Mt Whitney Zone Forums General Discussion Which NOBO start date is better?

Hello everyone, which permit should I use?

1) NOBO Cottonwood Lakes. June 17-July 10

2) NOBO Cottonwood Pass. July 16- August 7

Thank you for your input.

Are you asking about a JMT northbound start, or just hiking around to do Whitney from the west?

June 17 there will be more water, but this year not a problem due to it's being such a dry winter. Maybe a few more mosquitos on the JMT.

July 16 is later, closer to fire season, more thunderstorms than in June. Cottonwood pass is less elevation to climb in the first/second day, compared to Cottonwood Lakes.