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Just wondering where you guys prefer to camp if doing MMWT overnight in the summer. I see both places having their pros and cons.
Any thoughts?
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Joined: Dec 2006
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Trail Camp. You will acclimatize better at 12,000'. Shorter distance to summit makes summit day more enjoyable. Beautiful views... 
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Journey well...
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Joined: Feb 2005
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It's trail camp for me. You can make trail crest for sunrise, summit before 9:00, and beer and burgers by mid-afternoon. It's a little bit like the moon up there, but that's part of the high altitude charm!
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Joined: Dec 2006
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It's a little bit like the moon up there, but that's part of the high altitude charm!  Pic taken June 10, 2007
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Joined: Dec 2002
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Anytime of the year on the MMWT...Trail Crest. It's closer to the summit, you can be on the summit at dawn and off the trail by 1.
If you are making it a two day journey to Trail Camp, I'd suggest you stay at LPL. This area sees few campers and you will not be bothered by any of the heading shining loud day hikers passing through camp...something happens way too often at OC.
Hike your own hike. There is not a right answer.
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Joined: May 2007
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Trail Camp. Have never seen a 'skeeter there.
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My preference is TC, for a 1 nighter. If I was spending 2 nights on the trail, then Outpost Camp. Either option, you should train and acclimate. Lynn
leh
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Trail Camp. Have never seen a 'skeeter there. Oh, but those wily marmots . . .
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Joined: May 2007
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Oh, but those wily marmots . . . Good point - they sure are entertaining as well.
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Trail camp. Even if you are doing two nights on the mountain you can camp at TC on the way up and again on the way down. If you have the time for it.
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Joined: Feb 2007
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take an extra night and do both
gives you an extra day to acclimate, gives you more time to take in the sights and enjoy yourself
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For a two-day trip, Trail Camp for sure. If you're taking three days, spending one or both nights at Outpost Camp isn't such a bad idea. Outpost camp is especially attractive for a three-day trip with one or more people who can't sleep at 12,000+.
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Joined: Feb 2005
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I've done both. Four years ago we went straight to Trail Camp. I'm 56 years old and in reasonably good shape, but I had a 45 lb. pack and that hike was all I could take. Last year we stayed at night at Outpost and then a night at Trail Camp before summitting. I like the leisurely approach. It's good for acclimatization. Outpost is a prettier camp and there's plenty of water with a nice waterfall for good measure. However a day to summit from Outpost would probably be too long for me without building up more stamina to be on my feet for 12 hours or so.
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Joined: Mar 2005
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Both are nice. If the moon is out, even a half moon, Trail Camp is amazing in the middle of the night. I remember one almost full moon night getting up to pee at about 2:00 a.m.; the granite was lit like daytime and you could still see billions of stars. It sure made up for the discomfort of the hard ground and a loaded bladder.
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Joined: Jul 2006
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I have done both, but prefer Trail Camp. I think the night at 12,000 feet does well for the push to the summit. Besides, at Trail Camp the very first thing you'll do in the morning are the dreaded 97 switchbacks. And besides, the sooner you summit, the sooner you'll get back down to the Portal to enjoy that Mooseburger, fries, and a few cold beers.
This year I plan on a multi-nighter, the first at Trail Camp, the second at Trail Crest, and the third on the summit.
Whitney Mike
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