Mt. Whitney Portal Store & Hostel Forums General Mt. Whitney Portal Store Message Board 08-09 Mt Irvine & Candlelight Report

Beautiful weather allowed a group of 11 to summit Irvine and also pick up Candlelight on the descent. Camped Friday night at Camp Lake just under Meysan. Very windy conditions overnight. Saturday ascended from camp over slabs and scree to the saddle above Outpost Camp. From here we ascended directly up to the NE ridge of Mt Irvine. It was cold and windy in the notch before the ridge. The wind died down as we climbed the ridge. Very pleasant on the summit with nice views all around. We saw a group ascend the chutes south of Meysan and head towards LeConte.
The ascent and descent on this ridge is class 2/3 and very much fun. Back at the saddle we decided to go over to Candlelight. Candlelight also offers nice views of Mt Whitney. We saw firsthand the "worst chute in the Sierra" and a sling was still wrapped around a rock about 50' down. That man is awesome. Pics are here.

It was fun to look through your pictures and remember that fine route up to Mt. Irvine.

Thanks for the pictures. That exact hike is at the top of my list for the next time I'm in the area.

By worst chute in the Sierra, I suppose you are referring to Bob R's descent down this chute??

http://www.flickr.com/photos/rockwellb/2728563509/in/set-72157606524009249/

Yes. You are correct and looking down that chute promotes an uneasy feeling.