Mt. Whitney Portal Store & Hostel Forums General Mt. Whitney Portal Store Message Board Meysan Lakes Trail: first timer asks advice, plz

Good day to All. I will be in The Portal for a very short time the first full week of September. I am planning (if meant to be) to hike up into the Meysan Lakes and back in one day. I request some advice as well as someone else to hike with as hiking solo is not what I am prepared to do. I have never smoked, rarely drink and have no medical issues at 64....joints are supple with strong back and legs. I am in very good shape and my medical numbers are those of a 20 - 30 person.

(One year from this post-Labour Day I am looking forward to ascending Whitney with an experienced climber....if meant to be, of course. He and I can mentally handle coming 3000+ miles, but weather turning us back or some other reason.)

I request assistance from this forum as to recommendations. I have no ego to bruise and appreciate straight talk.

Much thanks to all

My advice is ... to consider climbing White Mountain this year instead, the third highest mountain in CA! You hike a rough jeep trail up to the summit at 14,246'. About 14 miles round trip, maybe 3,500' of elevation gain. And if you go Sunday, September 6, their open house, they open the gate so you can actually drive to 12,000, shortening the hike to 10 miles round trip, 2500'+ feet of elevation gain.

You'll see others on the jeep trail, particularly if you go on the open house (tons of people), so no worries being solo. And you can see what 14,300' feels like.

Info on the open house is here:
https://www.facebook.com/ucwmrc/photos/a...e=1&theater

Info on White Mountain summit hike is here:
http://www.summitpost.org/white-mountain-peak/150221
http://timberlinetrails.net/WhiteMountain.html

And you can do an interesting day-before acclimatizing hike looping through the Ancient Bristlecone Forest, which features the oldest living thing on the planet (the Methuselah tree, which is, wait for it, 4,846 years old!).

If you do this, you'll want to rent a high clearance SUV. I understand that they do grade the road around the time of the open houses. THe road is doable in a sedan when it has been graded after the winter, but it is a bit of torture, and I would not want to risk it in a rental car.

My wife and I hiked this trail last September. I am a 66 year old cancer survivor with high blood pressure issues, cholesterol issues, and a heart murmur. If I can hike it, anyone can hike it. I would not hesitate to hike this trail alone. In the first week of September, it is highly likely that you will run into other hikers. The trail is easy to cover entirely in daylight hours. The trail is easy to follow. When you get to the sign for Grass Lake, note that the trail does a U turn to your right. See my trip report here:

http://sangabrielmnts.myfreeforum.org/about6004.html

Good day Akichow,

Your advice is not only sound, but also an excellent test of initial physical and mental endurance. Unfortunately, we will not be able to visit this mountain on Labour Day Sunday or any other time during our two week stay. The family has planned other activities for these upcoming two weeks with plenty of wiggle room, but not quite enough to take up this solid suggestion. However, my wife & I are returning for two more two week vacations in 2016. I have already announced my plan to visit White Mountain in 2016. One of the other activities is to also visit the Ancient Bristlecone Pine Grove. U.S. Route 6 is nearby....the same route that begins/ends in Provincetown, MA and a sign stating it is 3000+ miles or so to Long Beach, CA....from lobsters and clams out here....to sand, rock and living monuments that have existed before The Ark came to be.

I appreciate your links and time very much. Perhaps we will meet up one day and break bread.

Paul

Good day Richard and Richard's wife,

You inspire and encourage me with your story, though I am never pleased to hear of another's medical plights. I had my dose some years ago, but never gave up and just kept on truckin'.

Your pictues of the Meysan Trail area are spectacular.

Thanks much for sharing with me.

Paul

Hi Paul,

If you don't mind me asking, where in NH are you from? I grew up in Claremont and spent some time in Nashua. My family and I plan to move back in January or February.

My wife and I have been living in West Wilton Village since 1990 after having moved up from Massachusetts. I was originally from MA and met my wife while we worked in Midtown Manhattan. She had been with ABC for years in their Travel Department. I left NYC after 3+ years....liked it very much, but had poor luck with thieving business partners.

I know parts of Claremont very well which has not changed or as long as we have been here.

We are looking in relocating to Carson City in a couple or three years and retiring. I intend to be just as busy with outdoor activities and my wife will often join me as well as take up her hobbies as well.

Prior to visiting the Sierra Nevada and surrounding areas in 2011 I thought we would stay in New England, naturally. Well, we fell in love with the area and it went to the bone. Here we are four years later and that fire is still present. Before relocating we will first live out in CC for awhile just to be sure.

What prompted your move? Why are you moving back to NH?

Best regards,

Paul

Paul, the only thing I'd add to all of the sound advice above is the Meysan Lakes trail is south facing and as such receives a lot of sun exposure. There's not much water on the trail until you get to the lakes. Be sure to carry plenty of water and I'd suggest an early start when temperatures are cooler.

Have fun. It's a great trail!