Mt. Whitney Portal Store & Hostel Forums General Mt. Whitney Portal Store Message Board Early June trail conditions

Hi, I didn't get a lottery permit (July-August request, group of 6), so am now considering late May/early June. I would like to know how much snow I could expect, given the light snow pack this year. Would a direct ascent up the chute be feasible? I have snowshoes, have done some glacier training/hiking on the back side of Shasta, and would have crampons and an ice ax. Thanks in advance for any input! Lynn Holland

A lot depends on how hot it gets between now and when you go. Last year, it got hot early even though there was a lot of snow during the winter the trail opened up earlier than most thought it would.

I would plan on using crampons and ice axe during a trip that early. The worst that happens is you is leave the stuff in the car.