Mt. Whitney Portal Store & Hostel Forums General Mt. Whitney Portal Store Message Board RE: Day Hike Possible In October

Hi all...
I was just wondering about the trail condition in mid to late October. I have read that the switchbacks above trail camp will most likely be covered with ice/snow. Is this typical, or can there be some good years where the snow will not return until November.

In any case, with use of crampons, is a day hike still possible even if switchbacks are snowed in.

The reason I ask is because I have two group of friends who wants to do this hike, but one group is really fast pace, while the other group travels at a snails pace. I'm more incline to try the day hike this time around, as the 40 lb pack really got me last time.

Bernie

My first time hiking Whitney was Oct 19, 2008 as a day hike. There was minimal snow/ice on the switchbacks (though a couple step long sections you had to be careful on) and only one or two places that slowed us down on the back side after trail crest. We used yaktrax on those spots on the backside and were comfortable. (and i was pretty much a newbie to both altitude and hiking across snow/ice). I suppose I should mention too, there was a slight dusting (2in max at altitude) of snow the day before we began our hike (we snuck out at about 9:45pm to make the summit by sunrise - which we accomplished)

Of course - had it been a heavy snow year, the situation could have been MUCH different. Not sure what this year will bring come October.

Thanks tif...

No problem! I'll be up on the mountain the last weekend of September (24-25) and can update then on conditions. And I'm sure others will be posting their trip reports through sept and early oct. =)

Sweet ... redemption song is playing

Don't forget to sign the register; you've got to fulfill the book...

There's no way of knowing what the weather or trail will be like in mid-October, it changes from year to year. I have had years where I dayhiked Whitney as late as October 29 with perfect weather conditions and temps of 52 degree on the summit. But I have also turned around in mid-October at Trail Crest (or before) because of ugly weather, including snow, rock-sized hail and wind.

I've dayhiked Whitney 12 times in the month of October over the years and I far prefer it to other months. There are less people, far more reasonable temperatures and the sun is not nearly as intense. But you have to study the weather before venturing out since Fall brings more volatile and cooler weather in the Sierras. It also brings the potential for some severe weather, so be prudent.

Absolutely!
The weather is the most important in my book...I hate to be rescue from the trail. Thanks for the heads-up.

However, my dayhike buddies may not be able to make October, so it may turn out to be an overnighter. I'll fill you guys in on what happens.

Thanks again Candace

Finally!
I waited almost a year to play this song, and it is so easy to sing!

Early in April this year, I found out that I got the lottery for a party of five; however, only one of my friend was down for the climb. We discussed if we should do a day hike or an over nighter. It took almost no time for us to decide on day hike, even though my permit was for over night.

After spending a night at White Wolf Camp in Yosemite, we headed out to Lone Pine to pick up our permit for 6/15/12. Afterwards, we walk a block away an eat a burrito. We also picked up 2-extra burritos for our lunch on the summit.

We started our hike at 1:30 am under a beautiful starry night. We reach Outpost Camp by 3 am and subsequently, trail Camp by 4:45 am. By 6:45am, we got to Trail Crest, and I have to say, it is fantastic up there. For the first time of our hike, we got to see the other (West) side of the Serra's. It is a bit windy, but we loved it.

After spending couple of minutes resting, and driving water, We started for the summit. It is not until we got to the John Muir junction that we got our first look at the summit hut AND HOW FAR IT LOOKS! I looked at my buddy Joe's eyes and we both put our heads down and start climbing again. Sure enough, by 8:20 am, we made the summit!!!!!

We spent about 10 minutes on the summit taking in the views and snapped couple of photos. We found a small little area (that's kinda shielded from the wind) to eat our burritos. Joe at most of his burrito, but I was only about to eat about 1/4 of my salsa verde burrito. I think it might be the altitude that's causing me to loss my appetite, but I made sure I drank a lot of water, as I know our 11 mile return trip will not be easy.

By 2:17 pm, we were back in the parking lot. It took Joe 12.5 hours, and it took me almost 13 hrs for the round trip. I have to say...for someone who runs 10 miles, and swim 4 miles a week, it is a lot easy to do a day hike than to lug a 40 lbs bag up 6 miles, and then hope that I will not too sore summit the next morning.

Wow!!! What an F-ing trip!!! I planned it out like a sniper, and we executed like snipers...

We decided to bail immediately, and by 10 pm, we were back in San Francisco.

If I'm doing Whitney again (which I'm pretty sure I will), it be another day hike. I'll save the 40 lb bag for backpacking trips.

Have a good one guys.

40lbs! you take to much stuff!!!!!!!

Glad you had a good day, Sounds like someone might be back again.

Absolutely!