Mt. Whitney Portal Store & Hostel Forums General Mt. Whitney Portal Store Message Board Southern Sierra Hiking (Group?)

I moved to Ridgecrest about a year ago or more and I have been doing hikes on my own, but it would be nice to find some other folks to go with. Anyone around the Ridgecrest area know of a hiking group or club? I am thinking of folks working here - 20's and 30's, although some of you older hikers could probably put me to shame. I have done owens 3 times since I got here and spend time on the pct. I nearly stepped on a rattlesnake on the pct 2 weeks ago and it might be good to have more than just myself. MWR on base does "hike events" but that's not quite the same.

Anyway, any suggestions are great, thanks!

Also, I am planning on doing Whintey mid june and am curious, I have seen a ton of posts but I am wondering how the trail quality is - more like the PCT or like owens. Owens isn't long but it certainly seems steep.

Did you get my pm last week?

It's more like the PCT in that for the most part the trail is wide, well-defined and has rather moderate grades. Owens is steep - of the 3 miles, much of the elevation gain occurs in the last 1.5.

Sorry, I hadn't thought to check for PM's.

I have one from CMC, but no, I don't see the other one (?)

thnx!

That's good to ehar about the trail. I can do 8 miles on the PCT is the same or less time for Owens. I guess doing owens x 2 or about 6k feet in 3 miles would be the same as Whitney in 11 miles. That does sound more moderate. I have found the steepness of owens doesn't agree with my heels so well.

resent - chk your pm box