Mt. Whitney Portal Store & Hostel Forums General Mt. Whitney Portal Store Message Board Main Trail November

Im planning a 4 day trip up the main trail in eary/mid Nov. Anyone know if Ice Axe/Crampons are needed?

Also anyone know if we will need bear boxes?

It's very possible you may need them. I wouldn't leave the house without them actually. Make sure to pay particular attention to the forecast leading up to your climb and for the days you're on the mtn.

Will you need a bear box? I assume you mean a bear canister when you're on the trail. The answer is yes, they are required every day of the year when on the trail. Will there be bears, good question that only a bear could answer. I'd be prepared for them. I don't think you'll see any that late in the year but you never know.

Best of luck

Hiiker

I hiked Whitney last November. As for the weather/gear, it really is a gamble. If you are lucky, you will be there before any major snow storms. We WERE lucky and did not require crampons or ice axes, although switchbacks were partially covered with snow.
One thing is common though, very cold weather once the sun goes down. If you are planning to sleep in the Trail Camp, bring a warm sleeping bag and lots of clothes. Also, you may want to bring a hatchet/axe to break through the ice in order to get water.

I have pics from our last November climb at http://www.cybermont.com/trips.html (you'll have to scroll-down).

Have fun!

I would agree with Misha, conditions will be cold but weather patterns and snow are very unpredictable. It is my favorite time to do Whitney though and have done the Main trail or Mt Route the past three years in mid Nov. The color contrast of snow, rock and the turning leaves is great. I will be doing the Mt Route and Russell Nov 22-24.

spinefxr-
Cool beans. We are planning to head to Whitney MR/Russell ER in November. Want to join forces? We would like to do a traverse of Whitney-Russell in a day from UBSL