Mt. Whitney Portal Store & Hostel Forums General Mt. Whitney Portal Store Message Board Question: Road Open to White Mt Peak Barcroft Gate

Planning to hike White Mt Peak in 6/21 or 6/22. If the road was open has anyone been near the Barcroft Gate and seen the condition? Is the trail to the summit visible after snow melt during this period 6/21?

The road will be open. I was up there in early to mid June after a big snow years.

The trail will most be free of snow this time of year. You will run into some snow at about 14,000', which can be avoid with a climb through up the talus slope.

I did this hike a few years ago and must say, it was one of the worst roads I've even driven. I was sure I was going to cut the sidewall of my Outbacks too low profile tires. And actually, meet two guys carrying a full size spare on their roof rack since they did just that on their previous trip.

The issue may be related to how freshly graded it is and how many SHARDS of sharp rock have been turned up along the edge of the ruts and tread. I did it when the gate was open and you could park at the research station - it was also the day we had a horrendous hail and electrical storm - lightning was hitting immediately around us - quite a THRILL!!!!

I checked in with the White Mountain Ranger Station last Monday, and I would encourage you to do the same. Even though the Whites look, for the most part, snow-free from here in B-town, the straight talk was the road was only open to one mile south of the Patriarch Grove. It was blocked at that point by an 8'tall drift that was 40' wide and 100' long. These drifts apparently continued on and off the rest of the way. The Memorial Day storm really dumped a huge load of snow up there and temps are only now starting to warm.

I was really bummed, too, about it not being open. I was hoping to bang White off my list next weekend, too!

-L

Wow, who'd a thunk it, Laura.

I've been up there a lot years in mid-June, most being after big snow years.