Mt Whitney Zone Forums General Discussion Departure time - Portal to Whitney sumit to Trail camp

Hi all,

I could use some advice on recommended departure time. My group of 4 plan to start our hike the main trail and start at Whitney Portal, unload gear at Trail camp, summit mount Whitney, and return to trail camp and call it a night. We plan to do it this weekend (Saturday summit). What time would you recommend starting this hike? One person in my group who has done the hike suggested 8am. This sounds a little late to me. 16miles + 6000 foot of elevation + occasional breaks. Our hiking pace is probably just average.

Does weather/wind get significantly worse in the afternoon? The forecast for Saturday says sunny at Whitney Portal.

I know the 99 switch back is probably snowed in. Is there any major risk of going down the chute in the late afternoon (4pm-6pm?) I heard later in the day, the shade covers part of the chute and it may get icey. I might plan on walking down (wearing crampons and using ice axe) the chute instead of glissading for that reason.