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

Thinking about bagging Muir when we go to summit Whitney this summer. Have heard that it's all class 3 with some exposure. Is this true? Is protection required? Is the route to the summit obvious? Would appreciate any feedback from those who have been there. Thanks.

Hi Jim, the route to Muir is mostly class 2 (after you leave the main Whitney trail) with a very short section of class 3 to gain the summit block. The exposure is not bad. If the climbing is more difficult than that, or you encounter a lot of exposure, you are probably off route. For detailed info on this ascent, check out this <a href="http://www.summitpost.com/mountains/route_link.pl/route_id/168/object_id/359">site</a>. Mt. Muir is well worth the extra few minutes it takes to get up there.

I hope this isn't too much detail.

Go to

http://members12.clubphoto.com/robert634908/943486

and look at the 4th and 5th rows of pictures.

Bob, Are you sure the link you provided is still viable? I'm not having much luck with it and was interested in seeing your pics.

Bob,
I retract my last post. It works perfectly. Nice shots. Poor typing on my part.

Bearbnz and Bob R - thanks for the feedback. Nice pics! Does not look too challenging. As long as we're not whipped coming back from Whitney, I think we'll give it a go.

Bob R.
I saw your Mt. Muir link referenced a few posts back. I had already downloaded & printed the pics with the route high-lighted. The info. is excellent. We had been within 15 feet of the summit block last summer and turned back because we didnt see the good route. Thank you for sharng the knowledge!
-Rick F.

You are welcome. Muir is a nice diversion when coming back from Whitney. Adds a half hour or so, depending on how long you enjoy the view from the top.

I know it's described as class 3 because the holds are all there and solid, but it is quite steep and you have to pay attention. If someone claims it's class 4, I don't argue. Over the years I've retrieved quite a few rappel slings from the route.

Hmm, that wasn't the way I did it this winter, but oh well, still made it. It was pretty cool free soloing the final little portion with a couple hundred feet of air around the corner