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Modified Mountaineers Route
#34092 11/24/13 02:03 PM
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BobR55 Offline OP
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Is it possible to scramble to the trail crest using the chute between the summit and the Keeler Needle? I cannot remember how steep it was last time I hiked to the top using the regular trail from Trail Crest.

Also, does anyone ever hike the area in front of the eastern face between the Summit and the 99 switchbacks? Would it be possible to hike to Trail Camp using the regular trail and then cut over in front of that face vs. going up the 99 switchbacks?

Last edited by BobR55; 11/24/13 02:04 PM.
Re: Modified Mountaineers Route
BobR55 #34093 11/24/13 04:44 PM
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Some routes on the face of Keelers require 5.10/A2 skills. The chute is made exciting by rockfall on the route. The WhitneyZone does not accept posthumous trip reports.

Here is a rescue report. (page 5).

"He stayed on the ledge all afternoon and night in only his shorts and tee shirt. He also stated that he had dodged many falling rocks during that time."

"The Whitney Keeler couloir is a very dangerous chute. Several people have been killed from rock fall in the chute and at the bottom of the chute. Had CLMRO members been required to extricate the victim from the chute they would have had to put their own lives in extreme danger. Usually we assist people in much less objectively dangerous situations. "


Verum audaces non gerunt indusia alba. - Ipsi dixit MCMLXXII
Re: Modified Mountaineers Route
BobR55 #34094 11/24/13 04:49 PM
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> Is it possible to scramble to the trail crest using the chute between the summit and the Keeler Needle? I cannot remember how steep it was last time I hiked to the top using the regular trail from Trail Crest.

No. There are some major vertical drops. You could probably rappel down from a window, but no way could you scramble it.


Also, does anyone ever hike the area in front of the eastern face between the Summit and the 99 switchbacks? Would it be possible to hike to Trail Camp using the regular trail and then cut over in front of that face vs. going up the 99 switchbacks?

The chutes aren't climbable without major technical gear, and there is a major ridge to cross to get over to the Mountaineers Route side. So it is likely that the only people who go into that area would be heading in to climb one of the needles. I am sure it is rarely visited.

Re: Modified Mountaineers Route
BobR55 #34097 11/24/13 07:20 PM
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Originally Posted By: BobR55
Is it possible to scramble to the trail crest using the chute between the summit and the Keeler Needle? I cannot remember how steep it was last time I hiked to the top using the regular trail from Trail Crest.


Almost anything is possible. The limiting factor is your ability. My advice would be to take the Mountaineer's Route. If you want a challenge, try the East Face or East Buttress.

Originally Posted By: BobR55
Also, does anyone ever hike the area in front of the eastern face between the Summit and the 99 switchbacks? Would it be possible to hike to Trail Camp using the regular trail and then cut over in front of that face vs. going up the 99 switchbacks?


Yes. It's known as Pinnacle Ridge. It is not a hike. Going by the way I took, there are technical moves. Don't get yourself into trouble. Here's a picture I uploaded months ago and a second picture so you can see what's involved.
http://www.whitneyzone.com/wz/ubbthreads.php/galleries/31334/Conditions_for_the_Main_Trail_

http://i40.tinypic.com/2icbnsw.jpg

Re: Modified Mountaineers Route
BobR55 #34102 11/25/13 09:31 AM
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I believe Muir's East Buttress has a Class 4 variation.

I welcome anyone to correct me if i am mistaken.


@jjoshuagregory (Instagram) for mainly landscape and mountain pics
Re: Modified Mountaineers Route
Snacking Bear #34105 11/26/13 11:43 AM
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Back in 2003, I did the East Buttress of Muir, and then did Whitney and Russell as a long day hike. I’m usually pretty good at route finding, but I couldn’t find a way up Muir that didn’t involve a fair amount of class 5 climbing. Maybe I was just off route, but I was really glad I brought rock shoes.

Re: Modified Mountaineers Route
BobR55 #34115 11/26/13 08:02 PM
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Thanks for the info, everyone! I am not a technical climber, so that's why I asked. The photo of the Pinnacle Ridge looks very sharp, also.


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