The Whitney National Recreation Trail (NRT) stretches from Lone Pine Campground at an elevation of 5,640 ft. to Whitney Portal at 8,360 ft. The one way distance is 4 miles and is infrequently traveled since the trail was used as one of the original routes to the Whitney Portal area and on to Mount Whitney prior to the construction of the Whitney Portal Road.
GigaMike and I headed up to the Portal in the early morning of Saturday 4/28/07 to meet Chris (BeachAV8R), Richard P., Tomcat and Rick G. for their ascent of Whitney via the MR. Since I am not strong enough right now to handle a one day ascent of the MR, I said my goodbyes to the team at 4:15am as they hiked up the Old Main Trail on what was to be a long and fruitful day.
I snoozed in the car until daylight and then headed out on my own hike for the day down the NRT at 6:20am. I had hiked the trail several years ago in the late fall just after a light snowfall and starting from Lone Pine Campground. This hike would be different in dry conditions and starting from the Portal.
The temperature heated up quickly into the 70's - it actually felt good after a winter of snow camping/climbing. I would recommend though to plan a summer hike of this route to arrive in the lower elevations during the cooler morning or late afternoon hours.
Thick forest, many views of the surrounding peaks and Lone Pine Creek at trail-side much of the way makes this one of my favorite half-day hikes in the Whitney Portal area. The trail is in good condition with some rocky sections up top, and sandy sections on the last mile above Lone Pine Campground. There are several flights of rock or timber stairs/steps in the upper portion near the Portal (wow - high class!).
The mosquitoes are beginning to show themselves, but not too aggressive yet - just wait a few weeks for the onslaught (non quite like the Alaskan tundra, but we do get our share).
I stopped for snacks upon reaching Lone Pine Campground and was treated to wonderful views of Lone Pine Peak & Mt. Whitney in the relatively clear Spring air. It was a bit hazy up north, but I could make out White Mountain Peak with its remnants of summit snow (another one of my favorites that is on the agenda this month - west ridge). There were several groups of people camped at the campground - the opening of trout season seemed to be the major draw.
Then it was back up to the Portal in the warm sun with occasional relief provided by periodic down-slope breezes and forest shade. All-in-all a wonderful day on a great trail. I was alone on the route which made it seem more like "wilderness" even though the Portal Road was just above.
Times for this slow paced hike (8 miles RT w/2,720' elevation gain & loss):
Leave Whitney Portal 6:20am
Arrive Lone Pine Camp 8:25am
Leave Lone Pine Camp 9:00am
Arrive Whitney Portal 11:37am
I spent the rest of the day exploring around the Portal, reading and jawing with other hikers and climbers until the MR Team returned around 7:15pm from their successful summit bid. Then it was down to the Pizza Factory in Lone Pine for beer and pizza in celebration of Chris's and Mikes first ascent of the MR. Norma R joined us for pizza also (she was fresh from a snow travel training day up near Mammoth) and Doug Sr. stopped by to chat - great conversation and stories....
Some photos:
http://dougforbes.smugmug.com/gallery/2785438#148441099 See ya all out there....
Doug F.
