Mt Whitney Zone Forums General Discussion Mt. Whitney - June 2013

Hey all, me and two buddys have entered the lottery and plan to hike Mt. Whitney this June (middle of the month). I was looking for suggestions on the climate around this time of year up there. We plan to hike to Trail Camp and stay there day one and Hike the Summit day two.

I have most of my gear but I still need a sleeping bag and coat and figure the weather will play a factor into those purchases. Any sugeestions on those items or anythign else for a first timer would be greatly appreaciated. Thanks.

-JD

Hey JD,

Check out my trip report from last May; a bit earlier than you plan to be out, but you could expect similar conditions in June; but in a light snow year, you could also have much less snow. All depends on the snowpack.

http://www.14ers.com/php14ers/tripreport.php?trip=11767&parmuser=nyker&cpgm=tripuser

Snow on the Main trail might be gone by then or it may not be.

As far as gear, you'll need to iron out more details in addition to a coat and sleeping bag and fine tune your system ahead of time to help increase the odds of a more comfortable trip; With that said, figure on having 3-4 layers plus a shell on top, and then a pair of hiking pants, possibly thermals and shell paints for the bottom. A lightweight down sweater/jacket with a hood would be helpful around camp.

You don't mention where you are coming from or experience, but I'd suggest that you read all the posts and helpful info on this site and post any other specific questions you might have.

Good luck and be safe.

I love the Sierra in June, especially if remains cold and the skeeters ain't around.

I suspect there will not be a snow block at the cables by mid-June this year but there might still be snow, which would require Microspikes for safe travel.

Clothing and sleep system...standard stuff, unless a cold front passes. Rain gear, summer down jacket, medium fleece jacket, travel shirt, fleece hat and light to mid gloves. I utilize a 15 F bag all summer in the Sierra. No long undies...but that is me, my legs are not bothered by the cold.

Scroll back the trip reports to June, 2012, and I think you will find lots of information. My guess is that this year may be drier than 2012, so I agree with wbtravis, and doubt you will have any issues in the middle of June this year. Last year, June 20th, three of us went up the main trail. Switch backs were clear. Some snow on the back side, but no microspikes were needed.

My trip report from June 20 is at: http://www.whitneyzone.com/wz/ubbthreads.php/topics/25377/Day_Hike_June_20_2012#Post25377

Thanks everyone for the info.and advice! We are getting close to our trip and we are ready, well hopefully ready! Anyways we will keep an eye out on the weather and keep checking trail conditions to make sure we bring everything we need. Thanks again and if you are on Mt. Whitney June 18-19 maybe I will see you!!

-JD