Mt. Whitney Portal Store & Hostel Forums General Mt. Whitney Portal Store Message Board Current Main Trail Conditions

I have not seen any recent posts on current conditions on the main Mt. Whitney trail. I would appreciate it if someone can post a report on trail conditions (snow, etc.) June 26th or later.

Also, I know the summit temperature can vary significantly day to day and within the day, but any idea what the typical temperature and wind conditions from Trail Crest to Summit are like for this time of the year (from 9 am to 3 pm)?

I should add - we will be doing a day hike up the main trail on July 5th.

Some snow patches but no problems. Can be crossed in tennis shoes.
See my post-Mineral king to whitney-

I plan to hike Whitney on July 4th.I was speaking
to a friend today who hiked up the trail yesterday,on her way down the trail saturday afternoon it started to snow and was windy.She was glad to have tights and a wind jacket.I am bringing gortex jacket and pants as well as wool gloves and a hat.I will be starting out in shorts and a long sleeve shirt.RR

thanks Robert, good report. be prepared for some flurries/hail and cold...but for traveling the trail, most reports so far seem to say "okay".

Trip report: Monday 6/28/04
This was my second trip up Whitney.
Both times did the "one dayer".
Because I knew I had a slower group this time I started an hour earlier at 11:15 Sunday night.
Made the switchbacks at Trail Camp by 5:00 AM.
Note: Took 3 liters of water from Portal and had plenty left at the SB.
There are at least 10 places to get water on the SBs - understand water at the TC lake is contaminated.
The hike to the SBs was uneventful except saw 2 bears and LOTS of stars !!
In my opinion, the SBs were in good shape EXCEPT the trail at the "cables" and snow berm near the TC.
Too much frozen water (icy trail) at cables, sections above the cables and especially the snow berm at TC.
To avoid the icy conditions just reach the cables about 7:30 AM - 8:00 AM.
This way by the time you reach the other "icy sections" above the cables the water runoff will have thawed and you will no problems.
Take 3 liters of water from SBs to the summit each person - plus food - it is a high up and you expel more moisture at this altitude.
I saw folks in jeans, t-shirts and tennis shoes above TC - The mountain was kind to them that morning - The mountain can easily make you regret your choices if you don't prepare properly. So I suggest climb in shorts and light poly shirts but carry "storm gear" just in case.
Another suggestion - use hiking poles
Hope this helps.
Good luck - we all would love to see a trip report when you return.
Awesome Mountain !!