Mt. Whitney Portal Store & Hostel Forums General Mt. Whitney Portal Store Message Board Mt. Whitney trail, 23 – 24 May

On Wednesday the 23rd I hiked to the summit and spent the night on top. As usual, I will let the pictures tell the story.

Virtually everyone is going up the switchbacks now. As always, the cable section is the crux; but there are now good footsteps to follow. There is an icy section toward the end, perhaps six feet in length, but by then you can move over and finish on the rocks by the cables (see picture #48). The next few switchback turns need your attention, but if you have a good hold on your ax or poles, and watch your step, you should have no problem. (Descending these will be a little more delicate than ascending.) After this, the trail is dry almost all the way to Trail Crest.

Usually at this time of year, there are about three snow slopes to traverse before you get to Trail Crest. Now there is only one: the one that ends at Trail Crest. But it’s only 80 – 100 feet long, and there are good steps. See picture #60.

From Trail Crest to the summit, snow is now a non-issue. You walk on a few small patches, but that’s about it.

I glissaded down from Trail Crest. The top part was a little slow, but then that familiar harder section about halfway down didn't disappoint. I was happy to have my ax for it. That was around 11:00 this morning. It was the only time during the trip I got my ax out.

Pictures

are you saying that plastic mountaineering boots are not needed, just good hiking boots with crampons and ice axe?

I used my Goretex lightweight hiking boots, and they were fine. I usually don't spout absolutes, but...leave your helmet home.

hmmm, a last minute gear change...

Thanks for the report! I was planning on heading up Sat for a jaunt up to trail camp for the night. If I still have the energy, maybe I'll at least try for trail crest now. I don't post much, but always follow what's going on and always enjoy your reports and pictures. Thanks again! ps-this will be my first solo campout!

How are the conditions on the MR? Are crampons and ice axes needed? Thanks.

Sounds like you had a great time. Im headed up the main trail June 4th and 5th. Should We be bringing crampons and axes?? Or is it safe enough to get up and down without them?? Thank you.

Hi Bob, In your opinion, if current conditions hold, is this (the section around the cables) doable for someone with minimal self-arrest experience? I've had some practice over the past year...and I'm only planning on taking the switchbacks, not the chute. I've been doing lots of hikes that include 3rd & some 4th class moves and have been fine. Maybe I'd be more comfortable with an axe thru those sections?? Oh, and I don't plan on taking the chute down either, think I'll stick to the switchbacks.

Sorry, I just noticed the link to your pics. Think I'll take the ax, just in case. Thanks for the blow by blow pictures, awesome sunrise!!

I went up the MR last weekend. I used an ice axe going up and down the snowy part of the chute -- wise to have one. Staying off snow above the notch, I never used my crampons.

Bob: Great photos of a very special anniversary climb and summit stay...I'll have to try TC Tower and D. Pinnacle on my next jaunt. I especially like your choice of lemon energy bar - I thought I was the only one!

Doug F.

For anyone not familiar with what's involved on the Main Trail from Trail Camp to summit, Bob's picture set in this post is about as good as it gets.

Congratulations on your anniversary, Bob! Neat.