Mt. Whitney Portal Store & Hostel Forums General Mt. Whitney Portal Store Message Board Bear Boxes at Portal and Horseshoe Meadows

My friend and I are planning a two day trip to the summit of Whitney on 9/15-16. This is our first trip in the Whitney area; we are mainly coastal mountains (ventana wilderness backpackers) so we have very little experience with bears.

My question is about the size of the bear lockers at Horshoe Meadows and at the Whitney Portal trailhead. We are planning on two nights and some day hiking to acclimitize prior to the Whitney hike, and have some questions about whether we can store our ice chest (cooler) and car camping stove in the bear boxes, or whatever arrangements to make.

I am familar with using Bear canistors while on the trail - I am more concerned about not leaving ANYTHING in my care that would attract a foraging bear.

This forum has been a great source of information - many thanks to everyone who has already posted and to anyone who responds to this query.

You have to store everything, including ice chests, tooth paste, lip balm, toiletries, in addition to the food etc. It's all spelled out for you when you pick up your permit at the visitor center in Lone Pine. The USFS needs to add more bear boxes as there just isn't enough room for all the stuff you have to store. If you're gear is towards the back of the container, you have to take out all the stuff that's in front then put it back. The rangers will issue you a citation if a backpack or ice chest is left inadvertently in your car. I sumitted 9/6 and had gorgeous weather, met lots of people on the trail. Enjoy it and don't lose a lot of sleep over the bears.

Kevincc4,

Just be aware that unscrupulous individual(s) stole my ice chest and other personal items from the bear box I stored them in up at Horseshoe Meadows this summer. (July 9th-13th) I followed the guidelines provided by the FS and ended up with lost equipment. I would NOT store anything in bear boxes (not enough of them up at HSM) that you couldn't afford to lose. It's unfortunate but what's happening even in the wilderness of the Eastern Sierra's!

Hi Kevin,
Last September I stayed at the Portal and the lockers were a bit crowded. I was still able to fit in a pretty large cooler chest and another bag of food. This August I packed a little leaner and fit a small cooler chest and bear container in very easily. I might suggest keeping the cooler as small as needed and maybe putting other food in a couple smaller packages ( 12 x 12 x 18 or so? ). Look around for additional lockers if you need extra space. I'm sure you'll find what you need. You're right about making sure you get everything out of your car. Have a great time!
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