Mt. Whitney Portal Store & Hostel Forums General Mt. Whitney Portal Store Message Board guide for 10/2/03

I'm a solo hiker planning my first trip to the summit on 10/2/03 -- a day hike. My family is stongly suggesting that I either try to connect with others going up or find a guide to accompany me. Couldn't help but notice the mention in Doug's book....Never do it alone!

I'd appreciate any help on this folks could provide

Do you need a guide on the I-10? This trail is most traveled trails in the US, you won't want for company. There will a pretty good slug of people on the trail but finding one willing to go at your pace would be slim, or you at his. Just study your maps and read the guide book you own and you will do just fine. A lot of people do this trip solo.

What going solo means is you have to be responsible for yourself. Meaning if your body says turn around you don't go further, if the weather says turn around, you head back. You can't exceed your skill level, period.

Hmmmm...if you can't find Hollywood and Vine from Sunset and Vine you might want to cancel your trip ;-).

Bill

A recent large donation from an unnamed source has given Inyo enough money to hire several Sasquatch as ushers and/or sherpas. Gratuities may cause you problems, however.

Can you make it a weekend instead?

I did not make my first trip solo, but I could have. There are a few rocky places where the trail may not be clearly seen. But there will be plenty of people along the way. Unsure? Stop, have some water and a little food. When someone comes by, walk with them for awhile. Or look for little cairns (rocks stacked up like a column) marking the way. It's a long walk. Start early. That way you won't be the last one down (which means you'll have company on the way out too). Have fun, enjoy the solitude. I am also planning to hike solo 10/2.

enjoy the solitude!? if solitude is what you're looking for lightweight then go hide in your closet...whitney is the last place i'd go if i wanted solitude

I don't think they allow professional guides to lead parties up the Main route. Although this may change in the future.They do allow guides on the Mountaineers Route. I too feel that you can do this solo, although it is much more enjoyable and doable when you have someone along to encourage you.