Mt. Whitney Portal Store & Hostel Forums General Mt. Whitney Portal Store Message Board Conditions in Late June & Crampons/ice axe

The good news is that I got a permit (not for any dates I requested, but hey, I'm grateful). Entry date is late June. I expect that the trail will still have snow & ice. Correct? Are crampons needed? Any advice for a brand/type? (easy on/off) Is an ice axe recommended? (I'll need to do some winter workshop/training to be prepared to use it, of course.)

I did the Main Trail last summer for the first time--loved it. I prefer leisurely hikes and will do it over 4 days--to deal with altitude and enjoy the views.

Would appreciate any info and advice.

If the weather continues to be as dry as March has been, the trail will be completely dry by late June.

But even in normal years, in late June there may be some ice on the trail especially near the cables section of the switchbacks. And the cables are there for you to hang on. Most people handle it just fine without special equipment.

But watch weather and trip reports the few weeks before your trip to make sure.

Sierra Mountaineering International in Bishop has 3 snow travel courses between now and May 19th.

http://sierramountaineering.com/snow_travel.html

Hey Karen, You are one of the first people who have actually inquired about getting the requisite skills to winter gear. There should be some sort of prize for you.