Mt. Whitney Portal Store & Hostel Forums General Mt. Whitney Portal Store Message Board Crampons necessary on standard route?

We're taking the Mt. whitney Trail to the summit August 14. I got a second-hand report that a ranger was stationed near a snowfield on the upper part of the trail and turning back anyone who didn't have crampons.

Can anyone who has been to the summit recently confirm this report? Thanks

I went up the main trail on July 31, 2009. Not the slightest chance of a need for crampons. The weather does change on a daily basis. Colder weather is coming the next few days.

I took the main trail on 1 August. Very close to the summit, there were two small snowfields to cross. Both had well-worn paths through them and were easily crossed without crampons.

When all else fails, I think a picture is worth a thousand words (give or take):

If the main front pic is worth a thousand, this one is worth a million



Taken last Wednesday, 7-29-09 showing one of the two very passable snow patches.

Very safe and passable w/o crampons.

Blake

I'd didn't respond earlier because I needed to check the calendar, thinking maybe it was April 1st.

Interesting question though: can the Rangers actually stop you from climbing?

BTW Blake, you have a very beautiful wife. Enjoyed the rest of the album too. I need to get up to where you came from.

Thanks everyone . . . that's good information!

Cool pic

Thanks Richard. Not only good looking, she loves this backcountry/adventurous stuff. Never did it until she met me . . . it was a prerequisite (Though not fond of the cold - her 110lb tiny frame doesn't bode to well in less than burning temps.)