Mt. Whitney Portal Store & Hostel Forums General Mt. Whitney Portal Store Message Board 2016 Main Trail Conditions

Crampons or micro stakes which do you prefer. Hiking Thursday afternoon. Thanks

The missing person was flown out this AM no injuries, last call we had he was now looking for his friends somewhere in town.

Kinda like '05. The guy with the good boots and new carbon poles that went down the butt tracks before the sun hit them. What did they estimate his speed was when he hit the rocks at the base of the slope? I remember having to do the math to confirm because it was so close to free-fall velocity.

I also liked seeing the x-rays that other guy posted showing all the different angles that bone can point, along with how much hardware you need to get them back in line when you wear those spikes on the butt slide and they catch on something.

You selling GoPros this year, Doug?

F=MA,but if one has the extreme lightweight pants and jacket the COF vs the cheap old army store WW2 wool pants can make one fly like a hairy goat!

Ok several went up to the switchbacks, we think 1 made it to the summit using the switchback , not confirmed yet.

I understand this! I've been hanging out here long enough to learn portal-speak!

Back in the day, Doug climbed Matterhorn Peak with Jack Kerouac.

Or was it peak 1258?

Today was the day people going up and down the switchbacks, young man and his dad make the jaunt with no traction devices, Not saying this would be the best choice but just saying...... Very nice young lady also made the summit by taking the rock band next to the snow chute.

That said wind was like Kansas and cold as if winter again. More are reaching the summit now but it is still not a dry trail for say about 1 mile , taking spikes/ real hiking boots, poles will still be the safest choice until the trail clears.

We thought the bears we around last week but did not have reports of sightings but a Mom and Cub was in the Campground last night. Think the story went like this They got all my food out of the ice chest.

Went up the Main Trail yesterday June 14. Took the chute without any surprises. I was impressed how desirable it was to have some sort of traction device (such as micro spikes) for the backside (Trail Crest to the Summit).

From the backside I looked down on the upper switchbacks and saw some tracks in the fresh snow (from the storm a few days ago). The one person I saw on the switchbacks down climbed from the cable area to rejoin the winter route.

Met Ranger Mike as he approached the summit to place new paper in the summit register. Apparently he will join Rob at Crabtree this season.

Have a great season.

Jim

Doug
Maybe the guy that asked if you could call up the mountain to see where his friends were meant to have you call the phone at trail camp and maybe you were ringing the summit hut Telly?

Not much to report the switchbacks are the route of choice and very few if any are taking much more than poles.
Hint of a few drops today but didn't happen.

Only hints might be sun block , go slow and drink more than just plain water , add electrolyte to the water . The heat is also a factor so start predawn and be aware the smoke may cause problems on the lower elevations , so much that it will be hard to get enough air.

As always get the car keys have a plan , stop by the Visitor center pick up your Hiking Permit and THE ONE (1) parking permit and it would be nice to let the others in the group that YOU got a parking Pass Them not so lucky just the old American Way.


Road update back to the maybe cycle , looks as of now the grinding and paving will start at town. sans the dirt is wore out on the upper section.

Went up the Main Trail yesterday 6/28. Just as Doug Sr noted two days ago, now no equipment, except possibly poles, is necessary. Lots of running water on the switchbacks below the cables, even at 5 AM. (It was unusually warm, even at night.) Many hikers started early, as the weather forecast suggested possible deterioration of conditions starting around 11 AM (which is exactly how it played out).

One aspect of old school trail etiquette seemed to be falling back into favor: when the trail narrows, downhill hikers yield to those going uphill. Also "thank you" seemed to be more frequently heard. Of course, there had to be an outlier. A hiker who repeatedly and boldly cut the switchbacks below Lone Pine Lake was awarded a written citation by a Ranger on patrol.

Many PCT hikers were encountered on the summit (looking remarkably fit). A group of perhaps twenty British servicemen and women reached the summit, as they completed the High Sierra Trail. Along the Trail they had heard of the outcome of the Brexit vote in their country. One noted that Brexit had 80% support among their group.

Jim

Looking for mosquito report and elevations will be camping at 12,000 ft 7/2 to 7-7

Hi Bob,

I saw a few mosquitos at the Whitney Portal Campground. Frankly, on the Main Trail (8360' and above) I do not recall seeing any. Personally, I carry DEET this time of year no matter what the mosquito forecast, just in case I am ambushed.

Enjoy Independence Day in the Sierras.

Jim

thanx

My first post to the board, so hello and thanks for all the information. I'm climbing this Sunday and was wondering what the conditions are from Trail Crest to the Summit at this time.

Thanks.
Matt A.

Conditions are dry. The summit snowfield is quite doable, though in early morning it quite slick/icy, and then melts into an easy traverse as it warms. Otherwise, virtually snow free. I was able to collect some water off the summit snowfield at around 3 p.m., but I wouldn't count on it as a water source. In the morning, there was no flow at all. (This is based on July 3-4.)

Heading up the MT this Tues. early morning. Any new intel out there as far as midnight parking issues and path/snow conditions above Trail Crest?

No snow above Trail Crest except the summit snowfield, which is a little slick in the morning but otherwise easy to navigate.

We drove up Friday. Had a choice of permits (Day hike, one night, two nights.) Took the overnight option. Was at portal at 2:30. Parking was unbelievably wide open. I think this permit system works pretty darn well. We actually got a spot across from the trail head. The overflow parking lot was less than half full. 1 car per permit - what a crazy idea!