Mt Whitney Zone Forums General Discussion Shepherd Pass -> Whitney Portal starting Sunday

My friend and I will be starting at Shepherd Pass TH on Sunday, planning on making it to the pass in 1 day, then spending day 2 and 3 on Tyndall/Williamson. Depending on how we feel, we'll make our way south either by going over Trojan/Barnard to Tulainyo Lake after Williamson on day 3, or the long way around on the JMT.

Then to Iceberg Lake on day 4 and Whitney Mountaineer's Route and out on day 5.

Or if things go really downhill, just stay on the JMT and summit Whitney via the trail.

Anyone know a good way to get back to Shepherd Pass TH from Whitney Portal? I'm assuming it'd be easy to get a ride to Lone Pine from Whitney. Just googling... is the "Mount Whitney Shuttle" a good option for getting back to our car?

Planning on bringing axes and helmets but not crampons.

Any thoughts on the best class 2 route from Russell-Carillon saddle to Iceberg Lake?

Right now my biggest concern is the altitude as I'm new to this. Normally I'm in the Cascades at much lower elevation.

Sorry to answer so late, Sean. You've probably headed out on the trip already.

You have a very ambitious plan. Making Shepherd Pass in a day with backpacking gear is tough, since you start below 6,000 elev, and climb to 12,000 feet. That will definitely put both your stamina and altitude tolerance to the test!

The time I tried that, we started the night before about 9 PM and climbed until midnight. Then continued all the next day to get to the pass. But that was years ago and we were carrying heavy packs with a week's rations.

As for transportation, click on the Orientation Notes above on the left, then search for "shuttle". There are a few numbers to call.

No matter what you do on this trip, I hope you will post a report. It is an epic adventure.