Mt Whitney Zone Forums Active Threads

I am looking at doing the same. Ideally I want to go in August or September. So far I have a "backup" permit for early July. I know that is iffy given the snow in some spots, but so far this winter has been really dry, so maybe it will be possible.

I believe a Portal exit is fine if you get the High Sierra Trail entry permit.

Yes, they have this available as an exit point: Mt. Whitney (Trail Crest Exit)

Sorry to add a question onto your question, but when you get the HST permit, it's an automatic "exit Whitney portal" option with no additional work needed to secure, correct?

And speaking of snow year, though I know we need the water it's sure looking below average in the Southern Sierra right now. Who knows what Feb/March may bring but after what 2022/2023 did to the area, this is a welcome sight. Just 65 days remain of winter...

So, one of my backpacking trips this year may be the High Sierra Trail from Sequoia NP to Whitney (and either turn around and go back or exit via Whitney Portal).

Assuming we have a average snow year, what start dates from Crescent Meadow would normally be best?

I'm thinking 5 days West to East and 8-9 if I do the return trip.

Any alternate return trails that people would recommend?

Any other advice?

Hi Steve.

Glad you found my IG account!

I'll head up again in the WZ to get more data on conditions. It has been a dry year so far, but maybe an early hiking season in the eastern Sierra?

Can't find it... MtnMike or Fit2Climb or ???

edit: Found your Instagram link (mtn.mike76): https://www.instagram.com/mtn.mike76/

Here is the text from Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/p/DEWOh0spGK-/

It's truly sad to read a story like this. Being found at 12,000' elevation, northwest of Upper Boy Scout lake indicates he was completely off course, and completely unfamiliar with the correct Mountaineers Route.

May he rest in peace.

The hiker's body was recovered about 1/2 mile northwest of UBL at around 12k feet. This is very sad. My deepest condolences and prayers to his family and friends during this difficult time.

This is extremely sad. I have been in contact with some of the missing hiker's friends, and it seems he lacked the mountaineering experience and may have hiked in ill-prepared. It was his first time in the Whitney Zone.

On Friday, December 27th, I visited the Whitney Zone to conduct reconnaissance for advanced mountaineering climbers. The plan was to reach Trail Camp and then return. However, I barely reached Outpost Camp (off trail) before the conditions deteriorated rapidly.

The winds were absolutely brutal! The NWS got the forecast wrong as well. The night before I hiked in, it dumped around 14 inches of snow near LPL.

If you're considering a trip to the Whitney area, I invite you to visit my Instagram account, where you'll find a collection of photographs and videos from my recent visit. Please note that the current conditions are suitable only for experienced mountaineers, so this is not recommended for the average hiker. It's important to understand that the Whitney Zone is not a safe place for first-timers to practice winter mountain skills.

Be safe, everyone!

https://www.highsierratopix.com/community/viewtopic.php?p=187076#p187076