Mt Whitney Zone Forums General Discussion 1st timer.

Hello to all. I've enjoyed and have already learned some things reading your postings. I was lucky enough to score a permit for the 20th, unfortunately it was only a day permit. I'm a fit 53 year old flat lander from Indiana who's been backpacking for 18 years but I've hiked in Colorado, Glacier & The Grand Canyon, but never anything over 12,000 ft. I'm approaching this with no great expectations, I would just like to get as much elevation as I can and safely return. Question is, what would be a good time to start to try and summit and return before it gets to late?I was thinking maybe 3 or 4 in the am? Also, I do have a set of 4 point instep crampons that strap on. Will those and using Leki poles be sufficient to travers the snow fields? Thanks in advance for your input. Bob

Welcome Bob!

I think your start time sounds ok.

I don't think you need the crampons anymore. Check the last post in the Current Conditions thread -- Rob H reported, "Unless you are planning to glissade down all you need are trekking poles."

They even had an 85 y.o. make it to Trail Crest!

As for acclimation, the best thing to do is spend two nights camping up at Horseshoe Meadows (or maybe one night there and the second at the Portal for that early start). HM is at 10,000' elevation, and will give you a great acclimatization start.

Bob, you may have already done so, but be sure to read the great information in the Orientation Notes for Whitney First-Timers (Feature Topics, to the left of your screen). A lot of wisdom and experience went into those nuggets.

And the trail appears to be on track for a great, unimpeded hike on 7/20. That's the same day I start up on an overnighter with my family, so we'll almost certainly cross paths.

Best of luck! Be sure to write up a TR for us when you're done.

I should be there on the 19th, going up later in the day on the 20th. I'll have my flags flying, lime green and pink ribbons. If you see me up there, just say hi........ Joe Q

My sister, son and I will be on the mountain from the 19th through the 21st. I look forward to crossing paths with you, Bob, Bulldog and family and Qullian. My freak flags will fly, so we should be easy to spot.

Brent N