The switchbacks lower in the forest destroy your hope... it was dark and you don't seem to be able to lose much elevation! Devastating for sure
No one believes me when I tell them the worst part of the Whitney Trail are the switchbacks down lower at the Portal on the return trip. People make such a big deal about the 97/99 Switchbacks but the ones in the forest are murder coming back down.
Congrats on a successful trip. Only thing is I wouldn't advise anyone to sleep at any of the hostels/hotels before the hike/climb. Some people aren't affected, but a lot of people, myself included, would bonk out from not acclimating at the Portal.
