Mt Whitney Zone Forums General Discussion Feedback request on Sept trip

#1: Relax. You're supposed to have some fun on this venture, so enjoy every second of it you can. The beauty is explosive on the trail and you will not be disappointed....if you take the time to look around.

#2: Relax 2: I can't help it, but get a bit antsy before my hikes and that takes energy away from your goal. Your plan to arrive early should make it a lot easier.

#3: Talk to Doug while you are there. He will give you the Best advice of anyone you either read or meet. Addendum: Talk to everyone you meet and enjoy. Smell the fresh air and listen to the waterfall.

#4: I wouldn't go to LPL the evening or even the day before. I'd do a short hike of a couple of miles or so total and leave the medium hikes to the days at Horseshoe.

#5: I would take Extra Strength Excedrin before you leave in the morning. With the Excedrin, I would drink somewhere around three cups of water and/or electrolyte mix. I would take Excedrin again at Trail Camp, maybe even Trailside Meadow. I would take Excedrin again before I leave the summit.

#6: I would drink up some more good water at the spring right before Outpost Camp. No reason to filter that water in my opinion. Tasty too. It will be in the rocks and obvious to your left, probably flowing well and I think it's the second water crossing in Big Horn park. If you filter, do it again at Trail Camp.

#7: I would eat something carb like in the morning and "try" to use the bathroom before you leave. If coffee helps get you flowing, have a cup.

#8 I would leave at 2:00. That would leave you plenty of time to make it to the summit by noon with just a tad bit faster than 1 MPH. AND, you will do better than 1 MPH before the switchbacks.

#9: Take it slow and easy. People will pass you and you may feel a bit intimidated. But let them go by and say hello. Remember, it's dark....they can't see you anyway :-)

#10: Rest when you need to and just enjoy yourself.

#11: Your goal should be Trail Crest. You will know why when you get there. It is often very "party like" up there. Once you're there, you will make the summit. Just be careful with all the rocks and steps. Take your time and be happy to see everyone.

#12: Take your time at the summit, but not too much as you can get a slight (if not worse) headache by standing around and not moving. Also, you may get nauseous after 12,500 or so. See how it goes. Bulldogs and mine went away. Eating and drinking will help a LOT.

*** Weather: I went last year the second week of October and it was magnificent. The waterfalls and streams were frozen. The spring in Big Horn park was flowing fine. It was not cold during the day. In fact, I was very happy when the sun came out. You could break the ice at the pond at Trail camp to filter. September SHOULD be fine, but it can get very cold in the Sierras, so do be prepared.

The mountain will always be there. As I said a couple of times....ENJOY YOURSELF. This hike is for you, not anyone else. Hope I didn't preach tow much.