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Portal Gate and Trailhead Status
#57192 06/08/20 07:34 PM
Joined: Jun 2020
Posts: 21
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J
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J
Joined: Jun 2020
Posts: 21
Likes: 1
Anybody know if a late June day hike up Whitney is possible? Have the permits, but Inyo is seriously lagging behind other parks and forests. Radio silent for three weeks in now peak season.

Re: Portal Gate and Trailhead Status
Jim Lasos #57193 06/08/20 08:29 PM
Joined: Jul 2019
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It's definitely possible, but may not be probable depending on how the weather and the snowpack is like. This article was from a little less than a week ago:
https://www.latimes.com/travel/stor...mits-on-hold-during-coronavirus-pandemic

"For the Whitney trail and other routes to open, the Forest Service is awaiting word from public health authorities as well as the local sheriff’s office, which oversees emergency responses. During the early season, hikers are required to have climbing gear and know how to use it. Those who try for the summit without proper skills pose a potential danger to search and rescue teams during the pandemic.

“The thing about Whitney is in summer it’s a non-technical site you can walk to the top without an ice ax or crampons,” Schweizer said. “But in shoulder season, it’s a technical climb.”

In mid-March, the local sheriff’s office issued a statement that told folks to steer clear of high-risk activities in the area, such as hiking, climbing, peak-bagging and skiing.

“If you get sick, lost or injured and require [search and rescue] assistance, the responding team of volunteers will have to break social distancing and state mandated isolation by sharing rescue equipment, radios and vehicles,” the statement said. “You will be potentially taking those rescuers out of service for weeks due to post-mission quarantine protocols.”

Based on that info, I'm guessing that Whitney will remain closed until the switchbacks open (perhaps in 2 weeks, based on the webcam and snow sensor data?)

Re: Portal Gate and Trailhead Status
Jim Lasos #57196 06/09/20 10:50 AM
Joined: Jun 2020
Posts: 4
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Jim,
I just posted an update on the forum. It looks like Whitney Portal will be open effective 6pm, 6/9/20. Best of luck on your hike.


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