The only way to fail is to quit.
Overcome your fears.
These were our respective mantras as we spent thirty-six hours summiting the tallest mountain in the lower forty-eight, the behemoth Mount Whitney standing tall at 14,505 feet above sea level. The idea to write our names in the summit book first came to us nearly two years earlier during an impromptu trip to Lone Pine Valley, Whitney Portal, and ultimately Lone Pine Lake on a snowy day in December 2020. First things first, ensure permits are taken care of and note the dates associated with the yearly lottery.
This excursion would be both of our first backpacking trip and we prepared the logistics for some time before setting out while asking advice where possible. There were a few things we would have done differently like purchase a larger water filter (the pot we used to boil water was a good way to fill it up. Other people used flowing stream water below trail camp) and bring hydration powder; however, overall the goods met the task.
Below is a list of hardware used for the trip along with a few guides we found particularly valuable.
Two Inflatable Sleeping Pads
Two Inflatable Pillows
BearVault BV450 Jaunt Bear Canister (do not screw this on so tight you can't get it off at 4am before heading to 97 switchbacks, you can use a knife to loosen if you have to)
The California adventure started at LAX Sunday night when I picked up Kristin from the airport. We would spend the night in Malibu that night, explore Sequoia National Forest on Tuesday, watch the sunrise in Yosemite Valley at Tunnel View on Wednesday, and ultimately arrived at Whitney Portal Campground that evening after driving through the Tioga Pass.
Upon arriving we checked in with the campsite host and were assigned a spot for the night. The river had recently been stocked with rainbow trout and had we had a State of California Fishing License we would have been able to catch one and filet it up that night. At the portal Grizzly Bears are not to be underestimated and we were told to not even leave a stick of gum in the car. Unfortunately, as we would find out Thursday morning, our neighbor missed the memo and left some dried goods in the car; as a result, Yogi Bear opened the car door around 11:30pm and spent the next three hours rummaging through the vehicle. Luckily, we both slept through the ordeal for the most part and were none the wiser while we got our beauty sleep before the big day.
After hearing about Yogi's visit, enjoying a Bison Ranch Masher, breaking down camp, and heading to the upper parking lot, we were starting up the Whitney Trail (Link is to a very COOL interactive map) at 8am Thursday September 15th. With 31 pounds on Nic's back and a heavy load on Kristin's we were beginning what would be a true test of mental fortitude more than anything else.
The first stop we had to make was at Lone Pine Lake to reminiscence on a snow covered winter wonder land, soak up some sun, and enjoy a few snacks before entering uncharted territory. Up the hill from Lone Pine Lake stands a sign that reads Entering The Whitney Zone. From here the path gets more steep and rugged before entering a glade, which is followed by Outpost Camp at 10,200 feet.
This looked like a nice area to camp but lacks the elevation for acclimation and proximity to the summit that Trail Camp offers. A key benefit, which we would have greatly enjoyed, is the chance to ditch the heavy bags. The push from Outpost Camp to Trail Camp took about an hour and a half and was definitely "grueling" as some people mentioned.
After a few too many "almost there's", which would become a banned phrase for good reason, we reached Trail Camp around 3pm. Packs were dropped, bodies went horizontal, water was filtered, and camp was built. Following a nice lunch on the trail we opted not to make dinner and crawled into the tent at 5:30pm. The altitude was certainly having an effect at this point so we alternated between sleeping and drinking water until 4am the next day.
First light peaked over the Eastern Sierra Nevada around 5:40am and we were walking towards the infamous ninety-seven switchbacks on the front side of the mountains. The hike from Trail Camp to the summit of Mount Whitney is four miles, apparently, and less than a mile into the hike we received our first "almost there" of the day. The last two miles of the day cover rugged terrain with phenomenal views of Sequoia Forest far below. A few more "almost there's" were shared and we finally turned the last corner and began the march to the summit. On the way down Kristin drew a line in the sand about twenty minutes from the summit that we were not allowed to tell anyone else the banned phrase.
The summit of Mount Whitney was breathtaking as we took in the sights and thin air of our accomplishment. Shortly after arriving a couple was spreading the ashes of a loved one, which made the moment even more special. We took in the views, chatted with some folks, took some pictures, signed the book, and headed back down.
Less than five minutes from the top altitude sickness was getting the best of another hiker who looked like he had no idea where he was. Him and his two friends started the day at 1am and were supposed to be making it back to Las Vegas that night for a flight. Word to the wise, don't book a flight the day you're summiting, if a party member refuses to drink water smack them, and if they take five hours to ascend the ninety-seven switchbacks have them turn back. Back at Trail Camp one of their crew was heading back up the mountain with water. Needless to say, we did not see them on the way down and the flight was missed.
At 4:30pm on Friday, following a quick nap, we began racing down the mountain dead set on making Whitney Portal before dark. At this point, it needs be made clear just how tired we were and how not excited we were to be putting those heavy packs on after enjoying the day packs for the summit push. The descent was uneventful and quick until we made it past Outpost Camp where we saw a Doe and her Fawn in the woods. The fleeting moment was serene and enjoyed with two other hikers before the animals went on there way into the meadow.
The steep decent to Lone Pine Lake was next and at this point night was rapidly closing in. While there was still hope of making it back to Whitney Portal before dark our optimism was soon shattered as gray and black shadows over took the rock littered trail. With two long miles to go head lamps were taken out of our bags as we trudged through the darkness.
Two creek crossings and an hour later the parking lot's paved road greeted us where we finally removed the weight of our packs, swapped hiking boots for sandals, and celebrated a mission accomplished. Feeling thirty pounds lighter we cruised down the steep mountain pass and back into Lone Pine where we stopped at the first restaurant we saw, Mt Whitney Restaurant. We were already so sore from the hike that getting out of the 4Runner was painful, walking was a struggle, and Nic could barely cut his liver and onions for dinner.
Mission accomplished!
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