Mt Whitney Zone Forums General Discussion Onion Valley CG to Whitney Portal questions

Hello,
my name is Erhard, I am from Austria. I am planning to hike in the Whitney zone in early September. My starting point is Onion Valley CG, in 5 to 6 days I would like to do the route Kearsage Pass - Charlotte Lake - Forester Pass - Crabtree Ranger Station - Mt. Whitney - Whitney Portal. I've got an Inyo forest 'exiting Mt. Whitney' permit with starting at Kearsage pass so I think it is allowed. My planning is almost finished but I have a few questions.
- where is the last possible campsite before starting the hike to the summit of Mt. Whitney? Is it at guitar lake or is there another place after guitar lake? I would like to leave my tent there but when going down I don't want to hike back a longer distance to pick up my tent.
- How cold could it be in the night in that elevations in the first week of September? Is snow possible? Are thunderstorms or longer phases of bad weather possible?

To answer questions you may have: I have experience in hiking. Last year I did a rim to rim to rim hike in Grand Canyon for 5 days and two years ago I did a one week hike in the Austrian Alps. I also do often day hikes in our mountains. But I know the elevations around Mt. Whitney are extreme, so could altitude sickness be a problem?

thanks in advance!
regards Erhard

Hi Erhard,

You’ve selected a great route. I suggest camping around Whitney Creek or Guitar Lake and packing everything up when you set out to climb Whitney in the AM. Most people drop their packs at the intersection near Trail Crest and continue on to the summit. You’ll return from the summit, pick up your pack, then continue on down via Mt Whitney Trail. Or, just carry your pack the whole time.

Temperatures will be cool during the day and cold at night. I suggest a 20 degree bag/quilt and a down/synthetic insulation jacket, knit cap, and tights for nights (and days, if needed). Check weather and forecasts here: https://www.mountain-forecast.com/peaks/Mount-Whitney/forecasts/4418.

Enjoy your trip, be safe!

TBird

There are some spots to the east of Guitar Lake if you want to avoid the crowds or the crowds have taken every little flat spot around the lake. Just look around.

There are also some small Bivy sites at the trail junction where the JMT and Whitney Trail merge before going the final 1.9 miles up to the Summit. You can camp there if your tent isn't too big and you're okay camping at 13,300 feet (not everyone is).

Or just drop your extra gear at the trail junction and go to the summit with water and snacks needed. Make sure any food is in your bear canister. No bears up there, but at least one Marmot that will do a full search of your bag contents. ????

Thank you very much for your help!
Regards Erhard