Mt Whitney Webcam
Mt Williamson Webcam
Who's Online Now
0 members (), 121 guests, and 3 robots.
Key: Admin, Global Mod, Mod
Previous Thread
Next Thread
Print Thread
Best Whitney Alternatives if I Don’t Get a Permit
#54689 02/13/19 09:55 PM
Joined: Feb 2019
Posts: 3
T
TechDoc Offline OP
OP Offline
T
Joined: Feb 2019
Posts: 3
Hello all,

I am planning my first Whitney Trail hike, and have found a lot of great information on these forums. I tried to search for this answer but was unsuccessful, so I apologize if this has been covered in a previous thread...

If I am unable to get a permit for Whitney this year on dates that work for me, what are the next best, alternate peaks in the area with a hike-able trail to the summit? It would be great if there’s something approaching Whitney’s height, with a hike that is no more strenuous or technical than Whitney.

Thank you in advance.

Last edited by TechDoc; 02/13/19 09:55 PM.
Re: Best Whitney Alternatives if I Don’t Get a Permit
TechDoc #54690 02/13/19 11:32 PM
Joined: Jul 2016
Posts: 55
Likes: 8
G
Offline
G
Joined: Jul 2016
Posts: 55
Likes: 8
I would read up on Mt. Langley, another 14er, with a great view of Whitney, and with a trailhead near Lone Pine. And if you ascend via New Army Pass you'll even get to hike switchbacks. I would suggest sleeping at Horseshoe Meadows (no reservation needed) and getting an early start, as you would for Whitney. There are even some decent YouTube videos of people hiking up Langley which are very useful prep materials.

I would also suggest that you read everything that you can about walk-in permits. The lottery is by no means the only way to get a permit, especially if you can free up some time mid-week.

Good luck!

Last edited by Goose; 02/14/19 12:55 AM.
Re: Best Whitney Alternatives if I Don’t Get a Permit
TechDoc #54692 02/14/19 09:49 AM
Joined: Feb 2019
Posts: 19
K
Offline
K
Joined: Feb 2019
Posts: 19
I think Mt. Langley is a pretty good Plan B...

Re: Best Whitney Alternatives if I Don’t Get a Permit
KCMasterpiece #54693 02/14/19 10:35 AM
Joined: Feb 2019
Posts: 8
Likes: 1
Offline
Joined: Feb 2019
Posts: 8
Likes: 1
White Mountain might not be a bad choice either, if you have a high-clearance vehicle for the drive to the trailhead.

Lewis

Re: Best Whitney Alternatives if I Don’t Get a Permit
Lewis Van Atta #54695 02/14/19 11:24 AM
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 8,505
Likes: 103
S
Offline
S
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 8,505
Likes: 103
Hi TechDoc,
Langley and White Mountain are both excellent alternatives, and they are good preparation hikes to see how you might feel hiking to Whitney's elevation. They are both easier than Whitney, since the Langley trail head is at 10k, and White's is 12k.

If you went to Lone Pine with the idea of hiking one of them as a plan, but dropped into the Visitor Center, you might be pleasantly surprised at the availability of a walk-in Whitney permit.

If you are in good physical condition, the biggest thing you need for preparation is a night or two at elevation before attempting to climb above 14k. If you give yourself enough acclimatization time, you will have a good climb -- no matter which peak you aim for.

Re: Best Whitney Alternatives if I Don’t Get a Permit
TechDoc #54698 02/14/19 09:59 PM
Joined: Feb 2019
Posts: 3
T
TechDoc Offline OP
OP Offline
T
Joined: Feb 2019
Posts: 3
Thank you all for the prompt replies and great information. It’s good to know I have options for both Whitney permits and other hike-able mountains in the area.

Last edited by TechDoc; 02/14/19 09:59 PM.

Link Copied to Clipboard
Powered by UBB.threads™ PHP Forum Software 7.7.4
(Release build 20200307)
Responsive Width:

PHP: 7.4.33 Page Time: 0.025s Queries: 26 (0.020s) Memory: 0.5945 MB (Peak: 0.6602 MB) Data Comp: Off Server Time: 2024-03-28 13:28:24 UTC
Valid HTML 5 and Valid CSS