Mt Whitney Zone Forums General Discussion Last minute gear/acclimatization/navagation/pr e hike advice

As far as acclimation, there is one thing I have noticed myself that almost nobody talks about. Specifically, I find that, despite living at sea level, intermittent exposure to higher altitudes seems to help GREATLY when it comes to acclimation. In other words, a hike or two to a high altitude in the days (or even a week or two) before a higher altitude hike can make that hike go more smoothly. Considering that you live in Southern California, hikes to places like Baldy, San Jacinto, or San Gorgonio can EASILY be done in a day. I would hike to the top of one of these peaks and spend some time at the summit maybe a few days before heading to Whitney. Even if you tolerate these altitudes just FINE, you might be surprised just how much going to these places helps when it comes to acclimation.