Just got permits for hiking Mt. Whitney via the Mountaineers route on July 4th. Have done some research on what we need to bring and trail conditions to be expected that time of year from the various guided tour sites and personal stories. Just looking for your experience and opinions.
1) Are crampons and ice axes necessary? Is there any way to find out if I won't need them before my hike? Or is it just better to bring them and not use them?
2) Best resource for familiarizing myself with the route? Books? Websites? Feeds?
3) The guided tours all mention roping in for the last little push to the summit. Is that necessary? They seem to be the only ones that are consistently using rope.
4) We have an overnight permit but are unsure as to which lake to stop at. Any suggestions?
5) Returning down the mountaineer's route or main trail?
6) Finally, the last push to the summit. What is the best option? We are all experienced sierra scamblers with some climbing experience. Looking for fun but safe summiting.
Thanks.
Dave
