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Routes
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See SummitPost.org for a description of this route:
Basically an 11 mile class 1 trail with several winter / sping variations. If you come during the winter / spring, you may not even notice some parts of the main trail. Trailhead (Mile 0.0; 8,637') From the trailhead just below the Whitney Portal Store there are a number of large interpretive signs and two sets of bear boxes. It's hard to miss. The trail ascends a number of fairly long switchbacks passing the North Fork of Lone Pine Creek 0.65 miles from the trailhead for those taking the Mountaineer's or any of the East facing routes. Lone Pine Lake (mile 2.8; 9,420') After passing a log crossing Lone Pine Creek, you will find a sign pointing you to Lone Pine Lake down a short trail to climber's left. Camping is allowed here 200' away from the water. Remember this on climber's left lose the trail on your way down. Big Horn Sheep Park (mile 3.5) This is the first main notable area on the hike in and is a large meadow. The trail skirts the south side of this meadow on the way to Outpost Camp. Outpost Camp (mile 3.8; 10,360') Once you pass Big Horn Sheep Park, the trail will take you right through the middle of Outpost Camp, a wooded camp area just below Mirror Lake with a seasonal solar outhouse. This is a nice place to camp if you are looking for something lower than 12,000'. There is water available from a waterfall in Lone Pine Creek just to the south. Mirror Lake (mile 4.3, 10,640') Take the trail up climber's right out of Outpost Camp to Mirror Lake. The trail leaves the camp near the outhouse. The lake is a nice area to get water since it is above the camp and offers some excellent views. The enters at the eastern end of the lake and skirts to the south side before ascending some wooded switchbacks on to some exposed granite rocks. Trailside Meadow (mile 5.3; 11,395) aka Ram Horn Park. Hike up some granite rocks to a meadow or snow covered valley during the winter / spring. The trail actually continues along climber's right (north) side of the meadow. Consultation Lake is the large lake to the south of the trail (climber's left). The trail doesn't actually skirt the lake though it's easy enough to get to. Trail Camp (mile 6.3; 12,039') This is the main camp for people making 2-day summit attempts via the Trail and for good reason. It is an easy hike to make in a day and it offers short summit hike in the morning. There is a small seasonal lake here where you can filter your water, however, during the winter you may have to melt snow. Trail Crest (mile 8.5; 13,777') To get to Trail Crest, you will need to hike the infamous "99 switchbacks" which are clearly viewable from Trail Crest. Once you get to Trail Crest, you will see signs welcoming you to Sequioa National Park. Be prepared for awesome views into the park. From here, you've done the hardest part of the climbing. JMT Junction (mile 9.0, 13,480') Once you get to Trail Crest, the trail will drop to an intersection with the JMT from Crabtree Meadows. Take the trail to climber's right and follow the back of Mount Muir and the needles to the summit. Summit (mile 11.0; 14,497.61') The last part of the climb including the flat-topped summit and summit hut is visible from a long ways away from the JMT Junction. The hut has a register and a 8'x8' restroom. You can also camp on the summit by bringing your tent, however, be aware of lightning as people have died from being struck on the mountain. |
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Climbing FOR KIDS: Mt. Whitney—May 29 to June 1, 2008 |