Mt. Whitney Portal Store & Hostel Forums General Mt. Whitney Portal Store Message Board Things to Consider for a First Timer

We were successful in the lottery and will be starting our adventure on June 5th. Depending on how we feel we hope to make the summit and return on the 7th. I have made several 14rs. in Colorado and consider myself pretty confident, but am anticipating something different with Whitney, most noticable is the longer distance.
So my question to all of you experienced and knowledgeable pros' out there, is what other things should we be considering? As for being in shape, 2 of us are training for the Mt. Wilson Trail Race as part of our training in addition to local SoCal hikes with packs, spinning etc.
I'm still deciding if I will get a 3 person tent vs. a 2 + single, will we need helmets, axe, crampons (probably depends on the weather/conditions), synthetic sleeping bag vs. down (already own a synthetic)?
There are probably many other things to address, I'm sure you all will be able to remind us.
Thanks to all in advance.

Be sure to check the "Orientation notes for Whitney First Timers" in the Feature Topics box. Practically everything is covered there.

As for Ice axe and crampons, it is too soon to say. Conditions change rapidly around that time. I am sure people will be going without them by that time, but watch current posts for the presence of unavoidable ice on the trail. If there is much of it, you may want them.

What SteveC said. If you haven't used ice axe or crampons before, the chances to practice and get some experience for your rendezvous with destiny are literally melting away in SoCal.

My suggestion is Baden-Powell. Not for altitude but for it's north facing side has more snow for much later in the year than other mountains. The Vivian Creek trail on San Gorgornio is also a must for testing ones stamina. Bottom line, prepare for the most challenging conditions, keep a close eye on trip reports and weather. And ask lots of questions once you get to the Portal - people who've been on the trail will be happy to share with you information about conditions, etc.

The only problem with Vivian Creek is permitting. It is limited and you cannot self permit. Therefore, if you do not have a reservation you will be getting a late start up the south face of a mountain...not exactly fun in the summer months.

You can self-permit the Angelus Oaks Trailhead and go to San Bernardino Peak but if want more distance there is SB East and Anderson further east. This is one of my favorite trails in SoCal. Generally, you do not see many folks, especially above Manzanita Flats.

Have the regulations changed for getting a permit for San Gorgonio? In the past it has been possible to email or fax a request for a permit and get a prompt reply (although the website says to allow 72 hours) but it has also been possible to drive to the Mill Creek Ranger Station in the early morning and self-permit if all the permit slips haven't already been taken. I always emailed my permit request so I didn't have to try self-permitting all last year and it might have ended without my knowing it.

Burt

We just recently (2 weeks ago) did the Vivian Creek Trail with a group of 6, with no permit issues. I faxed the completed request (downloaded from their site), and received it back (approved) in the regular mail about 3 days later. BTW, they are free. Worked out well!