Mt Whitney Zone Forums Trip Reports Day hike attempt Oct. 7th on Whitney trail

After a cold night (26'F) in my car at the portal campground, we started hiking at 3:20 A.M. Our group was me, my partner, Annette, and 3 guys I met the day before. The snow varied anywhere from 6-20 inches, to hip deep in some areas. I hiked at the rear of the group, and they "blazed trail" in the fresh snow and I walked in their foot prints. It was incredibly slow going, hiking in snow that deep. The creek at Outpost Camp was frozen, but not 100%, and it was difficult to find a place to cross, without getting wet. By the time we hit Trailside Meadow, 5 hours later, it was anyone's guess where to go. Annette and I had lost the guys; they turned back due to cold hands, and we decided to turn back as well. All in all, no regrets; I can hardly wait to do it again, without the snow! I'll post some pictures on the photo page. The photos are dated Oct. 6th, but it was the 7th. I need to change the date on my camera.

Did you guys have snow shoes and crampons?
Sounds like fun!


Maybe somebody will have beaten down the trail a bit more by the time I get there. Fingers crossed. I'll pack even more extra warm stuff. Thanks for the report.

We all had microspikes, but there was so much snow, we didn't need them. One of the guys had them on from the start, but it was easier for him to walk without them, so he took them off. We didn't have snowshoes. The wind started kicking up around Trailside Meadows and it was pretty cold. Check out the trail in a couple of my photos; it's really hard to spot!

Thanks for the pics also!
Looks like it will be a good practice session for me then.
If I can't see the trail that may stop me from getting up! haha.

I'm wondering if I should grab some snow shoes on the way up for the heck of it to see if they will help any. If I can budget them in..
Thanks again!

Nice pictures, JG! Thanks for posting them.

This one is the best! (click for full size)


More pictures are in the picture gallery here.

Whew good thing I got the fishing rod and the tent packed up with the zero degree sleeping bag! It's gonna be a bit chilly and tough for a first summit attempt!

Ah well good practice for next year. Maybe I can get into the earlier lottery. I'll go see if I can make it up to Trail Camp or something. I'll be happy if I get as far as you guys did to Trailside Meadows. You were only a mile and 700' from Trail Camp!

Looks like there would have been nowhere to camp if you made it anyways!

I remember fishing down to 18* over here in San Bernardino.
I'm wondering how I'll do in the snow on Whitney.
I see a light layer of snow dusting San Georgonio out my front window. No snow on idyllwild yet, out my rear window!
I hike the trout creeks in Baldy at Icehouse in the snow all the time.
I'm so excited to do this hike. It finally gave me a reason to buy the crampons and ice axe I see the guys using up in Icehouse all the time.

At the very least, I will drive up and get some self arresting practice with my 40lb pack on and catch a few fishies while getting acquainted with the Whitney Trail.