Mt. Whitney Portal Store & Hostel Forums General Mt. Whitney Portal Store Message Board Trip Report July 18-20

We camped at Outpost on the 18th and at Trail Camp on the 19th. We started up the switchbacks at 7:50 am on the 20th. This was my first time hiking on snow and being at such high elevations, so I really wasn't sure what to expect. We had boots and trekking poles. There are three snow fields above the cables before you reach Trail Crest. The first two were fairly easy to cross. The third snow field right before trail crest made me feel a little uneasy, but we made it across fine. There is another snow field close to the summit and it was easy to pass.

We had an amazing time and we're still hanging out in Lone Pine!

Edit: Oh yeah, there was a pretty awesome costume party at the summit. There were wizards, fairies and several others in attendance.

You sure that it wasn't just the Altitude?

Sounds like you had fun. Did you, or any of your group have any problems with the smoke on the mountain?

What kind of smoke?

Thanks! We are making a one-day trip on Tuesday. What was the temperature like? From the weather reports it looks as though shorts may be fine.

My son and I will be at the trailhead around 1-1:30am this coming Tuesday, hoping to summit. I have been on top half a dozen times but this is my son's first time. Hope to meet some of you on the trail!

Bobd