Here is some somewhat technical information regarding altitude acclimatization, by high-altitude experts. Dr. Hackett used to work in the Bishop ER, and has first-hand experience with Whitney travelers medical problems.

https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/yellow...igh-altitude-travel-and-altitude-illness

Good article. Thanks for posting it.

I note the article recommends Acetazolamide (Diamox) 125 mg every 12 hours, but more recently, people have been using half that dose. The most recent date in the bibliography is 7 years ago. I wonder if Hackett has done any more recent work on trying the lower dosage.

I see he includes Tadalafil and Sildenafil as preventive drugs, too. Along with my Diamox, I should try taking some of that on my next high altitude backpack.

It would be a really good idea to check with one's own physician regarding dosage. When I was on Inyo SAR my doctor recommended 250mg!

Don't self-medicate!

Due to the uncertain conditions this year, there'll be a lot of people trying to summit Whitney on short notice. Driving up from the LA, SD, or Bay area Friday evening and hiking up Whitney Saturday morning may be more common than usual.

If you live at sea level but hike or drive to 10,000' every weekend for a few hours, will that help? If so, will that enable most people to go from sea level to 14,500' in less than 24 hours without experiencing moderate or severe AMS symptoms?

Well... for each of the drugs I mentioned, my prescriptions already read "as needed". So if that isn't "self-medicating", I'm not sure what it is.

I've read where some people have said it helps them. There may be some acclimatization effects that last more than a week and carry you along. I would think spending 24 hours each weekend above 10k would be better than "a few hours".

Link to Institute for Altitude Medicine:

http://www.altitudemedicine.org/

Tons of up-to-date expert information, and consulting services.

I find that this DEFINITELY helps. If you like in Northern California, try to do a climb or two to the summit of Mount Dana (13000ft) in the week or two before your climb up Whitney. Better yet, spend some time at the summit rather than just heading down ten minutes after you summit.