Mt Whitney Zone Forums General Discussion Conditions for NAP / Guitar Lake switchbacks?

Starting a hike on thursday from Cottonwood, planning to go over New Army Pass, up the Guitar Lake switchbacks, then down to the portal. Looking for any info on conditions to decide on bringing microspikes or crampons/ice axe.

From what I've seen here and the portal store forums, the front side switchbacks look clear and passable without crampons or spikes, and NAP and the back side had some snow but were doable by scrambling around the snow. Sounds like we don't need to bring spikes or crampons, anyone have additional info?

Thanks.

Can only confirm the NAP portion as I did this Saturday. There is snow at the top of the pass. Some scrambling is required around it but there are tons of cairns people put up. You can stay on dry ground all the way up. Crampons, spikes, and axe not required. Mosquitoes are out in full force around the lakes though.

Can confirm Dav Y on this one. NAP has snow at the top that blocks the trail, including a cornice. It can be easily avoided with a short scramble.

Thanks Adventure and Dav!

Will post a trip report when we return next week!