Mt Whitney Zone
Posted By: Markhurwitz First time Mountaineers Route Questions - 08/16/19 05:13 PM
I have done the Whitney old route several times and would like to try something different and more challenging. I'll be coming from Cottonwood and will be @ Whitney on 9/2 after going to the top of Forrester and back(just cuz I like the south side of Forrester. I would appreciate any helpful hints for a first timer. I don't want to do it all in a day, if that's possible. I'm 62 and in pretty good shape. I've climbed as much as 10,000 ft in a day and don't have a problem doing 20+ miles a day backpacking. Just curious what addition equipment I would need in early Sept.(Axe,crampons,micro's etc.) Thank in advance. Mark
Posted By: Steve C Re: First time Mountaineers Route Questions - 08/16/19 07:05 PM
Are you looking to descend the Mountaineers Route from the summit?
Ascend and descend the mountaineers route. I may skip Forrester if needed for time.
Posted By: Steve C Re: First time Mountaineers Route Questions - 08/16/19 10:19 PM
In September, you won't need any climbing equipment. Last time I did it in trail runners.

For route information, start here: Mountaineers Route info links within...

Some of the info is out-of-date (so the links don't work). But for all the links that do work, you will find a gold mine of information. The videos I created back in 2010 will give you a good flavor of what to expect.

Note that there are key points on the route that you need to recognize -- otherwise you could get off route and lose hours trying to figure out where to go. And note that the Mountaineers Route is NOT a trail, contrary to the Inyo National Forest's information within Recreation.gov. The route is simply a use trail, some places it is a well-beaten path, but others, you are boulder-hopping and wondering if you are on the correct route.

Study the route carefully before you head out!!! Good luck!
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