Mt. Whitney Portal Store & Hostel Forums General Mt. Whitney Portal Store Message Board 1st timer - Try it alone or find a hiking partner?

I'm going up Whitney on Aug 26, it's my first time. I have an extra permit, and I'm trying to find someone to hike that day with.
I've been training really hard and I'm in great shape. I think it's just either a mental or safety thing, to have someone with me along the way.
I've heard from a few others that, "not to worry, there will be many hikers on the trail for safety sake". That I can easily join in on another groups hike that day.
For a 1st timer, is that a good idea? I'm reading a lot (books, forums, blogs) on what to expect and how to prepare. Just want to cover all the bases and be ready.

I say go for it!

Second that.

My wife has said that she would be fine hiking that trail by herself. Besides, with potentially 100 day hikers and 60 overnighters on the trail somewhere, you will not be alone. The main Mt.Whitney trail is a wilderness in name only. Last September, we finished our 5th summit about 10PM. There were already 8 hikers standing at the trailhead waiting for a midnight start.

Thanks Richard for the advice. You and the majority of the feedback I'm getting all say the same "Go for it alone".
That there will be plenty of hikers/groups going up and that I won't be alone. Looks like I've worried about this for nothing.

Here's my two cents - when I tried a solo trip in May, hiking alone was very mentally demanding. I went on a weekday, and saw just two other hikers in a full day on the trail. Lacking the safety net of a hiking companion definitely stressed me mentally.
You may not face that problem in August as the trail will likely be more populated.
On the positive side, hiking alone frees you from the stresses of a companion whose speed, endurance or confidence level does not match your own.
All things considered, I prefer hiking with others when weather and conditions up the risk factor, but on a sunny August day I'd prefer hiking alone.

I'll be hiking it on the same day with my friend John, we did it together last August for the first time. This year we're planning to add Mt. Muir. PM me before you leave.

You will run into people on the trail - especially in August. I second the motion to go for it.

I had the same issue the first time I went to Whitney in late August 2007 after my partner dropped out a week or two beforehand. It was safe and very enjoyable, there are lots of people to help and encourage you if you need it, but you have the chance to experience some solitude and peace in the mountains. I wouldnt change a thing about that trip.

One final bonus is that you have some serious bragging rights when you tell people you did a solo, one day, first time hike up Whitney !

The one problem with going alone is the photos. Bring a camera and there should be plenty of people at the summit to take a pic of your Solo hike.

Hi, nativensd. I hiked it alone a couple of years ago. No one was willing to fly across country (from NC) just to hike Whitney. I promise that you will not have any trouble finding friends on the trail. Whitney hikers tend to be a friendly lot, so don't be shy about striking up a conversation. I made some friends that I will never forget. And anyone will be glad to snap a photo of you at the top. If anything, the few times I was alone were some of the best moments of the hike!

Are you planning on a day hike? Sometimes it's the solidarity challenge one is seeking!! This is what you have to determine. You won't be alone.

The thing you can't account for is how you're body will react in altitude, that's the scary part when you're alone.

You for sure can do it alone, i have starting at midnight. As long as you have the proper equipment (clothing), hydration is essential (Gatorade). You must follow the trail, there are places when it isn't that clear, use your head!

Also, i would do 2 acclimatization hikes to the 'lake' to prepare if possible...very important to me.

You must determine if 'you' can start / finish in the dark, have the equipment / food and you'll be fine.

Fuggit do it!

Have fun...

So many great people ont he trail , I did it solo last August and had fun . Just make sure you bring a trail map I lost the Trail around Mirror lake , by the way make a left .

Thanks to all who have given me plenty of that "Go for it solo" advice. You've seen it and experienced it yourself, so I will give it some serious thought.

Hi nativensd, I have been toying with the same question for the same day. I have a permit for Aug 26 with some openings and no confirmed partners.

It would be my 2nd time on Whitney, shooting for 1st time to the summit. Last July I went with 3 friends on a day hike. The one of us that had spent the previous 5 days in CO above 10,000 made it, the other 3 of us that cut acclimitization short (sea level to 14,000 in about 30 hours didn't quite cut it) bailed out at 14,200.

Send me a PM if you think you might like to connect at the Portal. We could compare hiking paces, styles, etc first.

I've been going into the Sierra for 23 years and always go alone. One thing not covered in the previous posts is the idea of a well-thought out "what if?" plan with both distance markers and a timeline. Since you don't know how you will be affected by altitude, devise a fairly liberal timeline and distance segments to use as a benchmark. For example, if you start to feel off at point a, plan to continue as far as point b - or even point c - and reassess. Assuming you have developed a rough timeline before starting, the other question is how far behind are you willing to get before your delay will cause concern for your family or friends back home. Finally, be willing to turn back. It's a lot less traumatic to turn back and walk out than to push on and require a rescue.

Brian and NativenSD,
I am looking to go up that week as well. And was planning on going solo. I do not have a permit. My preference is to do a two day, spending the night at trail camp. I'm open to doing a single day as long as I left very early.

I'm also looking to spend a couple of nights prior to the hike at horseshoe meadow to aclimatize.

I was planning on going solo, but open to a loose hiking partner thing. Everyone goes at their own pace, no obligation to stick with each other.

if interested, send me an email at tomdietz@yahoo.com

Brian/NativeenSD(/or anyone else)

Would you possibly have unused permit for Aug 26 hike? I do not have one and am looking for a permit. Thanks
-karthik

I have found a buddy to go with me on Aug 26, so no extra permit.
Sorry karthik and TomDietz, hope you both come up with a permit somehow and I see you on the trail.