Hello. I will be in the LA area for work and I have decided that I would like to make a trip out and hopefully make it to the summit of Whitney. From what I have read it seems as if no permit is required on May 18th, but how are the conditions of the trail durring this date?

Are there any day groups or a people planning to hike on May 18th?

First off, permits are required; however, you should not have a problem acquiring one since conditions limit those who have the skills summit this mountain safely.

Most likely the trail will end at the cables (~12,800') on the switchbacks. From Trail Camp to the summit will require basic snow skills, ice axe and crampons. Prior to the cables, there will intermittent snow and ice you should be able work your way around.

This is an educated guess based on previous trips to the Sierra in May and June.

There appear to be 20 permits available for day use on May 18. These become reservable on April 1, 10 AM Eastern Time. I would get a permit, and then maybe join with others starting out that morning. Day hikers start early -- 4-5 AM.

Last year, there were about 60 unused on a similar Saturday in May (Link to Unused Permits). If you reserve a permit, then call the Wilderness Permit number two days before, you might arrange for a night-box pickup on the 17th at the Visitor Center.

Thank you for the reply. Im flying into LA friday on the 17th of may. I would be able to make it to the meeting point before its time to begin the day hike.

I have registed on recreation.gov. If i win a reservation on April 1st when available, how do I obtain the permit after paying? Do i print it out or do i need to pick it up somewhere?

Over all time to complete the 22 miles if you start at 4am under optimal weather conditions what time should you expect to be finished and back to where you started?

You are buying a reservation at rec.gov, not a permit. You have to complete the transaction the Inter-Agency Visitors Center in Lone Pine the day before your hike or make arrangements for pick up in the drop box.

On May 18th, you are heading into winter up high. Do not expect temperatures to get much above freezing during the day on the summit, last year the high on the summit was ~34 F on your date.

As for time, if you are safely geared up you pack will be approaching the mid 20#, add this to the slower pace due to elevation and the snow and ice you will most likely have to deal with, your time will be will be slow. Figure less than 1 MPH once your reach solid snow coverage.

I would suggest an much earlier start. Something that get you started up the chute at dawn and back to it before shadows are covering the glissade run...say 1 to 2 AM.