Mt. Whitney Portal Store & Hostel Forums General Mt. Whitney Portal Store Message Board Overnight on the summit??

I've been to the top twice and seen the stars from overnight at Trail Camp, is it safe/okay to stay on the summit overnight? (of course with passes). I know a lot of people do the trail at night, the back side is too scarey for me in the dark, but I think it would be beautiful to sllep under the stars up on top. Anyone done this? Thanks

We stayed overnite on the summit several times about ten years back. The sunrise is beautiful! However, you must be VERY aware of the weather. People have been killed by lightning strikes on the summit of Whitney.

Have done it twice. An awesome experience and highly recommended.

In July of 1999, I talked briefly to a party that camped on the summit while I slept in luxury at Trail Camp. At 12000 feet it was just showers and thunderstorms all night, but above 14000 it was mostly snow. We summited the next morning in a drizzle and near-zero visibility above 12,600, with 6 inches of fresh snow on top. The group that had camped on summit described the experience as "interesting to say the least".

I stayed on top overnight last July with 2 friends and agree with the comments above about watching the weather very carefully. There had been some cloud earlier in the day but late afternoon and evening were fine. As it was getting dark the clouds came back and there was lightning far too close for comfort to the north. It would have been more dangerous to head down to trail crest in the dark so we had to sit tight until the storm passed. We were lucky that it stayed to the north of Whitney - things could have turned out a lot worse.

Also, take lots of clothes - it gets really cold up there.

I personally would not risk staying the night on top. Whitney being the highest point also has the highest risk of first strike with lightning. Which means you get no warning. I don't know how many of the stories are true or not of all the people that died on top due to lightning but I sure the threat is real. Plus sleeping at that higher altitude may make a difference. I have felt the change between trail camp and the top. I like the point Phil made also about having to hike down at night, I won't want to make that decision.

Thanks to all who have responded to my question about overnight at the summit! After reading them, we will be satisfied with the stars and sunrise from Trail Camp! The back side is hard enough in the daylight I sure dont want to be tring to scurry down at night. I'm sure it is a beautiful thing though to be at the highest point at sunrise! BRAVO to all who have done it.

Hi Shirleye, it has always been a dream of mine to sleep at the top. But I agree with you, it sounds to risky to be up there with the weather the way it is. Our pass is for the 27-29 of July and it is a new moon, which means we do not have the advantage of the moonlight. See you in July.