knees hated the decent from trail camp to outpost, too many big step downs w/ a heavy pack
WML - Jul 30, 2009 2:01 am Date Climbed: Apr 19, 2009
Winter fun
Good times! Plenty of snow
BlackForrest - May 30, 2009 5:15 pm Date Climbed: Aug 26, 2007
Had to tick it off
Early start and quick progress up the main slog. Weather moved in around 11. Made it down all the way to parking dry.
Hotoven - Apr 20, 2009 1:35 pm Date Climbed: Aug 2, 2008
Long day hike
This trail was very nice, and had a million switchbacks right before you got to the John Muir Tail Junction. It took us 13 hours to hike it. and We saw a young black bear at the start of our hike around 3 A.m.
We met some of the coolest people we've ever met while on this hike. It was long, and some of the route had fresh snow on it, but we were successful! Nice trail, beautiful scenery. Climbing over Trail Crest and catching our first view of Sequoia was breathtaking.
Sienna - Sep 5, 2008 4:12 pm Date Climbed: Oct 26, 2006
Fun time to go
This was a fun trip, but I almost slid off the trail just beyond the trail crest. I punched my foot through snow into nothing. Ha-ha, at least I had my ice ax.
The Tailor - Aug 18, 2008 6:24 pm Date Climbed: Aug 16, 2008
1st attempt
What a trip!
Lenny72 - May 26, 2008 5:12 pm Date Climbed: May 24, 2008
Freak Storm on Mt. Whitney
I was to climb Mt. Whitney; the tallest mountain in the United States outside of Alaska. Located in the beautiful Sierra Nevada in California, it stands at 14,497 feet and is located just 76 miles west from the lowest point in the U.S.; Death Valley at -282 feet below sea level.
I arrived at the Whitney Portal campground from San Diego on Friday, May 23rd. The mountains were in and out of the clouds. What I could see was spectacular beauty with the whispy clouds hanging on the mountains, painted behind the large, green pine trees. I had a bit of a headache and was a little dizzy, sort of the same feeling one has after being punched in the head a few times, having come directly from sea level in San Diego (5.5 hour drive). So, I drank a lot of water and took 2 Ibuprofin. That seemed to do the trick. It turned out that two of my neighbors, Edwin and Melissa, were also there at the campground and invited me over to their campfire where we hung out until dark. After cooking some dinner on my stove, I retired to my tent and slept soundly.
I awoke in the morning and ate at the Whitney Portal Store. Talk about a humongous breakfast!!! A pancake the size and thickness of a Chicago style pizza, scrambled eggs, thick, juicy bacon, and an OJ for around $8. Obviously, no one ever finishes this size breakfast. I then rented a bear cannister for my food (required), packed everything, and was on the trail by 11:30am. My plan was to climb the 6.3 miles (12,039') to Trail Camp and sleep there the first night. The next day, I would climb to the summit (14,497') and back to Trail Camp. On Memorial Day, I would hike out and drive back to San Diego. That was the original plan.
From the Whitney Portal trailhead (8,637'), I started up the trail through the amazing scenery. I was surrounded by tall pines, humongous cliffs, a little bit of snow, and beautiful cascading waterfalls. Unfortunately, as the day wore on, the clouds thickened considerably and it began to snow. I was able to snap a few photos but it was becoming apparent that the weather was going to get worse. I met up with a bunch of younger climbers on the trail who are dental students at UC Riverside. We got to know each other a little while hiking up the trail.
Crossing a stream, we pushed on past Outpost Camp (10,360') and over to Mirror Lake, which was now completely covered with snow. As we hiked above tree line, the weather was really turning sour and the snow was getting deeper. In addition, one of the climbers was beginning to feel sick from the altitude. We eventually found a wide open area off the trail and decided it would be best to make camp there. We were now at about 11,200 feet above sea level and a little over 1 mile away from Trail Camp (12,039'). We flattened the deep, snow covered area, pitched our tents, and cooked dinner. All around us, the clouds were so thick at times we couldn't see more than 20 feet in any direction. The snow was intermittent; heavy at times, and it was getting much colder and darker. At times, however, the clouds and snow would break. I was then able to snap a few nice pictures of Wotans Throne above us and Mirror Lake, which was now far below us.
Later that evening, one of the students threw up. I suggested that he be brought back down to Outpost Camp for the night to recover from the effects of altitude. However, he refused and was content with staying in his bag to rest. I concentrated on my power breathing, a technique I learned from a mountaineering video, which helped immensely in staving off the headache which nearly everyone else had. After a bit of joking around, we retired to our tents around 9:00. The air was still but cold as it continued to snow.
Sometime during the middle of the night, I heard some noise. One of the girls in the party had also succomed to the effects of altitude and threw up, twice. I later found out that the students had stayed in a hotel in Lone Pine the night before, and went straight up to 11,200 feet. They said that next time they would stay at the Portal at 8,300 feet the night before attempting this climb.
The next morning brought more snow and clouds. After eating a bit of breakfast, we spoke to a few climbers coming down the trail who had made it up to Trail Camp. All informed us that the snow was waist deep beyond Trail Camp and only one person had made it to Trail Crest (13,777') before having to turn back. It's hard to believe that, just last weekend, temperatures on the summit had been over 60 degrees! We decided that the mountain wasn't going to let anyone climb it over this Memorial Day weekend. We made the obvious but disappointing decision to turn back.
When I arrived back at the Whitney Portal, I changed clothes and ate the delicious cheeseburger and fries at the Whitney Portal Store. It was so delicious! While there, I also found out that this storm has stalled over Mt. Whitney and that conditions are supposed to remain the same until at least this coming Thursday. Turned back at the same elevation because of weather in July 2001 on Mt. Rainier, this was a total bummer but I'll be back soon! I am also returning to Mt. Rainier this July for what I hope will be a more successful climb!
GerryS - Dec 1, 2007 10:10 pm Date Climbed: Aug 28, 2007
50th 14er
Single day push - little bit of all kinds of weather as the remnants of hurricane Dean made things interesting. Beyond being the highest, this trail, this mountain is special.
MtnLdr - Nov 17, 2007 11:05 am Date Climbed: Sep 19, 2007
Wussed out!
I was supposed to climb the MR, but after cimbing Mt. Winchell via a gnarly class 3-4 over three days, my knees just weren't up for it. In a way I was kind of glad. The main trail offered some spectacular scenery, and less huffing and puffing so I could enjoy it. Can't wait to go back in the winter!
Did it in 3 Days with a small group. Was girlfriend's first 14er, we got engaged on the summit. Pretty cool. Need to go back and do it in a day.
A Bit - Sep 1, 2007 1:47 am Date Climbed: Sep 21, 1993
Long day
This was my first mountain back in 1977. Started at 10pm under a little moonlight. It was much more crowded in 1993 (or maybe I just noticed more people in the daylight). Still, it's a must do.
skotty - Aug 29, 2007 7:37 pm Date Climbed: Jul 4, 2002
A good first 14er
A good first 14er.
eferesen - Aug 22, 2007 7:10 pm Date Climbed: Jul 2, 2006
Fun Day
Got sick near Trail Crest and walked like the snail till the summit. Going down was much easier. Overall a great day.
Deb - Aug 3, 2007 3:23 pm Date Climbed: Nov 22, 2005
Great New Snow!
"Solo expedition" on the Main Trail with a couple of feet of new snow. Switchbacks were interesting with the 30 degree slant of coverage, now I know why those cables are there. 20+ attempted the summit from Trail Camp, only 9 of us made it. Beautiful weather although post-holing was rather distasteful.
regolithe - Jul 20, 2007 11:38 am Date Climbed: Aug 18, 2005
More like 136 Switchbacks....
This hike is freakin long! almost 11 miles from the trailhead to the summit.... but when you are climbing alone, it's best to stay relatively near the beaten path...
Redwic - Jul 9, 2007 8:55 am Date Climbed: Jul 5, 2007
LONG Day Hike!
My hiking partner and I left at 2:15 AM, so we were basically ahead of the other day-hikers when we started. The infamous (but appropriated named) "99 Switchbacks" were more intense than I imagined, but the 900-foot "gain" from Trail Crest to the Summit is very misleading, and tiresome, as you first need to descend and then you travel by several peaks. Overall, it was a very cool hike and well worth the summit!
justinjohnsen - Jun 27, 2007 8:43 pm Date Climbed: Jun 24, 2007
No more cherry
Made my obligatory first trip up Whitney. Very summery. Enjoyed the section from Trail Crest to the bottom of the summit slog the most. The crowds were big contrast from the quiet summit of Langley. Whetted my appetite to see more Sierra peaks.
Alpine72 - Jun 7, 2007 12:42 pm Date Climbed: Jun 2, 2007
day trip with Muir
A sub 12 hr return trip including a scrambble up to Mt Muir on the return.
hol571 - Sep 16, 2009 2:09 pm Date Climbed: Sep 6, 2009
Great Tripknees hated the decent from trail camp to outpost, too many big step downs w/ a heavy pack
WML - Jul 30, 2009 2:01 am Date Climbed: Apr 19, 2009
Winter funGood times! Plenty of snow
BlackForrest - May 30, 2009 5:15 pm Date Climbed: Aug 26, 2007
Had to tick it offEarly start and quick progress up the main slog. Weather moved in around 11. Made it down all the way to parking dry.
Hotoven - Apr 20, 2009 1:35 pm Date Climbed: Aug 2, 2008
Long day hikeThis trail was very nice, and had a million switchbacks right before you got to the John Muir Tail Junction. It took us 13 hours to hike it. and We saw a young black bear at the start of our hike around 3 A.m.
Cascade Scrambler - Oct 5, 2008 1:47 am Date Climbed: Oct 2, 2008
Good timesWe met some of the coolest people we've ever met while on this hike. It was long, and some of the route had fresh snow on it, but we were successful! Nice trail, beautiful scenery. Climbing over Trail Crest and catching our first view of Sequoia was breathtaking.
SpankyBob - Sep 9, 2008 2:01 pm Date Climbed: Jul 26, 2003
First 14erOne day trip. Fifteen hours, liesurely pace.
Sienna - Sep 5, 2008 4:12 pm Date Climbed: Oct 26, 2006
Fun time to goThis was a fun trip, but I almost slid off the trail just beyond the trail crest. I punched my foot through snow into nothing. Ha-ha, at least I had my ice ax.
The Tailor - Aug 18, 2008 6:24 pm Date Climbed: Aug 16, 2008
1st attemptWhat a trip!
Lenny72 - May 26, 2008 5:12 pm Date Climbed: May 24, 2008
Freak Storm on Mt. WhitneyI was to climb Mt. Whitney; the tallest mountain in the United States outside of Alaska. Located in the beautiful Sierra Nevada in California, it stands at 14,497 feet and is located just 76 miles west from the lowest point in the U.S.; Death Valley at -282 feet below sea level.
I arrived at the Whitney Portal campground from San Diego on Friday, May 23rd. The mountains were in and out of the clouds. What I could see was spectacular beauty with the whispy clouds hanging on the mountains, painted behind the large, green pine trees. I had a bit of a headache and was a little dizzy, sort of the same feeling one has after being punched in the head a few times, having come directly from sea level in San Diego (5.5 hour drive). So, I drank a lot of water and took 2 Ibuprofin. That seemed to do the trick. It turned out that two of my neighbors, Edwin and Melissa, were also there at the campground and invited me over to their campfire where we hung out until dark. After cooking some dinner on my stove, I retired to my tent and slept soundly.
I awoke in the morning and ate at the Whitney Portal Store. Talk about a humongous breakfast!!! A pancake the size and thickness of a Chicago style pizza, scrambled eggs, thick, juicy bacon, and an OJ for around $8. Obviously, no one ever finishes this size breakfast. I then rented a bear cannister for my food (required), packed everything, and was on the trail by 11:30am. My plan was to climb the 6.3 miles (12,039') to Trail Camp and sleep there the first night. The next day, I would climb to the summit (14,497') and back to Trail Camp. On Memorial Day, I would hike out and drive back to San Diego. That was the original plan.
From the Whitney Portal trailhead (8,637'), I started up the trail through the amazing scenery. I was surrounded by tall pines, humongous cliffs, a little bit of snow, and beautiful cascading waterfalls. Unfortunately, as the day wore on, the clouds thickened considerably and it began to snow. I was able to snap a few photos but it was becoming apparent that the weather was going to get worse. I met up with a bunch of younger climbers on the trail who are dental students at UC Riverside. We got to know each other a little while hiking up the trail.
Crossing a stream, we pushed on past Outpost Camp (10,360') and over to Mirror Lake, which was now completely covered with snow. As we hiked above tree line, the weather was really turning sour and the snow was getting deeper. In addition, one of the climbers was beginning to feel sick from the altitude. We eventually found a wide open area off the trail and decided it would be best to make camp there. We were now at about 11,200 feet above sea level and a little over 1 mile away from Trail Camp (12,039'). We flattened the deep, snow covered area, pitched our tents, and cooked dinner. All around us, the clouds were so thick at times we couldn't see more than 20 feet in any direction. The snow was intermittent; heavy at times, and it was getting much colder and darker. At times, however, the clouds and snow would break. I was then able to snap a few nice pictures of Wotans Throne above us and Mirror Lake, which was now far below us.
Later that evening, one of the students threw up. I suggested that he be brought back down to Outpost Camp for the night to recover from the effects of altitude. However, he refused and was content with staying in his bag to rest. I concentrated on my power breathing, a technique I learned from a mountaineering video, which helped immensely in staving off the headache which nearly everyone else had. After a bit of joking around, we retired to our tents around 9:00. The air was still but cold as it continued to snow.
Sometime during the middle of the night, I heard some noise. One of the girls in the party had also succomed to the effects of altitude and threw up, twice. I later found out that the students had stayed in a hotel in Lone Pine the night before, and went straight up to 11,200 feet. They said that next time they would stay at the Portal at 8,300 feet the night before attempting this climb.
The next morning brought more snow and clouds. After eating a bit of breakfast, we spoke to a few climbers coming down the trail who had made it up to Trail Camp. All informed us that the snow was waist deep beyond Trail Camp and only one person had made it to Trail Crest (13,777') before having to turn back. It's hard to believe that, just last weekend, temperatures on the summit had been over 60 degrees! We decided that the mountain wasn't going to let anyone climb it over this Memorial Day weekend. We made the obvious but disappointing decision to turn back.
When I arrived back at the Whitney Portal, I changed clothes and ate the delicious cheeseburger and fries at the Whitney Portal Store. It was so delicious! While there, I also found out that this storm has stalled over Mt. Whitney and that conditions are supposed to remain the same until at least this coming Thursday. Turned back at the same elevation because of weather in July 2001 on Mt. Rainier, this was a total bummer but I'll be back soon! I am also returning to Mt. Rainier this July for what I hope will be a more successful climb!
GerryS - Dec 1, 2007 10:10 pm Date Climbed: Aug 28, 2007
50th 14erSingle day push - little bit of all kinds of weather as the remnants of hurricane Dean made things interesting. Beyond being the highest, this trail, this mountain is special.
MtnLdr - Nov 17, 2007 11:05 am Date Climbed: Sep 19, 2007
Wussed out!I was supposed to climb the MR, but after cimbing Mt. Winchell via a gnarly class 3-4 over three days, my knees just weren't up for it. In a way I was kind of glad. The main trail offered some spectacular scenery, and less huffing and puffing so I could enjoy it. Can't wait to go back in the winter!
InsertHere - Sep 10, 2007 5:56 pm Date Climbed: Jul 21, 2003
MemorableDid it in 3 Days with a small group. Was girlfriend's first 14er, we got engaged on the summit. Pretty cool. Need to go back and do it in a day.
A Bit - Sep 1, 2007 1:47 am Date Climbed: Sep 21, 1993
Long dayThis was my first mountain back in 1977. Started at 10pm under a little moonlight. It was much more crowded in 1993 (or maybe I just noticed more people in the daylight). Still, it's a must do.
skotty - Aug 29, 2007 7:37 pm Date Climbed: Jul 4, 2002
A good first 14erA good first 14er.
eferesen - Aug 22, 2007 7:10 pm Date Climbed: Jul 2, 2006
Fun DayGot sick near Trail Crest and walked like the snail till the summit. Going down was much easier. Overall a great day.
Deb - Aug 3, 2007 3:23 pm Date Climbed: Nov 22, 2005
Great New Snow!"Solo expedition" on the Main Trail with a couple of feet of new snow. Switchbacks were interesting with the 30 degree slant of coverage, now I know why those cables are there. 20+ attempted the summit from Trail Camp, only 9 of us made it. Beautiful weather although post-holing was rather distasteful.
regolithe - Jul 20, 2007 11:38 am Date Climbed: Aug 18, 2005
More like 136 Switchbacks....This hike is freakin long! almost 11 miles from the trailhead to the summit.... but when you are climbing alone, it's best to stay relatively near the beaten path...
Redwic - Jul 9, 2007 8:55 am Date Climbed: Jul 5, 2007
LONG Day Hike!My hiking partner and I left at 2:15 AM, so we were basically ahead of the other day-hikers when we started. The infamous (but appropriated named) "99 Switchbacks" were more intense than I imagined, but the 900-foot "gain" from Trail Crest to the Summit is very misleading, and tiresome, as you first need to descend and then you travel by several peaks. Overall, it was a very cool hike and well worth the summit!
justinjohnsen - Jun 27, 2007 8:43 pm Date Climbed: Jun 24, 2007
No more cherryMade my obligatory first trip up Whitney. Very summery. Enjoyed the section from Trail Crest to the bottom of the summit slog the most. The crowds were big contrast from the quiet summit of Langley. Whetted my appetite to see more Sierra peaks.
Alpine72 - Jun 7, 2007 12:42 pm Date Climbed: Jun 2, 2007
day trip with MuirA sub 12 hr return trip including a scrambble up to Mt Muir on the return.