Mt. Whitney Portal Store & Hostel Forums General Mt. Whitney Portal Store Message Board Any current Mountaineer's route Trip reports?

Hi all-Looking for current info on Mountaineer's Route-snow etc.
My friend and I are going up tomorrow-Monday. Thanks in advance!

Hi: We came down the Mountaineers route 8 days ago. Here are a few pictures, starting here.

http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2764895190061435028mRlBIF

Up to Upper Boy Scout Lake snow is not an issue. There is a little snow getting up the low spot 300-400 feet above the lake (we slid down it) but it can be avoided on the right western side.

There probably is some snow field in the basin of the morraine field. You can choose to walk over it or go around it.

The sandy chute going up to Iceberg Lake is mostly dry.

There is some snow in the Mountaineers route from Iceberg Lake to the notch. By starting on the left side and staying in the rocks, you can bypass most of that snow. By now there might be only a few hundred feet in the middle of the Mountaineers route to go through.,

From the notch to the summit, you can start on the left....climb up a hundred feet or so...cross to the right....and bypass the snow there.

So in general, you may need to cross a snowfield now and then...but snow is of less and less concern each day.

The snow is pretty much a non-issue. (From Wednesday/Thursday)

There's this patch below the Iceberg blocks.


You can stay off most of the snow up to the notch.


However, the snow you will climb is well worn with plenty of steps.


It's all rock on the left side up the chute.


And nothing on the East Face or Buttress...

Thank you guys very much for replying. I am connected via a sprint wireless card in the Whitney portal campground if it's useful info for anybody. We hiked to Kearsage Pass on Saturday and were told by a couple of people (and the Lady that owns the Sierra Alpine store in Lone Pine) that that an ice axe was still a must. We didn't think so and are glad to see that it doesn't seem to be a necessity. We camped in Onion Valley on Friday and Saturday nights, doing some hiking and acclimating, and are staying at the Portal campground tonight. Will post a short TR after we're done. Highlights so far are the beautiful country, the interesting and friendly people (except for the camp host at Onion valley), and using Lemon/Eucalyptus oil insect repellent to keep the mosquitoes at bay (not one bite)-and of course the patty melt, cheeseburger and fries we had today at the portal store).

Ylekiot -- any reports from your Sunday/Monday MR trip? Axes necessary? From Jeff M's report & pix I assume crampons aren't needed (thanks Jeff)

So as someone going main trail this weekend, I'm planning no axe and 20 degree bag, but I also have a zero. From the weather report, looks like I should be warm enough (low in 30s at summit from the link at left) - advice?

I am going to post a TR for our MR adventure today. Let me know if there are any other specific questions I can help you with. Doug who runs the store is a very nice guy and full of info as well. I would highly recommend talking to him before you go up if you can...