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Whitney Main Trail Conditions 2014 (Out-of-Date)
#34108 11/26/13 01:28 PM
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The posts below have been moved from the main Current Conditions thread, for trail reports during 2014. (Posts are moved periodically after they no longer represent current conditions.)

2015 Conditions

Previous years:
    Whitney Main Trail Conditions 2013
    Whitney Main Trail Conditions 2012
    Whitney Main Trail Conditions 2011

Re: Whitney Main Trail Conditions 2014 (Out-of-Date)
Steve C #35025 01/28/14 09:06 PM
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Wow. Bone Dry. Makes me want to come out in trail runners!

Re: Whitney Main Trail Conditions 2014 (Out-of-Date)
Steve C #35150 02/18/14 10:54 AM
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Bob H climbed Wotans Throne several days ago and posted some pictures. Here are the switchbacks from Wotans Throne:




Switchbacks on the left, Mt Muir on the right.

Re: Whitney Main Trail Conditions 2014 (Out-of-Date)
Steve C #35151 02/18/14 04:57 PM
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The chute looks very appetizing! Heading up with two colleagues end of April before season opens. Happy climbing everyone!

Re: Whitney Main Trail Conditions 2014 (Out-of-Date)
happytrails #35702 04/09/14 06:11 PM
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Anybody has any updates for main trail?
I am looking into next week.

Re: Whitney Main Trail Conditions 2014 (Out-of-Date)
ukalpine #35755 04/11/14 08:22 AM
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Anyone have any updates on the MR or main trail? Has the snow started melting yet with the warm weather?

Re: Whitney Main Trail Conditions 2014 (Out-of-Date)
Expeditiondan #35756 04/11/14 09:04 AM
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Kurt Wedberg, with SMI guiding posted some pictures from his recent trip up the MR. His link. There is pretty much solid snow from Lower Boy Scout Lake on up. (above 10,500') That is the same as Bighorn Park on the Main Trail. Here's one of Kurts pictures at the notch, about 14,000'


Re: Whitney Main Trail Conditions 2014 (Out-of-Date)
Steve C #35769 04/11/14 07:52 PM
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Oh wow does that look like fun....

Re: Whitney Main Trail Conditions 2014 (Out-of-Date)
Akichow #35786 04/14/14 09:01 AM
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I am wondering how much snow will be left on the MR on July 1 this year when I am going up. Is the snow much lighter than normal this year on the MR?

Re: Whitney Main Trail Conditions 2014 (Out-of-Date)
Expeditiondan #35789 04/14/14 11:21 AM
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> Is the snow much lighter than normal this year

"Much lighter" would be an understatement. California is in the worst drought ever recorded.

Re: Whitney Main Trail Conditions 2014 (Out-of-Date)
Steve C #35791 04/14/14 02:23 PM
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I guess I should amend the question,

Is the snow in the MR gully low enough that late June will be free of snow?

Re: Whitney Main Trail Conditions 2014 (Out-of-Date)
Expeditiondan #35801 04/14/14 11:34 PM
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The main gully normally doesn't melt out until quite late. But most people just climb the rocks to the left without any problems. That route will be dry and clear by the time you go.

Re: Whitney Main Trail Conditions 2014 (Out-of-Date)
Steve C #35837 04/17/14 12:15 AM
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Hello,

How is the current condition? Is the main trail covered in snow on the hike up to trail base camp?

I am going in 1st week of June. Would there still be snow on the trail? Do I still need to bring clampon and ice axe during that time of the year?

Re: Whitney Main Trail Conditions 2014 (Out-of-Date)
Steve C #35866 04/17/14 06:39 PM
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I am thinking of heading up this weekend - 4.18-4.20. Where do people typically camp the night before at this time of year? Is Horseshoe Meadows open? I have heard for winter climbs, people usually park in the campground and start from there. Any info is appreciated.

Re: Whitney Main Trail Conditions 2014 (Out-of-Date)
gatesofthenorth #35868 04/17/14 10:17 PM
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The Portal Road gate opens Friday afternoon. Horseshoe Meadows is closed yet another week. I would drive up to the Portal and camp in the walk-in camp sites just below the parking near the trail head.

If you go up the trail, bring back a report -- first snow, first major snow, etc. How deep was the deepest?

Bring back pictures, too. They will help a lot of people.

Re: Whitney Main Trail Conditions 2014 (Out-of-Date)
Steve C #35979 04/23/14 12:46 AM
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Bob R hiked to Bighorn Park last weekend, here are a few pictures from his set

Whitney Portal


North Fork Lone Pine Creek



First snow on the trail



The log crossing



Bighorn Park

Re: Whitney Main Trail Conditions 2014 (Out-of-Date)
Steve C #35982 04/23/14 08:41 AM
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Hopefully we get some good reports from higher up coming in soon.

Re: Whitney Main Trail Conditions 2014 (Out-of-Date)
Expeditiondan #35997 04/23/14 05:53 PM
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wow, log crossing dry...light snow year?

Re: Whitney Main Trail Conditions 2014 (Out-of-Date)
Steve C #36001 04/23/14 09:50 PM
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I plan on going this weekend for the first time. I want to go before they start requiring permits. Any advice on gear or trails for a first timer?

Re: Whitney Main Trail Conditions 2014 (Out-of-Date)
davidfrietz #36005 04/24/14 01:08 AM
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Nyker: We're having a major drought here!


David F: there are plenty of permits online in the first two weeks of May, and there will be plenty of unused permits available for walk-ins most of June.

It is mighty early for a first timer to be going. If you are really set on going, go up the Main Trail as far as you feel safe. For gear, take crampons and an ice axe. They will come in handy.

Good luck!

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