Mt. Whitney Portal Store & Hostel Forums General Mt. Whitney Portal Store Message Board whiney trail & shepards avy info?

I've got a large group of friends who got their permits in JANUARY to in over Kearsarge July 16, over Forester July 18, and go out Whitney & Shepards on July 23. Lots of people along who have no experience hiking (or anything) through snow.
Any comments on what the 101 switchbacks might be like on July 23? Also anyone have knowledge of a LARGE Avy that went out of Shepards Creek and ran across Symmes Creek over the winter? Should these 29 people be given advice to try their hike another place lower down to the north?

If this group is from sea level, and never hiked over snow and ice, then I would seriously recommend something else. But then again, it depends on the will of the individual. Of course, it's looking like the weather is going to be nice and warm for this week and next, so i'm guessing that the main trail will start to melt off considerably over the next few weeks to the point that by the time July rolls around it won't be too severe conditions. Anything over 70 degrees will definitely cause some serious runoff, especially if the temperature is consistent.

Very interested in this!

Heard third-hand that the avy on Shepherds Pass is doable, but takes a while to climb over the mess. Would be interested in any first hand accounts.

Was hoping there would be some first hand info about Shepherds Pass after the Memorial Day weekend! Any news?

If you are hiking with folks who are not experienced, you may want to reconsider this trip. Shepherd's Pass is a killer. I did this last year in the middle of summer and had to cross a snow field and some other tough obstacles. Are you considering going up Whitney and then down the Pass? Thats probably quite easier but either way, its going to be a long trip. Either way, consider spending an extra day or couple hours and do Tyndall. What a rush!! Have fun

The folks at the Lone Pine Ranger Station said the Shepherd Pass avalance is passable - and they're sending out a trail crew to do some fixing.

I did Shepherd Pass three times last year and found it reasonable - but subject to common sense prior planning and somewhat intolerant of "life is indeed harder when you're stupid" arrogance and mistakes.

Take your time; think about water supplies (it was dry from the 4th creek crossing to the waterfall creek below Anvil Camp); think about altitude - for flatlanders Mahoganey Flat may be far enough the first day. There is an easy path down to the creek at the first obvious campsite on the left right below the large stand of trees. Not many good campsites, but adequate "squeeze-in" room.

The trail from MF to Anvil Camp becomes less steep - even easy - after the initial swichback. Nothing but rocky trail above the Pothole. The pass itself is steep and loose - but quite doable if you take your time. Poles help - a lot.

The reward of the Upper Kern and Wright Lakes makes it worth the effort.