Mt. Whitney via Main Trial Nov. 11

[MaroonPlatoon]

Hello everyone,

I'm wondering how viable it is to hike the Mt. Whitney main trail on Nov.11. I'm in good shape and have done a few class 3 14ers in summer, but don't feel comfortable doing the Mountaineering Route in winter due to lack of experience. Is it at all realistic or safe to attempt the main trail in a day in November? Do enough people use the main trail in winter so the route will be clear in the snow? I'm assuming snowshoes are a necessity and plan on leaving between 1-3am with a good headlamp. 22 miles/6k feet in snow seems pretty intense to do in that period of a time, but I thought i'd ask ya'll. If viable, what tips/gear recommendations ?

Thanks for reading,
Maroon

P.S. If we do it in two-three days, what are the best places to sleep.

[TylerDurden]

I hiked the standard route on Mount Whitney over two days on Thanksgiving weekend a couple of years ago. We did not bring snowshoes because there was very little snow that year. Microspikes were helpful in a couple spots. Crampons would be way overkill.

If you do it as an overnight, I can recommend that you stop and camp at Consultation Lake rather than the established area slightly above that since you will likely not find water there. When we were there in late November Consultation Lake still had parts not frozen over and we were able to filter water from there. Be prepared for cold & windy conditions and take a good look at the forecast before heading out.

[atbaritone]

I'd be very interested in joining if you put off your climb until the 18th. So far, this has been a minimal snow year up there. I'd be very surprised if any significant snowfall occurs before Thanksgiving.

[spiderman]

I tried to Google the road closure info for Whitney Portal... be careful if the road is not being maintained/plowed because you can easily get your car stuck if there is snowfall or major rockfall preventing you from getting your car back down before Summer 2017. If you have to park way before the TH, Whitney becomes a minimum 2 day trip.

[cougar]

The Sierras have a lot more snow than the Rockies right now

[mike offerman]

Here is a nice cam of Whitney. Check it out during the day, had a bit of snow come through last week.

http://www.whitneyzone.com/webcam/whitney.jpg" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[feldyinstilly]

I actually had the same exact question about a "winter walk-up", but was looking to go mid-December. If I am reading it correctly, there is no permit required during this period? I was hoping to take a friend up who is not experienced enough for the Mountaineer's route...wondering as well if there is a gear outfitter nearby for rentals for my buddy?

[jchapell]

To get better beta:
- Check out http://www.mountwhitneyportal.com/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;. The Whitney Portal Hostel is great, and run by the people that run the Whitney Portal Store at the trailhead. Give them a call, Doug Sr. literally wrote the book on climbing Whitney and can give great info.
- They have a message board that is a good source of info: http://www.whitneyportalstore.com/forum ... p/ubb/cfrm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
- The Whitneyzone forums are also a great source for asking/receiving information. http://www.whitneyzone.com/wz/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Hope that's helpful - it's what we used for the Mountaineers Route in April.