Mt Whitney Hike Guide

[@emcee2555]

I think this guide should also mention the restroom situation. It's become such a terrible problem up there, with people who are unaware that one cannot just go to the bathroom (specifically talking about #2) at all on the route. You have to take a "Wag bag." And you need to carry out the used Wag Bag, with your #2 inside, back down to the Whitney Portal, where there is a Wag Bag disposal vault. I've seen too many full Wag Bags just left by the side of Trail Camp pond. It's disgusting.

[@karlkeating2803]

There used to be restrooms at Outpost Camp and Trail Camp. They were removed years ago. I never found the reasons given to be convincing. Wag Bags still were issued for the occasional "emergency." In fact, there even was a third "restroom," located right on the summit. It consisted of a seat and rough board walls on three sides but no roof, no fourth side, and no door. It made sense to remove that facility, but I think the restrooms at Outpost Camp and Trail Camp should be reinstated. Yes, technically it's a wilderness area, but each day 160 new people get onto the 11-mile-long trail, and with overnighters the actual number present at any one time will be as high as 280 people (100 day hikers and 3x60 overnight hikers), so you won't really get a true wilderness experience.

[@djstwo]

It was bad 10 years ago when I did the hike, I can only imagine how bad it is now. I remember thinking at the time I wouldn’t do the hike again, given that there are plenty of peaks just a few feet lower without the crowds.

[@metfish]

Problem is that people don’t use the provided Wag bag. Instead they drop a spike in a camp area, leave all sorts of paper in that area, and don’t even consider burying a thing. You are hiking up a mountain. Anyone that thinks that they will have amenities such as a restroom whilst ascending should not be attempting this in the first place. This isn’t Disneyland.

[@travispherson7519]

It is a major problem. There are steps that can be taken to minimize the “discomfort” of carrying out the wag bag. Multiple ziplocks and dryer sheets, as well as understanding the process of using the bag properly. Regardless, leaving it on the side of the trail really defeats the purpose. As noted, years ago there were outhouses at outpost camp and trail camp. I have read, but can’t remember the exact details, of what happened to the outhouses. Essentially, the person in charge of the region decided there should be no man made structures in a wilderness area. He hiked up with a can of kerosene and burned them to the ground. He did not have the authority to do so, but bypassed the decision process and took it into his own hands. I personally believe there is appropriate technology now to have an environmentally friendly outhouse reinstalled. Thank permitting fee should be reasonably increased to help cover the cost. Nothing is perfect, some people will still vandalize, mis-use, and dump trash into them, but I would think having it localized instead of spread all over the mountain in blue and gray bags would be a much better situation.

[@davesanders9203]

@@karlkeating2803 "You're OLD"! I remember the same!

[@davidw7060]

Wonderful video and narration! Thank you! Takes me back to 1966, when I went with my mom, dad, and brother. I was 12 and my brother was 10. We camped at the trail head on a Friday night, then climbed up to Mirror Lake to camp on Saturday (back when it was allowed). Went to the summit and then all the way back down on Sunday. It was a blast!

[@evanshaw17]

It might be worse, noting that a number of people get altitude sickness, climbing Mount Whitney, because they have no preparation for it ahead of time. Of course, the general rule is to remember that if you have a headache, it’s altitude sickness not getting a cold, or some other reason the second rule is obeying the first one of course you’re incredibly qualified and experience person as am I and so you know all about these things I’m just mentioning that you might be sharing that with people. Thank you very much for your lovely video.

[@therebuiltbeast2919]

I had a realization while watching your videos. By watching your videos, which are very thorough, it allows me to visualize myself on the trail. I can smell the trees, even feel the air. It’s as if I am on the trail. This strong visualizing creates a magnetic force that has placed me trails from watching your videos. For instance, I had planned to go to marble canyon for two years. I watched your video and I was there within a week. Thank you for the in depth videos. They really help for manifesting goals. Your passion will ignite the right souls brother.

[@Hikingguy]

Thank you!

[@matthewadams8294]

I’ll second this, thank you for what you do. You and others have inspired thousands. Help move the needle for folks on the fence. I feel a lot of us just need to see the thing and much of the anxiety goes away. Cheers!

[@kristymoore7052]

I will probably never do Whitney from the portal side, but I did summit Whitney from the west side. I’m 61, did it this past summer, 2024 and if I can, anyone can. It takes a few more days of backpacking to to get there, but at Guitar Lake and even the lakes beyond, you can leave your camp/stuff and DO IT and come back to camp. DONE. I freaked about the Marmot /Pika problems leaving stuff behind, but had no issue. Don’t camp next to the lakes. This way also helps with altitude, as you are forced to ease your way into it. It is also beautiful. I hope you cover this alternate way at some point.

[@Jajdbehsgdjss]

@@kristymoore7052 congratulations. Do you have any tips for somebody who is out of shape? Did you prepare at all or are you just in good shape and exercise regularly?

[@millerhall6336]

Thanks so much for the thoroughness of this and your other videos. I'm a relatively newly avid hiker after being laid off, and rewarded myself with hiking Half Dome and Whitney this fall. Being able to watch this video really helped demystify this hike. But even more importantly, I was able to show it to my partner and help them not stress out about it too much. I unfortunately wasn't able to summit this time as it took a lot longer than I expected and so I turned around at the first window so that I could attempt to get descend by sunset. However, I've now purchased a mini 2 so that I will be able to keep my family informed on this and other hikes since so many of them are in areas with no cell signal.

[@davesanders9203]

Thanks for the video! "11 MILES" in less than 17 MINUTES!!!! Thanks for the "refresher" video. I remember most of the secenes - but not all. The 2nd biggest memory for me was the last few miles in the "forest" AFTER sunset and walking off the trail. Heraing "sounds of a watefall" AND stopping BEFORE getting too close!

[@AdipescentCat]

Dad did mt Whitney alone a few years ago. He got permits again for this sept and I want to do it with him and two friends. I’m not very athletic so I definitely got to train. Thank you so much for this video!

[@Firestrike23]

I am also going this September

[@o-master6995]

@@Firestrike23 i’ll see you both up there lol me to

[@jakoburgers]

I’m going September!

[@sune3000]

I did Whitney as a day hike in 10/19 and it was super fun. I remember the “99 switchbacks” as the hardest part. The rest of it was straightforward and not too tough but the altitude had me panting at the end.

[@KateKay28]

Your videos are the BEST. I won't be doing this one this year, but hoping for next year if low snow winter and your videos have been essential for prep. I watch them often. Thank you for the detail you take in your videos and blog posts.

[@Hikingguy]

Thank you! Look for an updated Whitney guide this year too...

[@poyless]

Thanks!

[@Hikingguy]

Big thank you!!!

[@mannatomemories]

Best Whitney video i have seen. Thank you 💯

[@tylerharris7789]

Summited on 8/21/24 and this video was super helpful in making it an enjoyable day. Thank you for your excellent guide.

[@mickeybrumfield764]

Great job of showing what the trail up to Whitney is like.

[@juanbackpacks]

Very informative video! I’ve done Whitney twice in the past few years. both times i started in the backcountry (not protal) as part of another thru hike I was doing. Once I started at guitar lake and up to the summit to whiteness a sunrise and another time it was on a NOBO of the JMT and I did a round trip from Crabtree Meadow. It’s pretty incredible being up there… not easy trek but satisfying in the end!

[@minnie8nurse]

Thank you. You explained so well.

[@keenanmoi]

I'll be attempting my summit on 09/25 - 09/26. I really appreciate your thorough video, I find it really helps to know at which parts of the trail my fear of heights may be tested on.

[@keenanmoi]

I successfully summited on 09/26. Wow, what an experience.

[@strawberrywindow]

I obtained a Whitney permit for late September, 2024. Last year, I hiked Mt. Baldy after watching your You Can Do It guide. I started at dawn in the Manker Flats lot and finished around 4:30 pm. I followed all your advice and it was great. I have two questions for anyone who knows Whitney. How much harder is it than Baldy? I went up across the Devil’s Backbone route and down the Ski Hut trail. The other question is regarding the likelihood of snowfall on Whitney in September. Should I try for a pick-up permit for earlier in the month? I’m not experienced with ice. It’s fairly hard to train for anything like that in Florida. 😂 TIA. BTW- I was sort of peeved with you about halfway through the Baldy hike. Somehow, watching the video didn’t transmit the steepness in several areas. After returning to Florida and watching the video again, I realized you DID tell me everything I needed to know! I just didn’t exactly wrap my head around some of the comments. You were spot-on in your description. 😂 My advice to everyone would be to watch the videos at least THREE times in order to process the info and then READ the posts. Thank you for your expertise!

[@keenanmoi]

If your permit is for next week, 09/23, conditions look to be excellent. I am attempting to summit 09/26. Good luck!

[@AlexanderKaye-u3y]

@@keenanmoi Curious to hear how it is up there! I have a permit for Oct 8, but hoping for not too much snow..

[@kristin3484]

My daughter and I are going October 4!

[@keenanmoi]

@@AlexanderKaye-u3y Hi, I successfully summited on 09/26. Trail condition is free of ice, barring any future precipitation. Summit temp is in the low 30s. Bring layers.

[@thathikingguy]

Thanks so much for this Chris I’m planning to do it Sept of 25

[@christopherrotolo3337]

Hiking guy can we join you, pretty outdoorsy guy here in OC have seen some of your vids. Thanks! 🙏

[@camerinomancera9265]

Very beautiful, very detailed video, you explained everything very well, excuse my question, what time did you start the Jaik?

[@Hikingguy]

5am - check the link in the description for a very detailed guide including start times

[@ZachGottlieb]

Great guide. Would love to see a small overlay topo map in the video corner or something that kept track of where you are at any given point on the track during the video

[@fireyourrocketts]

I went on August 15 2016 and had to turn back down from Outpost Camp due to mountain sickness, not enough water and was also way out of shape then at around 216 pounds carrying a 28 pound pack, when i went back I had lost 31 pounds from first try, second time drank water almost constantly, keeping hydrated is key; finally conquered it on July 3 2022. I have not yet uploaded the videos but I had the area just for me which is a great blessing; there was nobody around as I got to the shack at 5.20pm and was there until 6.10 pm when started my descend, reaching Trail Camp at midnight, July 4th, 4 days on the mountain, camped at Outpost and Trail on way up and trail again on way down, would definitely want to do it again but if I don't I did it once and very happy with my luck of taking pictures and videos of the summit all by myself, very recommended!

[@davesanders9203]

Clearly you were "determined"!

[@fireyourrocketts]

@@davesanders9203 The most difficult part is to remind oneself of that determination with every step up, specially in the 99 switchbacks and beyond which is brutal

[@Valaran1]

What do you know, I just applied to the permit lottery this morning. Coincidence? I think not. HikingGuy knows what he's doing :) Hoping to be out there in August '24, thanks for the video!

[@Matt_Maverick]

Good luck! Putting mine in this week!!

[@alcalavi]

Great job and thank you!!

[@nathangreer8219]

Got turned around at Trail Crest in a major blizzard on Oct. 1 last year. Got a permit again this year for Sept 30 and hoping we have decent weather. Very challenging!

[@Padres1969W]

If you do it in one day the last 2-3 miles to the car are a living hell...

[@mikehayden7330]

True Dat!

[@geobio_exploring]

But why? I thought it was jumping for joy. :)

[@billbarrett7772]

Great job as usual, thank you!

[@blandinesoleilperso]

Thank you, very helpful!

[@jimmobley533]

Great video. Thanks.

[@poyless]

This is ver well done. TY.

[@exoplanetnomad]

Once you cross trail crest and head to Mt Whitney, you’re really exposed if weather turns bad and you get lightning strikes! More of that happens in July and August, early September is a better time for summit push.

[@biancacockrell]

thank you so much for this, I used your guide when hiking half dome and it made me feel so much more confident! i won permits for June 27 -- snowpack is much lower than it was last year, but I should expect snowy conditions right? Would it be a better idea to try to snag a cancellation (would I need to decline this date?) for later in the summer or just full send with some microspikes? I don't have much snow hike experience at all. thank you again!!

[@Hikingguy]

I would try an snag a permit for Aug/Sep when they release the rest. June will likely have snow patches. Microspikes and poles are a good bet, and if you don't feel safe or cofident in a section, just stop and turn around. No shame in staying safe. But try for Aug/Sep for sure.

[@WarbirdPylonRacer]

Thanks for the revisit to this magnificent place! How long did it take you to crest Whitney that day? BTW, do you have a video of all the technicalities of ins and outs of the permit process and some guidelines?

[@Hikingguy]

Yes, permit video on my channel kzbin.info/www/bejne/iZDSeWmod5mKnKs

[@camerinomancera9265]

How long did you do from the bottom to the top?is my dream to do this hike

[@dpugh38]

Great video. Did you encounter any snow fields that required traversing?

[@Hikingguy]

Not when I shot this video but I have. Microspikes always did the trick

[@sreeramraj4791]

This video deserves more likes.. Thank you very much, as usual great work!!

[@That_ole_Dodge]

That’s a hike in my bucket list. Hope to see those views one day.

[@krishnaubrani4324]

Planning late June 21st.. will there be (a lot of) snow, for first timers is it a bad time to try?

[@stephenshuman1]

Have you ever hiked mt Elbert in Colorado? If so, are the inclines more steep hiking mt Whitney then mt Elbert?

[@Hikingguy]

Haven't done it in years but think its steeper overall (on the North Trail) than Whitney. Just from memory not looking at stats

[@edjusted]

Thanks for the guide, as always! Not sure if this is supposed to be an updated version of the one you did in 2016? I was surprised to see this video in a much lower resolution than the original one. But thanks all the same!

[@Hikingguy]

I'm shooting a new version this simmer once the snow is gone

[@maximusnukeage]

Any guidance on the Mountaineer's Route?

[@Hikingguy]

Don't do it without a guide the first time

[@immnotaboutthatlife2086]

What time did you start and finish? Thanks in advance!

[@Hikingguy]

For this video started at sunrise. Check the link in the video description for timing details.

[@kristymoore7052]

The windows also have cell service.

[@Casual_BackPacking]

You make it seem easy 😅

[@shredead]

How the frig did they get building materials up there to make the hut?

[@marcinserafin787]

Hello! You did this hike in late August, how do you think the trail will look like in the end of april/beginning of may?

[@Hikingguy]

Lots of snow

[@davidmclaughlin1121]

Would there still be lots of snow the last weekend of May? And if so does that mean it would be unlikely to be able to hike to the summit?

[@kamrenstaples]

@@davidmclaughlin1121 I’m wondering the same thing. I have a day permit for end of May. I’m going to bring crampons and trekking poles just in case.

[@LivingInWild]

Did you submit in a day? Do you recommend 2 days for a novice hiker?

[@Hikingguy]

Do it in a day but make sure you train for the distance.

[@boytoy7605]

What's the best time of year to hike Mount Whitney

[@Hikingguy]

Aug-Sep

[@sierrasracing]

Can anyone please help choose the correct map from Alltrails to do Mt Whitney in a day ? I need to know where to park. And I already goty permit for june 15

[@michaelcariello6233]

About how long did it take you to do this as a day hike?

[@Hikingguy]

12 hrs

[@calguyful]

So did you start and finish at daylight or did you camp and just leave that part out? Also do you automatically get a permit cuz of your channel?

[@noah5889]

You don’t automatically get a permit because of a KZbin channel… it’s a federal permit system and lottery.

[@Hikingguy]

Permits: kzbin.info/www/bejne/iZDSeWmod5mKnKs - this was shot as a day hike but I've done overnights too

[@calguyful]

Before watching your vid I saw a few others and they all started around 2-3 am. Nice to know you can start and finish in daylight. What was your times going up then back down?

[@Hikingguy]

@@calguyful usually takes me around 11 hours - leaving early means you usually beat any thunderstorms though, just depends on the weather and daylight available

[@k1k2lee]

Unfortunately trail camp a Pit,it’s a cool hike but be prepared bag at least 5 serious peaks previously,1am till 8pm if your doing it in a day,weather can vary which makes it more interesting can be crowded,make the most of it,you can get away with it with out a permit.

[@wtfsalommy3250]

@ 11:29 oh no no no 0_0

[@Swimdeep]

The portal approach is the worst of the three. I’ve done them all.

[@geobio_exploring]

Another would be the Mountaineer's Route, would that be more dangerous for newbs to mountaineering? The third would be from JMT and Guitar Lake side, do you hike in from Horseshoe Meadow, Kearsarge Pass, etc?

[@kitkatwozny]

🫤

[@noidreculse8906]

You and everyone else 👎🏻

[@harrytraction1380]

Thanks!

[@Hikingguy]

Thank you!!!! Appreciate it!