Mt. Whitney Portal Store & Hostel Forums Thread Like Summary - 2025

Over due hiker in the Whitney area if you have any information please contact Inyo County Sheriff's Off 760 878 0383 .
Check the Inyo County Sheriff's Office webpage for photo name and details and updates.

Trail update from Mon (Jun 23, 2025)
There are 3 snowy section to deal with:
1. The upper end of the Cables has an Icy Blob that you squeeze between it and the rocky wall. It's not as bad as it looks. I didn't need any micro-spikes to go up or down this section.

2. At the top of switchbacks, just before Trail Crest, there's about ~100' section with a good boot track, except for a ~20 section in the middle that drops down into the dirt


3. On the final slope there's a ~200' section of snow with a good boot track



Looking down the MR Final 400, looks like the upper section is still covered with hard snow/ice.


Have fun & hike safe

Unfortunately still closed for the remodel

Watch for a report from the guys that posted in the Winter Access Forum...they're up the NF now...

I once dislocated a finger while prepping for the Final 400' on the MR...Speedy was nice enough to hike down the Main Trail with me...and provided some pain killers...that was a $900 visit to the RC ER the next day...they gave me a Local and the Doc spent about 15 seconds pulling the finger out and putting it back in place...OUCH!!! (to the OOP expense - I think I cheated on my taxes that year and called it a Donation...)


Hiking Up The Old Trail

Doug doesn't appreciate it when I make comments about driving past the Road Closed sign...so now when I do, I put in the warning...

I'm talking about the Road Closed sign down at the Turnout...there's also a gate there, but it's rarely locked...mostly in the Spring when Inyo and the FS are clearing the road (again, this is an opinion...that's the only time I've seen it locked).

Read the bottom of this document for the official Inyo County stance on signage...

I've seen Inyo Deputies/CHP twice on WP Rd (during the closure)...I got the fine from Inyo...probably more than 15 years ago...(I think 5-6 vehicles got tagged that day)...it didn't stop me...

I haven't camped up there is years...but you used to be able to connect (regular phone) at the "edge" of the LBSL area and UBSL...I've had phone calls and texts from both locations and even posted from UBSL...

I believe I called your car a Lexus last year...someone who grew up in the snow would fall under what I call "skilled driver."

Pappy on the ava thing Bob Rockwell some years ago posted his thoughts on the most common areas that slide , I would add a few lower down and on the road just above the first switchback , also the NRT trail as it comes into the canyon and all the way to the Portal , Always the question is it rock fall or avalanche ? Spring conditions we have rockfall that starts small slides . Correct on loading/drifting the backside can be dry as all the snow has blown down and drifts in the lower canyons . I recall one trip up the mountaineers route I had very little snow and wasn't a big event a group from China Lake SAR was in waist deep snow at trailcrest!

Here's one example of what they're talking about...from 2005...Inyo had already started plowing it away...



I have plenty of others, but don't have the time to search for them now...(planning the Fall Nepal Trip...)

No snow until Whitney Portal. Yes it is fairly easy to get up until the Iceberg Lake. There are solid boot tracks.

Road opened today to lower gate you don't need to use detour

Hi bobby hill,

Here are a few thoughts:

(1) Many of the truly motivated members of the group that would like to join you for a day hike on June 27 will likely be able to secure a permit during the next two months.

(2) You note, "some company would give me some peace of mind undoubtedly." Maybe. Be careful who you team up with. Is the group really going to work together as a team?

(3) Assuming the conditions on the mountain are OK, you will always be encountering other folks on the trail the entire day (as well as a few rangers, possibly).

(4) Whether in a group or not, do your homework: Train, acclimatize, do a thorough study of the Trail and the Mountain.

(5) Just before you start, do not hesitate to drop in at the Whitney Portal Store at the Trailhead and ask questions. Also, in the parking lot talk to hikers coming off the Mountain.

Do not hesitate to post a conditions update here after your outing. Others can learn from your observations/experience.

Best,

Jim

John,

Thanks for this very useful conditions update!

Your observation of the apparent poor preparation of many hikers seems to be a frequent observation. Unfortunately, the consequences can be severe. A year ago this week, a young lady from my small Sacramento Valley city and her boyfriend died on the mountain. And these were not the only fatalities on Mt Whitney last year.

Hope you have a great summer.

Jim

Here are some photos of the conditions on Whitney (06.10.2025):


Looking up The Cables.



Looking down The Cables.



The trail above the cables is clear.



The Chute (really a Bowl).



The snow traverse to Trail Crest.



A view of The Switchbacks from the West Side Trail.



Zoon in to see the 2 alternate paths up the Summit Snowfield.

There were about 3, or 4, sections like photo 5...
I call them boot buckets...because of the soft snow the boot track is fairly deep...if the snow doesn't collapse out from under you (a strong possiblity in the afternoon heat) it's relatively easy to handle...
Like I said in the earlier post, The Cables and that traverse as you approach Trail Crest are not for unskilled people right now...I am worried that we're going to hear about an accident if people don't stay clear of these areas right now...

It was dang hot on the east side...I'd call the freeze level 12k'+ now (maybe even 13k), so melting 24/7...

The cables look passable with microspikes and poles, correct?

Thanks for the post...

I had told Doug that I wasn't going back up for a few weeks, but got a bug up my butt to do Stage 2 of my JMT Section Hike starting tomorrow...

(Say that word Suncups and...) I'm convinced to give the snow another week to melt out and try for a permit starting next Sunday...

Went up and down the Mountain yesterday (June 15) using the switchbacks (now seemingly the consensus route).

Richard P's admonition and photos of June 10 are still very relevant, as it appears little has changed over five days.

As JohnJDS noted from his experience June 15, at the Cables "the big icy block near the top is the crux." There my approach on the way up was to use my axe to (1 )cut fresh steps/reshape existing steps to get better purchase for my crampons and (2) self belay. Then climb up over the block to gain access to a narrow and deep trench between the ice block and adjacent rock wall. Finally, "walk" a few yards in the trench to exit the Cables. Repeat in reverse on the descent.

On my descent, at the Cables I waited in line (like the Hillary Step) 20 minutes for many people to cross the Cable area. For some it took 10 minutes to cross the icy snow block, as others graciously provided initial instruction in use of Ice axe and crampons (if they had them),

As Richard P noted, the last stretch to Trail Crest is another area requiring focus. I did ok going up when the snow was firm. But on the descent at about 13:30, the area was now a sliding mixture of mud, rotten snow, and rocks. Unlike others, I bypassed it by climbing the rock above it.

Just past the Keeler Needle, there is now a consensus boot track established to the summit plateau. It essentially lies in snow following the New Trail (rerouted some years ago). Following the shorter Old Trail (as was done all summer two years ago after the heavy snowfall winter) will now probably take longer (as "shortcuts" often do!).

Jim

Thanks Jim.
Since there's still risk involved, I've decided I'm going to try and go over Whitney/Russell (next Sunday) to get back onto the JMT...I'll add another day of supplies due to the difficulty of the terrain...I do love that Arctic Drainage...the West Side climb up Whitney is trivial...

On another note: I'm getting a late start (for some altitude exercise) up to HM to have a look at New Army Pass...assuming I don't move too slow to make it up-and-back in daylight...if I get a good view, I'll post some photos...

One bite on the hand...I was covered up and trying to move at a pace that wouldn't let them track me...the cold weather may have kept them down and I'm hoping the cold weather will have killed off a batch...my pants were Permethrin and I had a shirt in the pack, but never used it...

RE: the chute I was trying to down climb...No, it was snow and would have required an axe and crampons, which I was not carrying...only took poles (one broken by this time) and micros...

I wouldn't try Forester without at least Micros...there were plenty of people without, including some in "tennis shoes"...foolhardy in my opinion...

I camped "below" the Tydall Creek Crossing and "below" Upper Vidette Meadow, so 11k+ and 10k+...


BTW: I'm going to start a thread on "Great Camping Spots"...I've been to 2 in the past few weeks...The Balcony at the Tarns above Guitar Lake and what I'm calling "East Vidette View" below Upper Vidette...

I've gone up to Horseshoe Meadow a couple of times in the past week...
Last Friday, the smoke was bad near Ridgecrest, but it was clear up north...
On the 12th there was relarively little smoke anywhere...just a little bit hazy...

BTW, Army Pass still has snow down to the trail, but it doe not cover it, so the Pass is a walk-up now...other than having to deal with some large rockfall just below the top...New Army Pass was dry...

I was up for sunrise to check out the snow a couple weeks back and didn't share anything. It was nice. Waited for the rain to stop at the portal and started around midnight. Saw some people on their way up, encountered the last about half way up the switchbacks. Had fluffy 2-6 inch powder decorating everything from there to the summit without footprints.

(trying out postimg) 8/26/2025

Nothing like that feeling of First Tracks…had the pleasure many times in my youth…

Quick night hike for sunrise yesterday. My 20th. Got down to 19F by my thermometer. Foggy, windy, and light snow in the air when I got to the summit. It all cleared by dawn. Been trying out this postimg site for free photo sharing on forums. Seems to work great, anyone mind pics?

Moonrise was really red through the Garnet fire smoke that drifted over the Inyos. Someone getting water down at Consultation lake lit up the whole lake with their headlamp. At the summit in darkness (as usual). And sunrise.

09/12/2025

JDS. Thanks for posting photos and trip reports here, and thanks for your great youtube channel as well. I'm a strictly stick to trail hiker in the Sierra but enjoy both your on and off trail videos a lot. Thanks.

The answer to the age old question how high is up Ongoing research since 1983-1988 NGS elevation adjustment

https://vdatum.noaa.gov/download.php link to ngs vertical datum adjustment

Whitney pics from an overnight on Mt Irvine Sept 23/24. Nice views at sunset, fuzzy pre-dawn shot of hiker lights going up the mountain (and one on the summit), very juicy alpenglow sunrise, and a dramatic cloud shadow over the summit.

(hopefully these stay, I think I forgot to set the image uploads to "never expire" last time

Sept 28-29 Mountaineer's Route Update: 10th time on Whitney!

Went up Sept 28 to Iceberg Lake. Summited Sept 29th and descended back to Portal.

Link to photos/videos:
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/12jQ5vcc8tCvUYnuZJfXTyhLdyF2U506b?usp=sharing

Sunday, Sept 28:
- Ford in first canyon is low and easy
- Lower Boy Scout Lake is clear
- Upper Boy Scout Lake is clear
- Got caught in a snowstorm (dropped 2in) halfway to Iceberg Lake ~3:15pm. Thunder & Lightning. Cowered under some rocks. Lasted about 40min. Was told Upper & Lower Boy scout got some rain as well.
-Camped at Iceberg lake. Snow did not thaw which made for a cold night (30 degrees or so)

Monday, Sept 29
-Started up the chute ~8am (Another storm predicted in afternoon)
-Mostly Talus and scree on the way up.
-Upper gully was maintaining colder temps, so no thaw/freeze cycle above ~13500ft. Decent amount of snow with rock showing. Did not use crampons as snow was too soft. Did use ice axe, but doable with trekking poles. See pic of "Snowy Upper Gully".
-Best route right now once at the notch is the traverse. Final 400 is treacherous and frozen over. Do not recommend... *See pics*
-Couple inches of snow blanketing everywhere at the summit.
-Made it back down to Iceberg camp, packed up, by the time I was leaving pretty much all snow up to 13500ft was melted and gone at ~1:30pm.
-Made it down to Lower Boy Scout lake when the storm rolled in ~3:30pm. Received rain where I was, so probably an inch or so of snow up there again.

If going up soon, recommend preparation for spontaneous storms and colder temps. Do your weather and conditions research in advance so you can time it out appropriately. You don't want to be at the summit when there's lightning!

Hope the pics/video help assess conditions!

*Disclaimer* - Do not go up Mountaineer's route unless you know what you're doing. And even if you know what you're doing, you are at the mercy of the mountain, so be prepared!

All the best!

Hiked the Main Trail yesterday (Wed Oct 1). There were many hikers on the Mountain.

The skies were clear and there were great Fall Colors below Lone Pine Lake.

At the higher elevations it was a bit breezy, but not cold. From the Summit there was incredible visibility in all directions.

From Trail Crest to the Summit there was a fair amount of snow on the trail. The summit plateau was mostly covered with a few inches of snow.

Coming up from the West, numerous hikers were finishing the JMT and High Sierra Trail. They said that the Crabtree ranger is still on duty.

I carried micro spikes, but only used them to pass the Cables.

The Spring at the 23rd Switchback is done for the season. The creek at Trail Side Meadow still has a good flow.

I returned to the TH at 6 pm, but the Whiney Portal Store had just closed. Fortunately, I was able to say hello to Doug Sr.

Congratulations to Earlene and Doug on their upcoming 60th Wedding Anniversary!

Jim

Summited today with a cancelation from inclement weather.

I saw a clear daytime window so I went for it. Rainy at the portal all night, apparently quite the storm up at Trail Camp also all night and morning. I waited for morning light and the rain to clear. Took off at 7am and got a great day hike all in daylight with almost all clear blue skies. The forecast 35 mph winds and 0F temps never transpired. It was comfortable the whole time and I didn't wear half the layers I brought.

Seemed like a lot of people going down in the morning that were caught in the weather and were over it and decided to descend instead. We've all been there I'm sure.

2-12 inch powder drifts from half way up the switchbacks to the summit. Some melting freezing on the lower switchbacks. It's already more comfortable with snow boots without traction. Trail runners with microspikes would work but it will be cold already. Don't know if this will stick. If it freeze thaws and gets another dump on it, who knows.

I made a snow angel.

Not spam at all. Good reportage--bad photo hosting is all. I removed the dead links (while I'm waiting at the airport---gotta love technology)

I watched the Timelapse for the 14th...near the end, Thor is completely covered in snow...Dang...it's only the 16th of October (over here)...
Early Winter? Big Winter to come???

Predictions are calling for a light La Nina year according to the report I saw yesterday...

Some snow pics from today if anyone is curious about trail conditions. Below Mirror lake is melting fast. There's boot pack to the summit. The switchbacks are the most re-drifted into the existing boot pack but still very passable. Above along Trail Crest has solid boot pack. Summit boulder field boot pack cuts right to the summit bypassing the big square switchback.

Went overnight 10pm summited at 6am. Snow was squeaky and grippy with 1/4 inch of powder drift on top, perfect. Melting / freezing beginning around Mirror lake and below.

https://imgur.com/a/d4eLOfM

I'll try direct linking

Haha, what's the story there?

I just love the place like all of us. It's the closest, highest, most accessible place and as scenic as it comes. The popularity kind of guarantees that someone will push through any weather to get their summit and make a trail. No other 14er in the Sierra had a footpath through the snow to the summit Sunday.


For sure, hope it helps. More snow coming today and at the end of the month, but if it stays clear and cold it should remain comfortably passable as people keep hiking.

Sort of tumbling the idea of trying every month through winter this year (if it becomes a light snow cheater year for fairweather people like me, hah).

Doug could chime in with a full name...I think her name is Diane and while she was stationed on Whitney, she was on the summit more than 400 times...
We often teased Crazy Jack with: "You're never going to catch her..." but, I do think he's well on his way to 300...and I'd be interested in hearing how many Jim has...?

Richard, a monthly trip seems like a worthy achievement, but not to outdo that guy who did it 52 weeks in a row. Some of us remember......

I see a "lot of me" in John...
It started out with a Love of Whitney...
Morphed into wanting a climb of Whit in each month...
Then it turned to a Day-Climb in every month...
(when I found out it was something Bob hadn't done...)
Then some guy (no caps 'cause I ain't takin' about Bob) sent me a message in Autumn '11 telling me it was going to be a weak winter...
Thus started that Quest for a Climb-A-Week...
Which almost killed me during Climb 52...

It's since been done again (and maybe more) by a McCoy...(he was cool enough to contact me to let me know he'd hit 52 and was wondering if it would bother me if he kept going...of course, I said heck no...keep it going until you get stopped by conditions...)

These days my only remaining risks seem to be more about riding motorcycles (including in "war zones"), rather then climbing on Rock, Snow and Ice...


BTW, the Kawi Crash Count is up to Six...they've got this stuff that reminds me of Powdered Sugar and if you don't hit it with Speed, you're going to Fold The Front End...thank goodness, you tend to lose what remaining speed you have real fast when this happens...thus no Injuries...

Hiker Dies on Mount Whitney After Falling Off Cliff in Winter Conditions


My hiking partner and I summitted Monday 10/27. I believe we were the only day hikers to summit on Monday. We monitored this site, Youtube comments on John's videos, Mountain-Forecast, and AllTrails trail condition posts to get an idea of how to prepare. This was my first time hiking Whitney and first time in what could be considered mountaineering conditions. Based on upcoming forecasts it does appear to be on the warmer side and pretty good conditions at least the next week. But things of course can change. I wanted to post this as we encountered several people who asked whether they needed spikes, conditions, how snowy it was and whatnot.

1. Microspikes are essential equipment. We brought microspikes for snow, and nanospikes for ice. 75% of the trail is snow covered. The other 15% has ice (from Outpost Camp to Trail Camp more or less), and the first1-2 miles was clear. For our summit, I don't think full-blown mountaineering crampons were necessary. There was a decent boot path established but this can change with the snow drift. Microspikes seemed fine. We came across a through hiking couple coming down the switchbacks in snow shoes. Snow shoes appeared to be very difficult to contend with and I would strongly advise against.
2. Trekking poles or ice axe - for our duo I carried poles and my parter carried an ice axe - I think both had their advantages. The poles were great for stability and testing for the boot path on the switchbacks and the western side. Axe was great for stability and leverage.
3. When layering, consider waterproof boots, and some sort of weatherproof or Alpine pant. My partner wore just a weatherproof base layer for the ascent.

The snow appeared to soften up as the day progressed. On our ascent, the snow was harder and easier to traverse. On the way back down, it was basically powder on the switchbacks.

Hey MC great report and photos . When I read the snowshoe hint I thought not if when one would trip and fall.
Store closed Sunday night and we shut the water off late Wednesday so no water in the Portal , bathrooms may stay open a few more days but I wouldn't expect to find them open after the First of Nov.

,I am sure many have read the reports of the accident last Saturday, we had hoped enough preloading and hints that the trail conditions are changing and no longer a dry trail , with a system that went through on the 14 th , we had 6 inches at the Portal but above strong winds kept covering the boot tracks on the upper elevation .
The cable area and the last long switch back to trail crest always holds snow and ice longer both areas are north facing (Shadow/little sun ) and the cable area somewhat steeper if one slips.

The set up during this period it is 90 in LA 60 at the Portal and 4 miles up the trail you are entering full winter conditions without the base of enough snow to use the normal gear, boulders not covered and people making false tracks that take time to back track and find the best boot track to follow. Sunday the quota permit season ends and but a permit is still required that you get on REC.gov ,

Look at MC's photos of the trail camp area and the slope showing the rocks exposed that would be covered with a strong deep base , also notice the shadow in the area of the cable area and the area at trailcrest.

Can you do the mountain as a day hike NOW ? conditions mean slower travel , colder upper elevation and less daylight hours so the travel surface will change during the day as MC talked about. To Mirror Lake seems many are turning around some going as far as the switchbacks before turning around and some at the start of the cable area. I talked with a couple that went to Mirror Lake yesterday it took about 6 hours round trip that would be about 8 miles turn that into slower above and the return in the dark would mean a trip of about 16 to 18 hours .

As an Old Fart, I worry about the Ledges each time I do them now (not very often) due to my balance sometimes failing me at the most inopportune moment…my “grandson” watch in horror as I toppled over on the Kawi right at the front gate a couple of weeks ago…a Zero MPH crash that banged up my left elbow…

I also fell off a rock on one of the very, very minor stream crossings last summer…

Checked the Portal on the 12 th warm in the Portal mid 50's not a good sign , these warm temps at the lower elevation can give a false sense of conditions above. About 20 cars in the lots , some parked in the lower lots and can get snowed in , road signs put up Portal road is now closed for the season , the mid gate could be locked soon so will be a wait and see.

The system moving in now will change all reports from the last few days , snow will cover the tracks and trail and wind will cause drifts , looks like unstable conditions for the next week at least.

Several rescues recently and one recovery , very sad that this pattern repeats each spring and fall. I was down at Baldy over the week end and we talked about the same cycle on Baldy . The range of experience levels and gear are factors but anyone can slip and fall , be caught off guard as conditions change during the day , just add to your bag of tricks the thought of not if -when , every step should be tested and every route choice should be questioned for conditions .We often are our worst enemy I know many times saying to myself That was a stupid choice or act.

Keep watching the webcam for snow coverage and do the replay to see how the system has moved in or out

Last few days of the systems put a fresh layer over the area , So the track that was in on the 99 switchbacks and above will be gone , Portal road was closed last week and this system should lay a base down from the campground up (tree shaded area).
From the road closed sign to the campground area will hold snow for a few days in the shaded areas and melt out where the road gets south exposure.
Still doesn't look like enough coverage and settlement to cover the brush and large boulder.


Webcam and time lapse option gives a good over view of the coverage and hours of sun hitting the area.

Summer is over .