Route Climbed: East Buttress Date Climbed: October 4, 2003
Great weather, awesome climbing, and stunning views all day long. Who could ask for more? Okay, well maybe an escalator back down to the portal (never let it be said that wouldn't opt for the easy way down...). My partner didn't tell me this before the climb, but apparently he had been dreaming of an east face route for years. He had walked up the trail, noticed climbers popping up from the east, peered over the edge, and said, "Wow!" That was the start of his climbing career.
Route Climbed: Main Whitney Trail Date Climbed: 29 May, 2004
This was a killer day. We decided to try to hike Mt. Whitney in one day this time. There was a lot of snow after the Trail Camp, it was very hard. The weather was perfect, we just didn't have enough energy (after sleeping only for 3hrs). Two guys from our group made it to the summit at 7PM, which was very very late and the conditions coming back were icy, windy and dangerous. They made it back to Portal safely, but extremely exhausted. I descended by myself after 5PM, so I was toasty in my sleeping bag, but made some fresh brew for the brave ones as they came back . Very good trip with lots of memories.
Route Climbed: Whitney Trail Date Climbed: 1962, 1988, 1992, 1996,
Most memorable climb was with my sister when we hiked with an approaching summer storm. We had a sleepless night at Outpost Camp with the wind howling. The next day we bucked the wind and summited just in time, but it snowed going down and turned to rain at Mirror Lake. What an adventure and challenge fighting the weather. The other three summer hikes were pleasant.
Route Climbed: Mountaineer's Route Date Climbed: October 24, 2004
climbed with akullar. ~ Left on Friday morning at 8:45 AM; after walking through 3-4 feet of fresh powder snow, reached Upper Boy Scout Lake at around 5:45 PM and camped; left Saturday morning after getting up at 6:45 AM for Whitney, it was very cold, winds above 30 MPH, and ~300 feet visibility; reached base of Whitney and continued up route with 4-6 feet of snow to summit which took 5:30. Camped 10 feet below the summit Saturday night and then summitted first think Sunday morning after being totally worn out; walked down the walk-up route. good climb
Route Climbed: Mountaineers Route Date Climbed: September 2001
We camped at Iceberg Lake and summited on a Saturday. Was a beautiful blue skied day. Developed a loathing for chutes on this trip, not only because the chute up from Iceberg is a nigtmare, but due to a 4-5ft. diameter boulder that came careening past us as we ducked to the side.
Route Climbed: East Face Date Climbed: October 9, 2004
Climbed with Bill - beautiful route, just a little trouble route finding (we did the Fresh Air without knowing it). Somehow we skipped the class 3 to the summit, veered too much to the right (I think) but the benefit is that you top out directly on the summit...
Route Climbed: Walk-Up Date Climbed: August, 16 2002
A long long long walk. Started at 12am when our permits became valid. But well worth it. I encourage everybody to start at night...you'll get a good start and hiking at night is truly underrated.
Route Climbed: Main Trail from Whitney Portal Date Climbed: 9/30/2004
My husband and I are 62 and 65. We climbed Whitney as a 3 day backpack trip. We were the last people to summit in September. We summited at 3:30 p.m. in a snowstorm. We were the only ones on the peak and saw no one on our trip back to Trail Camp. There was about 4 inches of snow on the trail all the way back to Trail Crest. While we missed the summit veiws because of the weather, it was a fantastic experienceto be on top. The day after we made the summit we woke up to 6 degree temperatures at Trail Camp. On our trip we saw many people who were much younger than us who turned around. Most of them were totally unprepared for the cold weather.
Route Climbed: Main Whitney Trail Date Climbed: June 13, 2003
Set out at rush hour (4am) to dayhike Whitney. I was not aware at the time of the madness of this, especially considering the fact that I was about 15 pounds overweight at the time. This is an amazing climb, and however many trip reports and photos you see, nothing compares with being there, especially in the silent, cobweb hours before sunrise. After losing all 15 of those overweight pounds (it must have been water weight!)we turned around a few switchbacks before Trail Crest, a mix of my bad knee, my brother's growing altitude sickness, and our being badly out-of-shape at the time. I would go there again in a heartbeat. In fact, it's easy to find myself fantasizing about being there. I did see much of the mountaineer's route this year on the way to Russell, but can't wait to go with our group next year on the Main Trail...(but probably won't try dayhiking!!)
Route Climbed: Muir Trail through to Whitney Portal Date Climbed: Augsut 2001
Hiked Mt Whitney, starting at Horseshoe Meadow, via Cottonwood Pass, Soldier Lakes, Crabtree Meadow, et al, and out at Whitney Portal. The weather was quite unstable throughout, and we got chased off the mountain by thunder/lightning/hail... very exciting! An incredible trip!
Route Climbed: Mountaineer's Route Date Climbed: Sept. 19th, 2004
Headed up the NFLP on Saturday hoping to get Whitney/Muir on Sunday. Saturday night came crashing in with an early Sierra storm. Camped at Upper Boyscout without much wind shelter. Struggled through the early morning snow and departed for the couloir about 6:30. The hike up to Iceberg gave little warmth. Entered the chute a little before 8 am. The wind and the 15 deg temps made life tough going up the chute. Made the summit by 10:45 after taking the Class 3/4 gulley just past the top of the chute. Great climb, would be much more fun if it was warmer!
Diggler - Sep 16, 2004 9:35 pm Date Climbed: Oct 8, 2000
Route Climbed: trail, E Face Date Climbed: 28 August, 2004
Mt. Whitney was my first SIerra summit (well, after Pothole Dome). Even by the tourist route, I was impressed by the sheer verticality of the cliffs, the huge foxtail pines, & sparkling white granite that seemed to glow in the dark under a full (or close to) moon.
1st time: w/ my buddy Zathan from college (who was stationed in SD at the time). We left our camp (slightly below the standard one at the lake) @ 11.10 (8 October, 2000), summiting Muir ca. 13.45, & Whitney @ 15.03. We left the summit at 15.43, & arrived back in camp @ 17.54. Beer & burgers were enjoyed upon our return!
2nd trip: w/ homeboy Gordon. Only roping up for 3 pitches, we were slowed by excessive route description review, but things went at a good pace aside from that. Leaving Iceberg Lake @ 7.00, I started up the first pitch from the 1st Tower notch @ 8.40. Tower traverse was the psychological crux of the climb- easy, but well-protected (by 2 pins & somebody's unrecoverable Alien!) & exposed!! Roped up again for the Fresh Air Traverse, which I dreaded leading due to its infamous reputation. Luckily, I cruised right through it with no problems- over-rated (Tower Traverse was more stimulating!), but still fun! Roped up for the strenuous off-width- by far the crux of the route, with the most interesting climbing. Dicked around with some fairly easy 5th above that, before weaving our way to the summit. Summited @ 14.58, & chilled for quite awhile. Started descent @ 16.24. After almost getting killed by rockfall in the Garbage Chute- I mean, Mountaineer's Route, made it back to tent @ 18.30. Great route, great company, great day!!
3x
Did the E Buttress with my man Eric. Deciding to camp at Upper Boyscout meant the approach was longer, but it still went smoothly (great place to bivy, btw). I wonder if the squirrel who raided our food bag survived his trip??? >:) Although we belayed every pitch, we made decent time. Started the route at ~9.10, summited at ~18.15. Great day, spectacular location, & a fun climb! Climbing a great route with a good friend is what it's all about. The Moose Burger (& beer, of course) upon our return was off the hook!
4x 6.12.'12
Another climb of the Sunshine Peewee route, with Faith (who'd never been up Fisherman's before & was stoked to do it). Was again reminded of what a great route it is! Coincidentally ran into Mike D's friend Sailor on the route with his girlfriend, whom we'd happened to meet ~a week prior. Small world! Beautiful, cloudless sky, & a great climb (& summit) with a wonderful partner!
HeyItsBen - Nov 10, 2004 3:59 pm
Route Climbed: Normal Date Climbed: June 6th, 2003First hike ever. Done it a few times since, and in all seasons.
Steve Larson - Nov 5, 2004 9:23 pm
Route Climbed: East Buttress Date Climbed: October 4, 2003Great weather, awesome climbing, and stunning views all day long. Who could ask for more? Okay, well maybe an escalator back down to the portal (never let it be said that wouldn't opt for the easy way down...). My partner didn't tell me this before the climb, but apparently he had been dreaming of an east face route for years. He had walked up the trail, noticed climbers popping up from the east, peered over the edge, and said, "Wow!" That was the start of his climbing career.
usarock69 - Nov 3, 2004 7:01 pm
Route Climbed: Main Whitney Trail Date Climbed: 29 May, 2004This was a killer day. We decided to try to hike Mt. Whitney in one day this time. There was a lot of snow after the Trail Camp, it was very hard. The weather was perfect, we just didn't have enough energy (after sleeping only for 3hrs). Two guys from our group made it to the summit at 7PM, which was very very late and the conditions coming back were icy, windy and dangerous. They made it back to Portal safely, but extremely exhausted. I descended by myself after 5PM, so I was toasty in my sleeping bag, but made some fresh brew for the brave ones as they came back . Very good trip with lots of memories.
tahoeberne - Oct 30, 2004 9:32 am
Route Climbed: Whitney Trail Date Climbed: 1962, 1988, 1992, 1996,Most memorable climb was with my sister when we hiked with an approaching summer storm. We had a sleepless night at Outpost Camp with the wind howling. The next day we bucked the wind and summited just in time, but it snowed going down and turned to rain at Mirror Lake. What an adventure and challenge fighting the weather. The other three summer hikes were pleasant.
physics - Oct 26, 2004 7:29 pm
Route Climbed: Mountaineer's Route Date Climbed: October 24, 2004climbed with akullar. ~ Left on Friday morning at 8:45 AM; after walking through 3-4 feet of fresh powder snow, reached Upper Boy Scout Lake at around 5:45 PM and camped; left Saturday morning after getting up at 6:45 AM for Whitney, it was very cold, winds above 30 MPH, and ~300 feet visibility; reached base of Whitney and continued up route with 4-6 feet of snow to summit which took 5:30. Camped 10 feet below the summit Saturday night and then summitted first think Sunday morning after being totally worn out; walked down the walk-up route. good climb
GlennG - Oct 15, 2004 12:04 pm
Route Climbed: Mountaineers Route Date Climbed: September 2001We camped at Iceberg Lake and summited on a Saturday. Was a beautiful blue skied day. Developed a loathing for chutes on this trip, not only because the chute up from Iceberg is a nigtmare, but due to a 4-5ft. diameter boulder that came careening past us as we ducked to the side.
ChuckO - Oct 12, 2004 10:45 pm
Route Climbed: standard Date Climbed: jul 2002Overnight schedule. I carried only light bivy gear for the sleep over at high camp.
ChuckO - Oct 12, 2004 10:44 pm
Route Climbed: standard Date Climbed: sep 1998Great time. 13 hour round trip.
kovarpa - Oct 11, 2004 10:59 pm
Route Climbed: East Face Date Climbed: October 9, 2004Climbed with Bill - beautiful route, just a little trouble route finding (we did the Fresh Air without knowing it). Somehow we skipped the class 3 to the summit, veered too much to the right (I think) but the benefit is that you top out directly on the summit...
Michael Crofford - Oct 7, 2004 12:18 pm
Route Climbed: Walk-Up Date Climbed: August, 16 2002A long long long walk. Started at 12am when our permits became valid. But well worth it. I encourage everybody to start at night...you'll get a good start and hiking at night is truly underrated.
elott - Oct 6, 2004 10:56 am
Route Climbed: Main Trail from Whitney Portal Date Climbed: 9/30/2004My husband and I are 62 and 65. We climbed Whitney as a 3 day backpack trip. We were the last people to summit in September. We summited at 3:30 p.m. in a snowstorm. We were the only ones on the peak and saw no one on our trip back to Trail Camp. There was about 4 inches of snow on the trail all the way back to Trail Crest. While we missed the summit veiws because of the weather, it was a fantastic experienceto be on top. The day after we made the summit we woke up to 6 degree temperatures at Trail Camp. On our trip we saw many people who were much younger than us who turned around. Most of them were totally unprepared for the cold weather.
Mgross - Oct 3, 2004 9:45 pm
Route Climbed: Main Whitney Trail Date Climbed: June 13, 2003Set out at rush hour (4am) to dayhike Whitney. I was not aware at the time of the madness of this, especially considering the fact that I was about 15 pounds overweight at the time. This is an amazing climb, and however many trip reports and photos you see, nothing compares with being there, especially in the silent, cobweb hours before sunrise. After losing all 15 of those overweight pounds (it must have been water weight!)we turned around a few switchbacks before Trail Crest, a mix of my bad knee, my brother's growing altitude sickness, and our being badly out-of-shape at the time. I would go there again in a heartbeat. In fact, it's easy to find myself fantasizing about being there. I did see much of the mountaineer's route this year on the way to Russell, but can't wait to go with our group next year on the Main Trail...(but probably won't try dayhiking!!)
n8jojohnson - Oct 3, 2004 12:37 pm
Route Climbed: Whitney Trail Date Climbed: 01 Oct 04Two fourteeners down ... and a lot more to go.
ironmike - Oct 2, 2004 11:15 pm
Route Climbed: Mountaineer's Route Date Climbed: Sept 20, 2004Descended via the trail. Up in 6 hours from Portal.
Al - Sep 28, 2004 3:48 pm
Route Climbed: Main Trail Date Climbed: Sept 24, 2004Great weather!
Dennis Poulin - Sep 22, 2004 7:05 pm
Route Climbed: Whitney Portal Date Climbed: 9 August 2003I had so much fun last month, that I had to come back and summit a second time. It was even better the second time. 9 August 2003
Dennis Poulin - Sep 22, 2004 7:03 pm
Route Climbed: Whitney Portal Date Climbed: 12 July 2003Beautiful weather. I did get a Altitude Sickness above Consolation Lake, but I pushed on to summit.
k2link - Sep 22, 2004 5:08 pm
Route Climbed: Muir Trail through to Whitney Portal Date Climbed: Augsut 2001Hiked Mt Whitney, starting at Horseshoe Meadow, via Cottonwood Pass, Soldier Lakes, Crabtree Meadow, et al, and out at Whitney Portal. The weather was quite unstable throughout, and we got chased off the mountain by thunder/lightning/hail... very exciting! An incredible trip!
blmcclain - Sep 21, 2004 1:45 pm
Route Climbed: Mountaineer's Route Date Climbed: Sept. 19th, 2004Headed up the NFLP on Saturday hoping to get Whitney/Muir on Sunday. Saturday night came crashing in with an early Sierra storm. Camped at Upper Boyscout without much wind shelter. Struggled through the early morning snow and departed for the couloir about 6:30. The hike up to Iceberg gave little warmth. Entered the chute a little before 8 am. The wind and the 15 deg temps made life tough going up the chute. Made the summit by 10:45 after taking the Class 3/4 gulley just past the top of the chute. Great climb, would be much more fun if it was warmer!
Diggler - Sep 16, 2004 9:35 pm Date Climbed: Oct 8, 2000
Route Climbed: trail, E Face Date Climbed: 28 August, 2004Mt. Whitney was my first SIerra summit (well, after Pothole Dome). Even by the tourist route, I was impressed by the sheer verticality of the cliffs, the huge foxtail pines, & sparkling white granite that seemed to glow in the dark under a full (or close to) moon.
1st time: w/ my buddy Zathan from college (who was stationed in SD at the time). We left our camp (slightly below the standard one at the lake) @ 11.10 (8 October, 2000), summiting Muir ca. 13.45, & Whitney @ 15.03. We left the summit at 15.43, & arrived back in camp @ 17.54. Beer & burgers were enjoyed upon our return!
2nd trip: w/ homeboy Gordon. Only roping up for 3 pitches, we were slowed by excessive route description review, but things went at a good pace aside from that. Leaving Iceberg Lake @ 7.00, I started up the first pitch from the 1st Tower notch @ 8.40. Tower traverse was the psychological crux of the climb- easy, but well-protected (by 2 pins & somebody's unrecoverable Alien!) & exposed!! Roped up again for the Fresh Air Traverse, which I dreaded leading due to its infamous reputation. Luckily, I cruised right through it with no problems- over-rated (Tower Traverse was more stimulating!), but still fun! Roped up for the strenuous off-width- by far the crux of the route, with the most interesting climbing. Dicked around with some fairly easy 5th above that, before weaving our way to the summit. Summited @ 14.58, & chilled for quite awhile. Started descent @ 16.24. After almost getting killed by rockfall in the Garbage Chute- I mean, Mountaineer's Route, made it back to tent @ 18.30. Great route, great company, great day!!
3x
Did the E Buttress with my man Eric. Deciding to camp at Upper Boyscout meant the approach was longer, but it still went smoothly (great place to bivy, btw). I wonder if the squirrel who raided our food bag survived his trip??? >:) Although we belayed every pitch, we made decent time. Started the route at ~9.10, summited at ~18.15. Great day, spectacular location, & a fun climb! Climbing a great route with a good friend is what it's all about. The Moose Burger (& beer, of course) upon our return was off the hook!
4x 6.12.'12
Another climb of the Sunshine Peewee route, with Faith (who'd never been up Fisherman's before & was stoked to do it). Was again reminded of what a great route it is! Coincidentally ran into Mike D's friend Sailor on the route with his girlfriend, whom we'd happened to meet ~a week prior. Small world! Beautiful, cloudless sky, & a great climb (& summit) with a wonderful partner!