steve, thanks for your suggestions/help. we are getting excited about our trip. have you ever stayed at the whitney hostel? we are planning on spending the night there prior to starting up the mountain. any other suggestions for lodging or favorite places to eat? we are going up friday night and planning on heading up the mountain sat. as far as driving up to the mountain, would you suggest chains past the gate?
Hostel is where I stay, and the chains can stay at home. They won't help you any higher than the snow melt itself, and should you need them lower down, it's best not to even try to drive past the gate. Don't leave your car up there unless the forecast is bombproof for clear and dry weather. You may also get a ticket if the Ranger comes around.
