Mt. Whitney Portal Store & Hostel Forums General Mt. Whitney Portal Store Message Board 2025

The "hill from hell" at the Cables turned me back on almost this exact date last year (went back on July 1 and it was gone). My question is this: I'm going up this Saturday and curious how cut the steps are now getting around/over that spot? Last year, the boot path stayed close to the edge (not scary for many but I wasn't comfortable), and am curious if you feel someone with a moderate (healthy) fear of sketchy situations will be able get past this one? I'll have all the necessary gear.

We are a party of 5 coming up from the JMT and descending to Whitney Portal on 6/28. Please post your observations on the cables/ice. We have several new backpackers in the group and don't want to attempt the cables unless they are safe for novice hikers with microspikes (if needed) and trekking poles. We will alert them to the exposure on the cables. Good picture of the cables posted recently. It will be much appreciated if you can let us know when you get off the mtn.

A couple of photos of New Army Pass:


From Long Lake.



Same as it ever was...About the same as what I encountered last summer...Didn't go all the way up because of sore feet and Hokas...wasn't about to try and kick steps with those shoes...If I recall correctly, it's about 25-30' of snow and then a few easy bouldering moves to get up...

Only a few remaining snowfields below...the major PITA was at Long Lake...Loads on muddy trail, too...