When I first starting looking at alternate hikes, I asked my father-in-law to prioritize these three items:

  • a scenic hike (lakes, views of surrounding peaks)
  • a hike that allows us to summit a peak (regardless of elevation)
  • a hike that gets us up to a high elevation (13-14k feet)


He answered: summit, elevation, scenic.

I am wondering if I should plan on Mt. Dana being our summit, then dayhiking the MWMT with Trail Camp being our goal. He seems to be quite intimidated by Mt. Whitney and a hike to Trail Camp may help if we have a chance to hike to the summit later.
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Originally Posted By: Snacking Bear

With a warm-up on Dana I'd think the 11-12K would allow you a decent night's sleep.

That's what I was wondering... whether we'd be ok sleeping at 12k after hitting Dana the day before.
It sounds like if we decide hike White Mtn, we may be sleeping at the Patriarch cut-off and hiking from there. The person that returned my call said that the road is not passable beyond that point right now and most likey will not be on June 3rd. When I spoke to someone at the Bishop Ranger Station on May 14th, they said I'd have no problems making it to the gate. I later found the number for the White Mountain Ranger Station.

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Originally Posted By: John Sims
Hi 63,
I cannot help much with the camping issues. I "camp" at the Quality Inn in Mammoth, and the Comfort Inn in Lone Pine.

John,
My preferred camping spot for Mt. Whitney is the Dow Villa laugh
Thanks for the suggestions (especially for the suggestions with options for my family), I will check them out.