurers. Trail Crest permits (entering elsewhere; exiting at Whitney Portal) have a separate application process. However, Mt. summited 12/23. Whitney Trail, 60 daily); Trail Crest exits (west entry - east exit, 25 daily) while quotas are in effect. Whitney Trail Welcome to Mount Whitney As you plan for your trip, remember your group’s safety comes first, the summit is optional. Whitney, the tallest mountain in the "lower 48" states. Nice campgrounds. The High Sierra Trail leaves from Giant Forest on the west side of Sequoia National Park, and is about 60 miles (100 km) one-way. Ice patches throughout, so move with caution! After Outpost camp the snow gets deep and snowshoes and trekking poles are necessary!!! Daylight is very short this time of year. It took me close to 18 hrs total (3:30am -9:30pm) to cover the 29 miles, including breaks, and I am far more fit than the ordinary hiker (collegiate distance runner) and was already acclimated. If you feel like going for a long hike and don’t mind the altitude this is the perfect day out. But before I try and talk you from a badass day hike into a big pack backpacker, let’s talk about the mountain and the Mt. Passing behind Mt. The hike is about 22 mi (35 km) round trip with an elevation gain of over 6,100 ft (1,859 m). If you begin at Whitney Portal, in Inyo National Forest on the east side of the Sierra Nevada, you should apply for a Mt. I recommend helmets for falling rock, as well as time spent studying a guide book as to where you first climb on to the ledges. You can get it online pretty easily and will need to email the Sierra ranger station to send it to you in pdf form once you’ve purchased it. For up to date conditions the Eastern Sierra Interagency Visitor Center is probably your best bet. Whitney can be most directly reached by a 10.7 mile (17.1 km) trail from Whitney Portal, 13 miles (21 km) west of the town of Lone Pine on the east side of the Sierra. Remember, do not attempt if not experienced, acclimated, and very fit!!! Definitely recommend having experience dealing with cold weather and long treks through snow if attempting in the near future. At 14,505 feet and just one day of climbing you're head will most likely be throbbing so stay clear of the edges take some quick pictures and start to head down out the cold to a lower altitude where you will feel better. At 14,505 feet, it’s the highest point in the lower 48. Whitney is a 10.7 mile (17.1 km) trail from Whitney Portal, 13 miles (21 km) west of the town of Lone Pine on the east side of the Sierra. Just drive to Whitney Portal, 13 miles west of Lone Pine, CA. Phone #'s: Wilderness Information Line- (760) 873-2485 and Reservation Line- (760) 873-2483. Turned around after spending some time there to get back to the car before it got too dark. We also had trekking poles which helped gauge how far down the snow went. When I missed stepping through what was already packed, my foot was sinking maybe 6-18" depending on where along the trail I was. Mt. 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