Mt. Whitney Portal Store & Hostel Forums General Mt. Whitney Portal Store Message Board Back Door attempt

Hi All,

Will be attempting the Summit from the back (West) door on June 17-20 via Horseshoe Meadows. Having not been that way before I am wondering if we will have any trouble at the Rock Creek Crossing? Should I bring my waders
Thanks.

you usually can cross this dry, but not always (probably, this year), however, this is not known as a particularly problematic or dangerous crossing, like some on the PCT.

The upper crossing is not a problem and at the lower there is big log crossing the creek.

It is dangerous, if you are afraid to cross rapid water from the top of a big log.

Wait! If that is the back door, what is the High Sierra trail?

The cellar door: it starts from further below the Crest.

I guess that Death Valley is the Door from Hell.

The log succumbed to old age a few years ago, possibly 2006. However, having said that, it won't be a raging river, but I suspect that both Rock Creek and Whitney Creek will require nimble feet or wet feet depending on runoff.

Just a suggestion, after crossing Whitney Creek and heading up towards upper Crabtree Meadows, the trail parallels Whitney Creek until it crosses over about 200 meters below Upper Crabtree. The creek can be a little dicey early in the season. If it is, just angle up the slope to your left and head perpendicular away from the stream. Within 100 meters or so, you meet up with the JMT. Stay on the JMT until you come to the junction of a side trail that takes you over to Crabtree meadow and ranger station. And yes, you cross Whitney creek again, but at this point it is flowing a lot slower and there are logs to cross. Just a thought.

paul

Thanks Paul and others. Knowing that the Rock Creek crossing will be manageable is a big weight off my back. Now, if I can just get my pack down to around 30 lbs .......