Mt. Whitney Portal Store & Hostel Forums General Mt. Whitney Portal Store Message Board Whitney late september hike?

does anybody have experience with a late summer trip up MMWT?
i've heard it is on the "boarder" of seasons. this would be people going up without snow and ice skills. Is there still a good chance at weather cooperating? (last weekend in Sept.)
thanks

> Is there still a good chance at weather cooperating?

Yes, excellent chances.

I've been in the Sierra above 14,000' twice in September and in Sierra in general early October many times. I've seen lots of very cold mornings, some snowy days and lots of cold biting wind.

I all depends on the weather gods. You have to be prepared for cold temperatures. A few years ago we experienced single digit temperatures and a 30 MPH wind on Mt. Whitney at dawn, there was snow on switchbacks from a storm the week before our trip, and last year it was below freezing and a similar wind on the summit of Mt. Langley.

Also, if you are doing a day hike you will be dealing with a lot less daylight than now; therefore, you might be hiking in the dark both AM and PM.

Bring a lot of extra clothes with you so you can make can make last minute decisions as to what is going up the trail with you.

We went up around the same time you're looking to go, last year Sept. 30th - Oct 1st, and the weather was beautiful, pretty chilly, but no snow had fallen yet, so no need for ice axe and crampons. Fall colors were available for viewing which is always a very nice plus.

We went again exactly a month later Oct 28/29 last year, and we brought & needed ice axe and crampons (above trail camp).
So you see that a month can change alot... but your last weekend in Sept. hike should work well for you, not hot, less crowded, and there shouldn't be any snow to contend with.

Good Luck !!

Hi c rude

Anythings possible. I hiked Whitney in late Oct. 1987. No wind at the summit and I was in shorts! The night at TC was a bit chilly. Just keep checking this board as you get closer to your hike.

Good luck!
MC (the sunglasses are to wish you good weather)