Mt. Whitney Portal Store & Hostel Forums General Mt. Whitney Portal Store Message Board Trail Camp(ing)

A group of 3-6 of us will be backpacking in from Whitney Portal on July 8. We would like to spend the night somewhere farther along the trail than Outpost Camp. While not out of the question, we would prefer not to camp on top of the snow.
1. Can anyone suggest spots alond the trail or is it best to spend the night at Trail Camp?
2. Is Trail Camp currently covered in snow?
3. Is anyone using the switchbacks yet or is the chute still the preferred route?

Thanks for any advice!

I just got back.

It is best to spend the night at trail camp.

Most of the campsites at Trail Camp are clear of snow.

The chute is your only bet now, but the switches may be open by July 8.

we are climbing in one day with 7 of us the youngest is 10 the oldest is 50, we are climbing july12 , do u think the swithch backs will be open?

Our group plans to climb Whitney in early August. Could someone tell me if it's possible to use a tent that requires staking at Trail Camp?

This message board is extremely helpful. Thanks to everyone who gives feedback and advice.

You can stake your tent, although is it is probably easier to have small cord to tie to rocks.

That makes sense. Thanks for the suggestion.