Mt. Whitney Portal Store & Hostel Forums General Mt. Whitney Portal Store Message Board Main Mt. Whitney trail, 17 - 18 May

Four of us went in Sunday afternoon and came out Monday afternoon. Pictures are here. If you prefer the slideshow version, click here, and then choose View Full Screen.

We had expected to ascend the snow chute to Trail Crest, but were surprised at the minimal snow on the 97 switchbacks; so opted for them instead. Usually the switchbacks are not passable until well into June.

We did not take snowshoes, knowing that there would be sections where they would have been nice, but not at all worth the extra weight. That turned out to be the case, and the few times we postholed were only a minor inconvenience.

Of course, we took crampons and ice axes. Upon arriving at the cables and beyond, however, we never felt the need to get them out. But no one should take what one party or person did guide them in what they should do. The skill and experience level of our foursome was very high: We have collectively numbered well over 250 ascents of Mt. Whitney, about 1/4 of which have been in winter. Anyone who reads what we did, looking for guidance, should do so only in the context of their own experience and skill level. Besides, conditions change from day to day, and sometimes even hour to hour.

Everyone should certainly bring crampons and ice ax along these days, and know how to use them--especially the ax. Make your decisions when you get there and see the conditions. If in doubt, err on the conservative side.

I flamed out below Trail Crest because of some extra exertion and lack of sleep just before the trip (a nighttime SAR), but my friends all summited. They reported two short snow sections to cross past Trail Crest, neither of which was a problem. Otherwise the trail from there to the summit was dry.

The rest of my trip report is embedded in the pictures and their captions.

Going up again on Saturday; it will be interesting to see the changes in a week. Afterthought: I just realized that summit day on Sunday will be the 57th anniversary of my first time there. I already knew it was going to be the "double my age" ascent (Jack, are you listening?). Wonder how to celebrate...I know, with a burger and beer at the WPS!

Thanks Bob.

Pictures 38 and 39 --- where you said you 'made your own tracks'. Did you do that by going to the far right on picture 38 and then up over the knob (by that I mean up a bit, then off the snow and over the rock to the far right on picture 38)?

You mentioned that you took the switchbacks instead of the chute.

Would you say that route is "easier" (on the body)?

I've often found walking straight up a snow covered chute/pass easier - while steeper it seems a bit better on the legs and feet not having to deal with scree, boulders, etc.

Since you've done whitney many times, what is you opinion?

Also, if you decide part way up to switch to the chute is the a # switchback where that is best done. Thanks.

No, we went up the snow gully in the middle of picture 38, then stayed on snow to Trail Camp.


The man I learned all of my mountaineering from pointed out to me many years ago: If you have a choice between going straight up or staying on a trail (or making a zigzagging ascent), going straight up is quicker but takes more out of you. So you end up with less energy: of some concern if there is still a lot of climbing to do. Or if you are no longer a spring chicken.

Regarding your second question, your only practical choice is switchback 90, or ? (See this post.)

As an aside, the cables are between switchbacks 45 and 46. Wayne has a picture showing almost all the switchbacks and their numbers; hopefully he will post it.

Thanks for the link. I'll be making an attempt next week. I'm packing crampons and an ax and with changing conditions will probably make an onsite decision as to which route to take.

Your pics of the switchbacks didn't look too bad - with relatively easier traverse over the snow near the cables (though I'm sure in person it's a little more frightening)

Any other advice is appreciated. I'll post my own report when I return

Here is Wayne's Mount Whitney Maps map gallery.

This is his switchback diagram -- click on it for the full-size version (and then click on the full-size version to expand it to its fullest size):

 

Thanks for reminding about...your picture of the switchbacks, Bob!

First, here is a photo of the top 21 switchbacks in snow conditions. The connecting use-trail to the chute can be seen at switchback #90:



Now, here is Bob R's amazing photo of 89 of the 97 switchbacks:



For a full version, try this link: http://lwp.smugmug.com/photos/343037096_BeHmh-O.jpg

BobR took the best photo of the 97 switchbacks I've ever seen. All I did was put numbers on them.

Thanks, Wayne. That second photo is the one I hoped you'd post. It shows that there really is no chance to get from the switchbacks over to the chute until switchback 90. Although you can make a descending traverse escape after negotiating the cables.

I don't know about "best photo"; I just happened to snap a couple of pictures when the lighting was good.

I might mention that people have gone up the chute (in winter conditions), and found it too challenging due to the icy field that forms halfway up. A way out is to go on that old trail to switchback 90, and finish on the main trail.

By the way, I just finished a Photoshop class at the local college. With what I learned, I think I can add in those lower 8 switchbacks. Maybe even a few marmots, and a wag bag or two.

Great work, Wayne and Bob! Thanks.

In that full-size version, I can see the old trace of the trail leaving between sb 18 and 19, heading through the lower section, with a piece heading out of view bottom center, then reappearing near the lower right corner, and heading up and reconnecting at sb 90.  

I second that!

A friend and I are hoping to attempt a day hike on MWT in late July (got the permit, but still need to resolve some work-related commitments), and this forum has been an amazing source of information and inspiration (especially for us living in flat lands).

Many thanks!

Just great photo-documentation!

By the way, another thing documented in the photo is Whitney Pass, which is found by the extension of the trail between switchbacks 90 and 90

Somebody please tell these guys to get a life.

This IS their life, and what a wonderful full life it is !

Sheila, you should know it is long since hopeless!!

However, Bob, Jack, you guys get a life!

Wondering what the results of this trip were. We'll be attempting a one-day affair Sat 5/30 starting around 12-1am. Weather reports look slightly daunting but we're planning to go as far as nature will allow.