2012 Details

Fundraising Goal: $3,200
Guide: Sierra Wilderness Seminars
Route: Mountaineer’s Route
Difficulty: Moderate, rock and snow
Rope Team: 4 Climbers 1 Guide
Dates: August 4-7, September 7-10, September 14-17 2012
Slots Remaining: August: 4 of 6; Sept 7-10: 2 of 8; Sept 14-17: 7 of 8

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Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Lone Pine, CA.

Day 2: Hike to basecamp at Upper Boyscout Lake (~11,000 feet). Snow school with guides.

Day 3: 3am wake up and head for the summit via The Mountaineer’s Route. Return to basecamp.

Day 4: Hike out to Whitney Portal.

Download the Detailed Itinerary, Climber Agreement Form, Gear List and the Climber Packet.

The Climb

Mt. Whitney is the highest peak in the contiguous 48 states. The Mountaineer’s Route is historic and was was first climbed by John Muir – famous for his tireless efforts to preserve Yosemite Valley – at a time when popular wisdom held that the steep East face of the peak would never be climbed. Climbers will scramble up remarkable granite ledges, alongside the North Fork of Lone Pine Creek on the way to basecamp beside a crystal-clear alpine lake at the base of the Whitney Massif.

Mount Whitney is considered a year-round mountain, but its most popular alpine route, the Mountaineer’s Route, is generally attempted in the spring and summer. During this time of year temperatures can range anywhere from 30 to 85 F and snow conditions vary from year to year.

Travel

Climbers should plan to arrange their own transportation to and from the mountain. Bay Area Wilderness Training will assist in organizing carpools to and from the airport. Additional information will be available in the Climbers packet and at the pre-trip meeting.

Lodging

Whitney Portal campground, at the trail head: 1-800-280-2267 or 1-877-444-6777.

Whitney Portal Hostel is also now open. It is next to the Dow Villa, on the north end. Rooms will sleep 4-8 people. You can reserve a room for your group or use it as a private room. Rates are $20/bed plus taxes. Each room has a bath and a shower, as well as 5 public showers on the first floor. A large open area on the first floor is set aside for meeting and nightly talks. For reservations, call (760) 876-0030.