Solo Hiking 20 Miles on the Mt Whitney Trail

[@sweepingdenver]

Finally a Kraig hike that I actually know from first-hand experience! He captures everything beautiful and amazing about this trail and the Sierras in general. However, please note: he makes it look a LOT easier than it is for most people! I think we all know that Kraig is a beast of a hiker. I'm sure this wasn't a difficult hike for him. But watching him casually stroll along especially up the 99 switchbacks and towards the summit push --- that is not how most people look along those sections! The altitude is intense for the average person who isn't regularly hiking above 12k feet. And it's a long, exposed slog over hard rock with basically no shade. Also, his timing of this hike was so surgical he should be a brain surgeon. This is one of the most popular trails in the US and to see it so devoid of other folks is extremely rare, mainly due to the low snow pack this year and him being able to hit it in April before the crowds start but without a big snow dump which makes it a very very different trip. Please, please, please if you watched this video and feel inspired to do this hike, do your homework and understand exactly what you are getting into. This hike requires a lot of preparation. It's serious business up there. People get rescued or even die up there far too often. Google "Saulo Sifuentes Escalante" for the very sad story of a guy who lost his life up there just days before Kraig's hike. Just want to make sure that the casual viewer of this video understands the context of this treasure of a hike!

[@kraigadams]

Good advice. Cheers

[@sarawill9455]

Great write up, sweepingdenver. I hiked JMT in 2019 with a guide and Mount Whitney is no joke. I even trained for the hike and it still took every effort to make it to the top. The best experience ever! Kraig, Thank you for creating this video so I can go back whenever I want. Love it.

[@Rudy1150]

@Michael A yes, that is exactly what he does. if you watch that last 20 seconds of the video he has outakes of the many times he is going back for the camera. He not only hikes with the camera and tri-pod, but also a drone for many hikes. As the other person in this thread says - Kraig is a beast of a hiker.

[@sweepingdenver]

@@mettflow2648 He got altitude sickness. Can happen to literally anyone and has nothing to do with fitness. Happens to people on Whitney all the time too which is one of things people need to be extremely careful about on this trip.

[@ladiebug395]

@@mettflow2648 ok so where’s your video hiking Kilimanjaro without meds and no altitude sickness? Or your Whitney hike?

[@ashish_sunny]

Kraig's trips were one if the things that that helped me through the long pandemic. Appreciate all the effort.

[@larsstougaard7097]

Same 😊🙏

[@tyler_dtm]

for sure

[@supergirlgh]

can't agree more

[@MilaLu]

Same here!

[@paarthdhuri6485]

Same.. indian.

[@chrisc9869]

You really capture the moment so well in these films you’re gonna look back when you’re older and be proud of that.

[@kraigadams]

really just making these films for my future self :)

[@drodiebeatz11]

The outtakes at the end are a nice touch of personality

[@peepoSad_]

I physically am unable to travel because of a motorcycle accident. So I live the journey through your videos. Thank you for making these videos

[@Love-jf7rs]

Most people won’t take all these journeys in their life, so even if challenged, we’re all here travelling together :)

[@sensei-lr4cj]

Best of luck brother. I'll pray for you.

[@amiller8637]

I have watched probably 15-20 Mt. Whitney KZbin videos in the past few weeks in anticipation of an upcoming August hike to the summit, and this video had the highest quality and was one of the most informative. Thanks!

[@AliceFordAdventures]

Hiking it in a week!!

[@fauzaanwaqas6117]

whats your summit date?

[@yvonnecottage7706]

@@AliceFordAdventures hope you will post your experience and the conditions. Be safe up there.

[@AliceFordAdventures]

@@yvonnecottage7706 thanks I sure will

[@SFlaidlaw101]

Beautiful ice sounds! Every time I watch your beautiful creations I feel like I'm whisked away from stress. 🌿The noises and the visuals.. it's as if I am a bird following you on you journey.

[@1948painter]

I’m now 75. Circa early August 1979 I drove out west from South Louisiana, visiting Sequoia National Park and then driving south around the mountains and then north to Lone Pine in time to arrive by mid-morning to get a first come, first served day permit from the ranger station (no lottery system back then). I spent the night at a motel and then hiked up and back the next day-a long way. There were still a few stretches of snow and ice at higher elevations, but the trail was good-nothing sketchy or really challenging. I enjoyed revisiting that long ago experience via your excellent video.

[@kraigadams]

Special thank you to Alaskan Tapes geni.us/VwbKe8 for providing the music for this video

[@forbanch]

Can you please share what kind of fireplace you got?

[@kezhanakhro6267]

Please give me the link of your tent?

[@baskets8429]

great sounds! perfect for this video

[@parmasmaximas412]

Wish i was there wiv u looks amazing compared to england

[@Qaztar44]

Gosh, what a surreal experience to be watching your videos for so long and then coming across this one that I recognize all of from just a year back!

[@a-aron14]

You got lucky with the snow and creeks! Looks pretty manageable. I got a permit for early June a couple years ago and it was the first hot spell so the creeks were just overflowing and going nuts. I had planned to do it all in one day - up at 2am and at the summit by maybe noon and then down. Never got to trail camp because entire meadows were flooded and trying to navigate fast moving flooded alpine water is nooooo fun in the dark! Came back that Oct and crushed it though. Amazing footage as always - thanks for the journey.

[@rickyfell6369]

One of my favorite places. It’s emotional watching this video. Recently moved to Texas. Miss the mountains so much.

[@reelhappytravellers2691]

Behind when we leave a place, we stay there, even though we go away. And there are things in us that we can find again only by going back there.Your video reminded us all our memories that we leaved there.....thank you!!!!!

[@Backcountryhiker]

Really nice video. I also appreciate the long-range camera views, knowing that you had to hike back to retrieve your camera! I did the hike years ago and want to mention that some people may not take the altitude problem seriously enough. Caught my reaction to the altitude at about 10K and it never left until I descended. Cannot say enough about being in shape before you attempt this hike. I did the hike in one day, up and back, and it was not easy. Go to the gym, hit the treadmill, do some hiking and push yourself in preparation for this hike. You'll love the experience. Thanks again for taking us along!

[@Cookie-mv2hg]

Ever since I start mountain climbing KZbin keeps recommanding people like Kraig and I'm not even mad, it's amazing.

[@jeffreyrule8143]

Thanks for taking us along. I have backpacked Mt. Whitney once from Whitney Portal and twice from the back side from Cottonwood Pass to the South. Hike On!

[@SFlaidlaw101]

Get the popcorn. 👐 It's time to enjoy THE BEST content on KZbin.

[@ashish_sunny]

I'm bit even kidding. I was just gonna type the same! 🙌🏼

[@SFlaidlaw101]

@@ashish_sunny haha we must be in sync!

[@kroyev]

No popcorn noise in this cinema!!

[@SFlaidlaw101]

@@kroyev Haha you are right Yevgeniy

[@larsstougaard7097]

🤗🍿🍿🍿🍿🍿🍿🍿🍿🤫😠

[@programclu1]

Forgot how much I love your videos. Like meditation. Amazing.

[@arlenesolis024]

Amazing views. You are an artist with your camera. The sounds, the colors, and the sights are just beautiful - as if I was there. Bucket list destination for me.

[@jdavies212msu]

My strenuous hiking days are over as age has finally caught up with me (70 years old). BUT, your videos enable me to vicariously keep enjoying it. I’ve hiked Europe, Alaska, Canada, the Pacific NW, California’s Sierras & Cascades, Asia and Mexico. Your videos bring back many precious memories! Thanks for sharing your travels and love of nature. It brings me so much pleasure as I pant and sweat on the treadmill! 🙂

[@burrojack]

Thanks Kraig for a really nice You-Tube of hiking Mt Whitney. I’ve summited it twice about 25 years ago, planning to donut one more time next year!!

[@cookiebazookie]

Thanks for posting. Now I can see what this popular trail is like. I was at Hwy 395 earlier this month. I enjoyed the view of Mt. Witney from Alabama Hills.

[@wingzfan102]

Did this hike about a year and a half ago with my dad. Will forever be one of my fondest memories!

[@bobv8219]

Well done Craig!! I thoroughly enjoyed your video. Congratulations on the summit.👍👍👏

[@stephenverchinski409]

Shocked at the little snowpack. Been up there four times, once via the Mountaineers route, twice your way Kraig and once from the JMT. Did not do the spray sunscreen though, lol.

[@TehMushys]

I love these shorter videos - I keep watching in the morning before (okay I admit, during) work to get myself in the right headspace to concentrate.

[@nickdowns8164]

Thanks

[@sarahdippity]

Love the way you end the hike film with a talk about the trail, some BTS footage & insta stories, etc. Very very nice Kraig! That night sky is just beautiful!

[@akilahapuarachchi]

I had searched over many videos about Mt Whitney But never seen a great video like yours. So really appreciate this Hike.

[@alien8159]

this is awesome that people from all over the world sitting here and wathcing this atmospheric masterpiece

[@eloisemitchell3118]

so serene, your videos always help calm me down when i get caught up in the rush of life. Backpacking is something that always reminds me of how beautiful life is, always there and waiting for you to see it. thank you for capturing it so well, now i can feel that beauty every day! much love

[@prajalsharma7201]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/fXrcooJ3iZpridE

[@stefanhaagedoorn3690]

So I happened upon Kraig's AllTrails account and saw he walked this trail. Didn't see a video yet but I'm sure it was to follow soon. Didn't disappoint.

[@GoingSoloOutdoors]

I’ve always wanted to hike Whitney. Trail camp looks like a stellar spot to camp!

[@andreasritter5955]

I've done that hike a few times now...and probably watched all videos about Whitney on KZbin...but your's is the first one that delivers how I feel and what I experience while I hike! Thank you!

[@ronaldrose7593]

Hello 👋 Kraig, thank you for sharing your epic Mt.Whitney quest. I did the Whitney summit in October of 71. All the best to you. Please keep up your great videos. 👍 🤗

[@juhannusruusu]

I wish I had this kind of life... no big mansions, no multiple super cars, popularity/fame,... just to be able to escape my country and visit others and capture these beautiful moments. it's just too beautiful, this channel is a hidden gem!

[@gustavodavila2629]

What is stopping you?

[@Kathens]

I can't imagine how much effort goes into such an amazing video. Keep it up Kraig!

[@jhatt1139]

Great job Kraig. I've climbed Mt. Whitney in 2018. I took the far less popular climbers route not mentioned in your video. I camped at 11,000+' and had to take diamox for the altitude. I'm an experienced climber but live at sea-level. Once we summited, we had to get the heck off the top of the mountain because a storm was coming. At 13,500 we were pelted by hail and praying we weren't going to get electrocuted. We survived!

[@nbacura]

Kraig's videos are pure art!!!!

[@slipker21]

Your smile at the start of the video set the whole tone. Love seeing you happy on trails! Awesome video

[@BenHengst]

Fantastic as always! Very excited to see you are able to start these hikes again.

[@hike2fish]

I enjoyed the format here Kraig, well done. good quality and info.

[@mountainman4987]

I live in Auburn California on the western side of the Sierra and I'll be doing this hike up to Whitney in a few months so I can enjoy the eastern side of the Sierra UP close and personal. Awesome inspiring video. 👏

[@tesina21]

Always love the clips he throws in at the end.

[@samspectre2911]

Your videos have inspired me to follow my passion of film making. I was lost before your channel

[@gryhze]

I've hiked to the summit twice in my life. Once an overnighter at Trail Camp and the other a one day 6h up/ 5h down. Recommend the former. Thanks for the excellent photography.

[@vyomps]

Seeing you hiking solo is an inspiration for all us hike enthusiasts who lack friends for hiking :P

[@IdRatherBeHiking]

ya I hear you, I've had to solo so many this year

[@matthewstorm5188]

Hiking partners are overrated.

[@luckygoose8889]

Never been so quick to click a video and hit like. Love these Kraig, keep it up man!

[@Jesteraron]

Great job. I love the video. Very smooth and well covered.

[@SPER1]

Love what you're doing at the end of your films, showing the little bloopers and you coming back for the camera, plus the other BTS videos. Keep up the amazing work, been subbed to you for years and it just keeps getting better each video.

[@IdRatherBeHiking]

ya i enjoyed those bloopers too

[@laidbacktraveler2580]

Perfect timing for your trek and I second everything that sweepingdenver posted below!

[@hossspearfishing9135]

Bro, your camera crew has some real steady hands! And I never see their shadows! Props. Love the vids man!

[@superduckman45]

Did Whitney is 2013 with some friends. 3/7 made it to the top, the rest got altitude sickness. What an adventure! Started at the trail head at 3:30am. Never done a hike of this magnitude before hand. Did it in Nikes, a camel back and a windbreaker lol. Will be slightly more prepared next time, but made great time up and down regardless. The switchbacks were snowed in, so we had to go up the slope that you mentioned in the video. Did it in 1 day then drove back to SD after

[@matthewhomyak1665]

Great video and helped inform myself and many others that hiked Whitney in the recent weeks. A word of advice on trying to emulate Kraig's approach: Be smart, he's very experienced and it is not just about what he packs but the preparation put in on physicality and training and experience at elevation. I'd also advise caution with running shoes on this trail, after Lone Pine Lake the trail is rugged, unkept and not the nice packed dirt/sand that leads up to that point. Hiking with runners is probably a disaster for most people on the Whitney Trail, especially with an overnight pack, you get fatigued, the altitude can get even the best of us and amongst the rocky trail having ankle support will save your @ss from a sprain. I rolled ankle 6+ times and was saved by proper hiking boots. Thanks for the content and resources Kraig, this video was an inspiration for me and my team.

[@irbis71]

Amazing as always. You never disappoint. Very helpfull 3D map description of the hike. Thank you for the joy you bring to a humble hiker waiting for his next adventure:)

[@JVL1988]

What a mesmerising environment. I've watched a few hiking videos of people summiting Mt. Whitney before but as usual you seem to capture it best.

[@_the_unknown_0]

I love the way you appreciate the food in every vlog ❤️

[@alibuhlaiqa8384]

Good to see you back in the trails. Another great video. We missed you.

[@ManSeekingMeaning]

Your shot compositions are getting better and better. Not to sound elitist or faux-snobby, but your videos are like a language of their own in comparison to most others in the category. Keep the amazing work coming, thanks for everything.

[@davpahunter]

Here he is, lifesaver, moodraiser... I cant wait to do my planned trip around Slovenia nad Austria. Thank you for your videos, It helped me through quarantines and lockdowns etc...!

[@johneason6540]

23lbs, exactly what my pack weighed on the way up. I enjoyed your video. I have been up twice. From the portal and from the PCT JMT trail. West side. Both great experiences. Good job on the post hike details. Feels like I was there again.

[@joegraves4690]

Hey Kraig! I've been loving your videos and just wanted to share that watching your content has encouraged me to get back into hiking and hopefully backpacking again soon! I love being outdoors and I have forgotten how much I love the process and everything that comes with backpacking.. So thank you and look forward to watching more!

[@jerryd.4767]

Thank you so much for another great video and inspiring this 62 yr old weary soul to take up backpacking again. As a matter of fact, right now I'm looking at being in the Sierra's in a few months for a ten day trek.

[@issamrosenthal694]

Beauté et sérénité se dégagent de tes vidéos Kraig. À force de contempler dans la solitude tous ces beaux paysages tu gagneras en maturité. Continue comme ça. 🙏🙏🙏💗💗💗

[@jatinadhikari4812]

From my heart Kraig thanks for these contents Very relaxing

[@difidility]

I’ve been there a few years ago and because there was a lot of snow im May i got lost and ended up on the summer trail. This was very dangerous and luckily I`ve made it back to the campsite after a few hours. It was to late then to summit because of the weather. So i had to go back to Lone Pine. So my advise is get as much information as you can about the actual weather conditions. Ask the people in the outdoor stores in Lone Pine or in the Visitor center about it. Thanks Kraig I`ve started to follow you`re adventures when you‘ve made the O at the Torres del paine. It‘s always a pleasure to follow you on you‘re trips especially when I‘ve also been there and the memories about my own experiences come up when i do so.

[@AMorgan57]

Superb photography and editing, then highly informative debriefing. All succinct, greatly appreciated.

[@alingjeprox7610]

Thank you for sharing ur hike to Mt. Whitney! This is very inspiring!

[@jmistake1]

Great video...very informative. Heading up to hike and camp at the end of July. Can't wait!

[@cerealkillersl]

I really enjoy the style of your videos. It almost makes me feel like I m traveling with you!!

[@marvinwhisman3333]

Nice video. So glad I did the hike solo a few years ago. Although there was no snow when I started it snowed before I could summit so the back side where the windows are was pretty icy. Nevertheless it is something I will always remember. Congrats on your summit.

[@pct2025]

Kraigs smile at the start.... he knew how awesome it was going to be

[@KellyLira]

Another comment now that I’ve finished watching the vid - the outtakes were awesome and I hope you continue adding those to your vids! love a good peek into what goes into these kraig adams masterpieces

[@maheshiscool]

From background music to cinematography to BTS , everything was ❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@prajalsharma7201]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/fXrcooJ3iZpridE how about this

[@dwaynefoong]

so beautiful. always exciting to watch another kraig adams video

[@GG-wc4xk]

I’m hiking Whitney, overnight solo soon. This video made my day. I can’t wait

[@dmkim1015]

Your video makes this trail look so easy and calm.

[@jeffelfont6887]

Excellent video, very well done. Never been up or down the trail, but three times on top of Whitney.

[@tysonmitchell938]

You captured it great! I did it last year, one night camp. Such a great hike...great post

[@oeyt1982]

Every trekking video of yours gives me life! 😃really miss the mountain

[@sheikhshahriarahmed4526]

You are a gem. Thanks for the amazing experiences with us.

[@baskets8429]

your the man Kraig! absolutely best content of hiking out there on the tv

[@Xodok.]

Thanks for keeping outtakes and how you get back for camera - this makes video really great and "human"

[@jonathanscibelli1744]

Every time I watch one of your videos I immediately have the urge to go hiking and this time I planned a trip up to the White Mountains! You really inspire me!

[@prajalsharma7201]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/fXrcooJ3iZpridE

[@kaleyk93]

Watching this while drinking my morning coffee, thinking, "This is so relaxing." Thank you for this. ☕💕

[@tiffanyheyer3800]

Thank you so much for the logistical information about the trail. It will come in handy to plan a trip! All your videos are amazing keep it up!!

[@bunniH0P404]

You're really killing it with your videos, man! I reeeeeeeally enjoyed the breakdown of the hike after all the great footage. I've done this hike once before, but I still watched every second for your perspective!

[@johnpcookson]

I always tear up watching these and think about my dogs getting old. The music is powerful.

[@joc6870]

I love your videos, so relaxing and I love hiking.

[@scottmckinney9760]

such a great hike! pretty much everything you want in a hike like that! I did it some 20 odd years ago when i still had a film camera. Great to see it in digital ;) That lake you were skipping a stone on, I caught a fish with my bare hand. The fish move so slow cuz of the temps. Fun to see it all!!! thanks for bringing up all those memories.

[@lakerowen2345]

The view is absolutely stunning

[@harshiii]

enjoying this peaceful video with my morning chai :)

[@AaronTorres-jx4ij]

you captured the solitude and quietness of whitney very well

[@jasonmanikel]

Kraig, you’ve been to a lot of super-cool spots, but this place - and the way you shot it - was just stunning. Might have been the kind of day I had, but I was close to tears. Really beautiful. This one is on my bucket list now.

[@TheHungryHiker]

So beautifully done. This almost makes me want to hike this one again. ALMOST! The metal rail section brought back all the flashbacks...

[@KellyLira]

ooooof @4:32 - the morning light on those peaks. the best part of early morning hiking

[@soap.f]

love the cut scenes at the end that was great

[@meeshelly_]

My new favorite KZbin subscription! Thanks for all the content, inspiring me to throw my hiking boots on and bag some peaks! Fingers crossed you venture over to SoCal maybe one from the six peak challenge!

[@JordanGreenPNW]

How you have the patience to set up a tripod for each shot still blows me away, really does add to the look of the film though. Great as always!

[@willmulligan3896]

I'm doing Whitney this summer! Very excited!