Mt Whitney Zone Forums General Discussion MR vs main trail views

Have a group with day permits on June 22nd. We have some experience with ice axe/crampons and did Mt whitney via main trail last August. It was amazing and we are excited to go back. We are trying to decide whether to go up/down the main trail or go up the MR and down the main trail. We really only care about which one will be a better experience, mostly in terms of views and environment. I think we default to the main trail because lugging up boots, ice axe and crampons is a lot of extra work for maybe 100 feet of snow (seems to me based on recent trip reports crampons are still reccomended), but if others think it is worth it, we are happy to give it a try.

Any opinions or reccomendations? Thanks!

Go up the MR and down the trail.

Lugging heavier boots, crampons, and an axe for 100’ of snow is a waste. However, I think you’ll be able to skip the gear by June 22. If you’re all comfortable on class 3 rock, and the snow is sufficiently melted, I would go up the MR and down the trail. Don’t forget to take the short detour up Mt. Muir on the way down.

Just went up the MR route, down Main trail 6/17. Did it in running shoes. Started at 6am at the top at 12:30. I mention the time because it was spitting hail at the top, then on the way down a bit of rain and later when I was in the trees I could hear thunder. No crampons necessary, but I had a disposable poncho that I did not use, but was a comfort to have (like a puffy and stocking hat). The chute sucked, like always, very little snow in the final 400.

Thanks for all the replies! Was planning on doing MR up/MT back but the fire ruined those plans.

Hiked to mount Langley instead and it was beautiful! Camped 1 night at cottonwood lakes #4 and took new army pass up/old army pass down. Amazing hike and views, so not much was lost in the end.