Mt Whitney Zone Forums General Discussion Mt Whitney Hiking/Backpacking general questions

Hello folks,

I am planning a backpacking trip to whitney sometime late august or September 2015.

Unfortunately, I am not able to get my friends/colleagues to do it, is it safe to do it solo? Are there enough people on the mountaineer's route? Would you suggest rather day hike for solo hiker?

Also, i checked some guided trips around 600-800 bucks - does anyone have an experience, are these guided trips worth it?

Thank you!

I would consider it safe to do solo, if you're a strong hiker. You're backpacking, so I imagine you're spending the night somewhere on the trail? That'll make it easier, splitting the ascent into multiple days. I wouldn't bother with a guide for the Mountaineer's Route, especially in Aug/Sept. I did it last October as a day hike (TR here: http://www.whitneyzone.com/wz/ubbthreads.php/topics/40720/Oct_18_Mountaineer%27s_Route_Rep#Post40720). There were other people on the trail, and campers at UBSL.

The main trail has 100 day trip permits, and 60 overnight permits. Of the 100 day hike permits approximately 90 go via the main trail, and 10 via the Mountaineers Route. If all permits are taken/filled, this suggest a minimum of 210 hikers on the trail, not counting the exit permits from other starting points. As a result, going solo on the main trail is fairly low risk. The trail is well marked, and normally there is someone reasonably close. However, last year there were two fatalities along the main trail that I know of. In both cases the accident occurred on the return leg of the trip when the hiker was tired, and perhaps not as alert as normal.

The Mountaineers Route is a different story. I "think ??" there are only 10 permits for overnights via this route. This does not count the permits available to the guides, but even that does not add huge numbers. Bottom line, this will not be a crowded path. Also, this is not a maintained trail, and it is fairly easy to get off trail.

So the answer as to how safe for a solo hiker depends on that hikers experience level. Unless you have experience route finding, hiking/climbing above 13,000', and are comfortable with some exposure, I would suggest the main trail, or consider a guided trip. Sierra Mountaineering International offers guided trips via the Mountaineers Route, and is well regarded. They also guide trips internationally. Using a guide service also takes care of any permit issues. See the following link for more information: http://sierramountaineering.com/

There are many trip reports via the Mountaineers Route, so do some browsing before you make a decision.

Thank you guys for the info!!

The North Fork has a limit of 10 overnight permits per day. 6 of those may be reserved in advance, and the other 4 are only available as a walk-in. Guides have an additional 8 permits for use.

As stated previously, day hikes in the Whitney Zone fall under the same quota with no distinction between the mail trail or the North Fork.

Whether you can do it solo, and whether it's a walk in the park or an epic would depend on your experience. I've ran into several parties getting way off route on the North Fork before and bushwhacking like crazy before they see me in the distance and start heading over. I've also ran into other solo hikers who have zero problems.

I'm from San Diego and wouldn't mind going with you at the tail end of my trip to Yosemite (if I still have anything left in me by that point), but I'm going the first week of August, not the end. I'd also only do the Mountaineer's Route as a day hike. I'd only backpack if it was one of the technical routes up Whitney or Russell.

Try to find a competent partner before going for a guide is my opinion.

I hike it solo every year. The trail is crowded and you will be in close proximity to people the entire way up. If you have any questions on training take a look at the below guide:

http://alpinesierra.blogspot.com/

Best,

AV