Mt. Whitney Portal Store & Hostel Forums General Mt. Whitney Portal Store Message Board i got a question about a solo-hike up whitney !

I got time off from aug.14-17..for myself i found it difficult to convince anyone tham walking 22 miles was a fun thing so im off for another solo adventure...
I have been up and down baldy on a regular, and jacinto too. Im not in the best shape but i got energy for days..go slow, go far.

My question is regarding trail camps...Since i got a few days to myself id like to spend the night where there are lots of other hikers..i find its more comforting to be in a crowded camp..lol

One other question i have is about the Mountaineers Route..
I really really would like to take this route up but since i will be alone and i have never been im a lil concerned about
the FINAL 400....in aug. snowice should be less of a problem
but is there a lot of exposure ? is a helmet recommended during the summer? I have been studying BobR's pic's but once i get on the mountain its a different world...

Im very excited and a little nervous and i cant wait to Lone Pine
Thanks all you crazy mountain freaks ..reading trail reports from you guys makes living in Los Angeles bearable...solvitur ambulando

I don't see a question in your Trail Camp statement. But if you want to spend the night, you will need an overnight permit, which may be tough to get. No-shows become available the day of entry at 11 AM at the Visitor Center in Lone Pine. There are always no-shows, but sometimes there are more people looking for them than are available. There is a mini-lottery if there aren't enough slots. See box 6 of the Wilderness Permit Options (link is above on the left).

If you are staying at Trail Camp, you won't be doing the Mountaineers Route. In the Final 400, the exposure stops some people, but doesn't bother others. How do you feel about climbing high in a tree? --if it bothers you, the final 400 will too.

The helmet question is one of personal choice. You can find discussions here in the message board.

i was just wondering what trail camp is nicer?...i know its not a party time up there [or is it] but what trail camp is nicer to be at after a long day....

i was playing with the idea of going up the MR and down the main trail but staying the night halfway up and halfway down...\

reading and doing the research is very informative but i like to hear peoples personal feelings about the little hidden campsites...i am just looking to make the most of my whitney experience....

I advise you to wear a helmet while on the MR. If there are others above you, they could loosen some rock. Depending on the distance between you and the upper party, falling rock (thanks to gravity) can amass enough kinetic energy to split your brain housing group wide open and the "last 400" will be "your last 400." The MR is not "solvitur ambulando."

Keep up your training. Baldy is better than Jacinto.

I hope you get to secure a permit whether it is a day hike or a multi.

Have fun.

Friendowl:

If this overniter is to be your first trip up the MR, my advice would be not to come down the Main Trail. One principal reason: You'll have to lug your full pack over the summit.

On the Main Trail, you've got Outpost Camp at about 10,500 feet and Trail Camp another 1,500 vertical feet and 2 1/2 miles or so further along. Outpost is in the trees and prettier, Trail Camp is on bare rock (with some sand for most tent sites) but a lot closer to your goal on summit day. Both have water, both can have ferocious winds, both are likely to have a lot of people staying there on a summer weekend. There are also some decent spots to pitch a tent between the two camps, but you have to haul in water.

Whatever you decide, good luck!

Phil

My suggestion is to not do MR solo especially since you have never done MR.

I would think that if you have to ask basic questions, such as, "Do I need a helmet," then the mountaineer's route, especially going solo and for your first time, its probably just wishful thinking. You'll have enough reward just doing the standard route.

And as for a spot to spend the night––summit camp, while more exposed than being in the trees below, is a sweet spot and full of people to mingle with, not to mention a great place to ponder the many switch-backs that await you in the early morning hours.

A Helmet is required above Iceberg Lake. Like you, when by myself, I stick to higher traffic areas. The quota limit on the MR keeps the number of people in that area quite low. given
that you'll be by yourself, take the Main Trail (if you can get a permit). On the MR mistakes above Iceberg are costly in many ways so I wouldn't risk it.

Between Outpost and Trail camp (learn the names and locations - it's important), I prefer Outpost though either is fine. This time we'll be going over to Consultation Lake which is a few 100 feet below Trail camp, but significantly above Outpost.

Ellen

"I would think that if you have to ask basic questions, such as, "Do I need a helmet," then the mountaineer's route, especially going solo and for your first time, its probably just wishful thinking."

Ditto that

or....hire a guide

The discussion about wearing a helmet in the Mountaineers Route is here:

  Helmets on the Mountaineer's Route


...and I do think there is enough information to be found here in this forum that someone could make it up the MR solo the first time. It is always easier to go with someone more experienced, but that is not the only way.

I hiked MR last year solo in one day, my first time on MR. I went down the main trail. 13 hours total. I expected it to be hard.....it was harder than I expected. I lost the route many times but since I was so light, just a day pack, I still made good time. Ask yourself and be honest.....what kind of route finding skills do you have. It will be really hard with a pack, I think. Helmet is a must in the chute.

Helmets are voluntary - not mandatory.
You will find different opinions about whether to wear one or not. It comes down to a matter of personal choice.

Another factor to consider is how you'll respond to elevation if the highest you've hiked is San Jacinto. It's been my experience that the altitude (if it's going to) really starts to affect people at ~12,000 ft. For your first trip I think you'd rather be at Trail Camp where you'll have lots of company and a relatvely easy descent route if/when that occurs, rather that up at Iceberg Lake still needing to climb the MR chute.

IMHO, you'll have a better first-time experience on the Main Trail, no route finding issues, and you'll have a chance to meet lots of folks--some of whom may have experience on the MR and will offer to partner up with you for a future MR hike.

Good luck and have fun!

thank you all for taking the time to respond to my questions

the main trail is what im going to start with...i assume that the elevation wont be a problem but that kind of thinking can lead to trouble....


i will just take it slow and i will enjoy my time on the mountain
...eventuallly i will summit both from the main trail and the MR
so im not really in a hurry...i will just be glad to finally step foot on that beautiful rock path...