A TYPICAL MT. WHITNEY DAY HIKE ITINERARY
Since you’ll want to go away tremendous early within the morning, I’d suggest driving in to Whitney Portal the evening earlier than and arrange camp at one of many campgrounds.
Be sure to set your alarm and have your headlamp prepared, as a result of you ought to be in your technique to the Mt. Whitney trailhead between 1am-3am.
You’ll begin climbing uphill and can quickly enter the John Muir Wilderness space, the place you may get some good dawn views. After about 3 miles, you’ll go Lone Pine Lake, and after that, you’ll formally enter the Mt. Whitney Zone the place permits are required. You’ll see Outpost Camp at 3.5 miles you then’ll go Mirror Lake and Session Lake. Quickly you’ll head above treeline and go Path Camp at 6 miles in.
Be sure to replenish & filter your water at Path Camp earlier than heading as much as the Whitney summit as a result of after Path Camp, you gained’t have every other alternatives to replenish on water till you’re again down from the summit. Additionally, be aware of the time of day, the clouds, the climate, and the way you’re feeling. There may be by no means any disgrace in turning round. Take heed to your physique, and be good on the market.
>> Learn extra about backpacking & climbing security finest practices
After Path Camp is the place it’s important to dig deep and begin the intense uphill slog by the 97 switchbacks. When you make it by the switchbacks, you’ll be relieved to seek out the path evens out as you hit Path Crest. After you attain the junction with the John Muir Path, you’ll know you’re getting shut!
Head up the rock path to the summit of Mt. Whitney! Be sure to have a good time by signing the register and taking some epic summit selfies. However be sure you’re off the summit by midday, particularly if thunderstorms are within the forecast.
Whenever you’re prepared, begin the lengthy 10 mile descent again to Whitney Portal. In the event you want some motivation, take into consideration the well-deserved burgers & beers ready for you on the Portal retailer when you make it again down.
