Mt Whitney Zone Forums General Discussion Mountaineer's route in July

Just got permits for hiking Mt. Whitney via the Mountaineers route on July 4th. Have done some research on what we need to bring and trail conditions to be expected that time of year from the various guided tour sites and personal stories. Just looking for your experience and opinions.

1) Are crampons and ice axes necessary? Is there any way to find out if I won't need them before my hike? Or is it just better to bring them and not use them?

2) Best resource for familiarizing myself with the route? Books? Websites? Feeds?

3) The guided tours all mention roping in for the last little push to the summit. Is that necessary? They seem to be the only ones that are consistently using rope.

4) We have an overnight permit but are unsure as to which lake to stop at. Any suggestions?

5) Returning down the mountaineer's route or main trail?

6) Finally, the last push to the summit. What is the best option? We are all experienced sierra scamblers with some climbing experience. Looking for fun but safe summiting.

Thanks.

Dave

I expect Steve to give you some info. Here's a link that should be helpful

http://www.whitneyzone.com/wz/ubbthreads.php/topics/1867#Post1867

Frank's link is our catalog of "good info on the MR" here.

Answering the questions:
1. Probably not, but watch trip reports closer to your hike.
2. The links in the link above.
3. Guides all do. Few private groups do, unless more experienced people are leading new hikers.
4. Upper Boy Scout has nice spots, so does Iceberg. UBS is easier because you don't need to haul your gear so high. It still puts the summit well within day hike range. Many will summit, return to UBSL and break camp and hike out. At Iceberg, you are higher -- high enough that if you aren't acclimated, you can wake up feeling pretty foul.
5. If you're camping overnight, you need to return the same way so you can haul out your gear. People who day hike the MR will often return via the main trail.
6. The Final 400 sounds like your fun "cup of tea".