Sept 10-11 2011: Mt Whitney Summit hike from Whitney Portal

This hike will begin at the Whitney Portal (8360') near Lone Pine, CA.  This journey will travel west, up the Mt Whitney trail on Sept 10. 
The plan is to summit Mt Whitney (14,500') on the morning of Sept 11 and then return that day back down the same trail to Whitney Portal.  This hike will take 2 days/1 night and cover 22 miles.

DETAILS:

Teams: Dave & Manuela. Dennis & Barry

Miles: 22

Elevation: +/- 6100'  Total = 12,200'
Daylight: 0631 to 1906

Moon Phase:  Sept 2011


ITINERARY:

Sept 9th: Recommend Travel Day to Lone Pine CA
 Things to Do:

• Become familiar with the Whitney Zone permit process and USFS rules.

• Pickup permits in Lone Pine up to two days in advance. But no later than 10am on the 10th.  If arriving after hours, call before closing to coordinate pickup at their Night Drop.
• The USFS will issue 4 hiker tags.  These large, brightly colored tags must be visibly attached to each hiker's pack.
• Pickup free WAG (poo) bags for packing out all of your human waste from Whitney Zone (mandatory)
• Rent a Bear Canister if you arrive without one. Usage is mandatory.

Sept 10: Hike 6.3 miles. Camp at 12,000' at Trail Camp.

• This campsite is the normal overnighter spot.  It is at the base of the 99 switchbacks and is the location of the last water source
• Trail Camp is a large rocky plateau with lots of rock "nests" for pitching your tents. It can acquire a festive and cordial base-camp vibe.
  

Sept 11: Hike 15.7 miles. 4.7 miles to summit then 11 miles back down to Whitney Portal.

• It is a common practice to leave your campsite intact and summit with a day-pack. Time to summit is about 3 to 4.5 hours.  Repack all your gear on the way back down.
• Possibly meet the other hiking group from the west side of Whitney.  They will be near the summit at sunrise.
• Don W plans to meet the hikers coming into the Portal as they finish.  Instead of the Portal Campground, we will all rally at the hotel for dinner and stories.   All are welcome.
• Hotel rooms need to be reserved for those wishing to stay in Lone Pine

TOOLKIT

• MAPS of this trail (Printable JPEG format) The mileage and elevation summary at the bottom of this NATGEO Topo map is incorrect.  See Trail Details above...

• GOOGLE EARTH view of Trail (in progress)

• Mt Whitney Trail on Wikipedia 

• Weather Conditions

• Sept is a transitional weather month. It can be the last hot spell of the season or the first snowfall.  Keep an eye on weekly weather patterns especially monsoons from Mexico that can bring a cruel wet snowfall.

• Contacts:
• Sequoia & Kings National Park (SEKI)
  
• USFS INYO National Forest
• Mono County Sheriff  Dispatch (760) 932-7549
• INYO County Sheriff Dispatch (760) 878-0383