Mt. Whitney Portal Store & Hostel Forums General Mt. Whitney Portal Store Message Board Insane???

Myself and a few intermediate packers are planning a trip from 6/16-6/26. Our trail route is on the west side of Whitney. Entry portal is "Roads End", packing to the base of Whitney (possible summit????) than exiting at Mineral King. This is about 90 miles in 10 days in the SNOW!!! This seems quite extreme for some weekend warriors. I am trying to talk the trip leader into a more enjoyable friendly trip. Any input would be well appreciated. Thanks

This has the makings of a truly miserable trip.

One has to make significant milage a day, involving a lot of snow camping. That means heavier gear and packs. I can just imagine spending 10 afternoons in a row postholing up to my waist, with no easy bailout.

Fun, only different!

Try a trip out of Lloyd Meadows in the southern Sierra. A day's hike and you're on the Kern River Trail heading north into the center of Sequoia. Follow the Kern trail straight north to Kern Hot Springs--detour up to Moraine Lake and the 5 Lake Area--or continue north from KHS all the way up to Lake South America and loop back, on the JMT/PCT south to Cottonwood Pass (detour to Whitney for a day hike) then return via Big Whitney Meadow, Golden Trout Creek, Little Whitney Meadow to the Kern again. Nice hike, not too much snow, loop trip back to your car.

john