Mt. Whitney Portal Store & Hostel Forums Thread Like Summary - Whitney Trail Conditions

Hello everyone,

In 2019 we summited in the middle of October but back then the weather was very favorable and there was no ice except for a small stretch at the very top.

We have a day permit for Oct 30th, 2021. It appears the conditions are changing quite fast since Oct 10th, snow and cold. Current weather predictions call for snow on Oct 25th as well.

We are not experienced climbers so very likely we will turn back at some point. Any suggestions/options on how far we can expect to hike? Thanks

Best,
Arjun

This is a great video of the most current trail condition on main trail.

Great job, John.

Can't beat John's timely Conditions Update Video. Thanks!

Historical note: When I hiked Mt Whitney (with my Dad) as a boy, there were no Cables at all. After the Cables were eventually installed, they were usually removed each year during the Winter Season. Beginning about 20 years ago, they remain standing the entire year.

Here is the cable section and the section at the long top switchback before trail crest that will turn back many that haven't experienced snow travel . Notice the exposure and the run out if you were to fall , climbers that winter travel these conditions are just another day in the mountains. For hikers without gear and training trailcamp may be the turn around point , starting up the switchbacks across the snowfield on the lower section and then the travers above the cable area will be daunting at the least.


The transition from the slope to the switchback for most is still in the future and the slope will become a rock and snow scramble during the transition. not all snow and rocks showing at the run out if you slip.

We should start getting reports of "A " or "B" we started up but.... then turned around on either course.