Mt Whitney Zone Forums Active Threads Since Yesterday

If I understand correctly, when approaching Whitney from the west (think Cottonwood Pass, Kearsarge Pass, etc) 15 permits that include Trail Crest exit are available at the 6 month window and then 10 are saved for walk-up. I assume the "walk-up" now means reserving online via Recreation.gov instead of actually walking up in Lone Pine like we used to. What are the specific logistics of securing that "walk up" exit permit? I know it's probably hard to do, but I just want to understand how it is supposed to work.

For example, do you secure your entry permit for the date you want and then two weeks out (or some other window) the exit permit inventory is released and you try to get lucky and grab one? Or are you waiting to grab both the entry permit and the Trail Crest exit at the same time two weeks out? Or am I totally off base and it's something completely different?

I ask because we had a date change and had to give up our Cottonwood Pass with Trail Crest exit for September, but I was able to grab a Cottonwood Pass without the TC exit for August instead. We are prepared to hike back to Horseshoe Meadows if we must, but would love to at least have a chance at getting that Trail Crest exit. Understanding exactly how it works would at least give us a shot.

Headed up to the campground tomorrow for the weekend, can't wait!!

I'm making a wild guess that the switchbacks will be in full use by the end of July. There may be snow still in some places, though, but it should be hard-packed.

It will be mid-July or later that people will mainly be using the switchbacks. Plan on needing the technical gear.

    When will Mt Whitney switchbacks open?

Conditions the day of your hike are really important. When I did it a number of years ago, I did not see anyone with ice axes or helmets. Hiking boots, trekking poles with rented crampons was pretty much what I saw everyone using. Even a guy with crampons strapped to tennis shoes. But it was really warm that day and had been for a while, so we were climbing in like a foot of slush which made it more forgiving I guess.

Switchbacks are buried in snow right now. The only way up is the chute. My understanding is the only boots that will work with crampons are mountaineering boots. REI has rentals. Boots, crampons, ice axe & helmet. You can rent as a set. But like others have said it’s important to have experience in using them. You don’t want your first time out on Whitney.