Mt. Whitney Portal Store & Hostel Forums General Mt. Whitney Portal Store Message Board Whitney main trail

How far can you go on the main Whitney trail before you encounter substantial snow?

Thanks!

I'm not sure because I haven't been up there however we are going on Friday and I've been told (as of last week) you hit snow from about 1.5 miles on. Again, that is from someone who climbed two weekends ago (18-19th).

As of Friday the 24th, there was no snow to speak of until about the 2 mile point, around 10,000'.

The snow is soft from 10,000' to trail crest at 13,500'. It took us 7 hrs to get to trail camp on sat. We left camp at 5am and it took us 3 hrs to get trail crest, The snow had iced over only a couple of inches an we were postholing up the chute to the right of the cables. The trail from trailcrest had lots of solid snow drifts making the exposure extreme. It was only safe because it was like ice, please be careful as it warms up, a rope might be necessary in a few spots.

Good info davidlayla. Hitting the trail Sat/Sun. Do you recommend snowshoes or will we be fine with only crampons?

Thanks for all of the excellent info!

I just plan to hike to Lone Pine Lake - maybe farther if the trail is OK. I know my limitations!

I would take snow shoes as they will help on the steeper slopes. I also suggest a very early to trail crest, with such an easy route just check it out sat night and hit it early. I will try to post pics of the trail from trail crest. If the weather is supposed to warm up the earlier you get to the summit the better/safer the return conditions will be. I actualy wish I brought skis/snowboard , I think you could make it from trail crest to outpost with no problem.