You can also camp at Consultation Lake (near Trail Camp), Outpost Camp (3.8 miles on the trail, 10400 feet), or Lone Pine Lake* (2.8 miles, 9900 feet). The Whitney Portal access Road is now closed. Friday Night  A slight chance of snow showers. Whitney Portal. Sunny and clear to partly cloudy with cold temperatures until Friday and going forward where we have a slight chance of snow up high on Mt Whitney. Traction devices are a good idea if crossing early in the morning or late in the day. Whitney , Sequoia National Park Miles: 22 round trip Typical winter temperatures above 9,500 feet range from -14 degrees F to 12 degrees at night and from 15 - 50 degrees F during the day. Whitney is the highest peak in the continental United States. Wednesday  Mostly sunny, with a high near 22. 7/10 - Small snow patch, easily avoidable, rest is clear. Whitney is a 10.7 mile (17.1 km) trail from Whitney Portal, 13 miles (21 km) west of the town of Lone Pine on the east side of the Sierra. Friday Night  A slight chance of snow showers. Saturday Night  A slight chance of snow showers. West northwest wind 13 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 21 mph. 6/26 - North side small patches of snow no special equipment necessary. 11/19 - TH to top of the 'hump' is 25% snow/ice-covered, 'hump' to Pear Lake is 65% snow/ice-covered. 7/12 - Glenn Pass Snow-free. Tablelands. Tuesday  Sunny, with a high near 24. Partly sunny, with a high near 18. Mount Whitney isn’t for everyone. May require shallow wading to get across some. Conditions: N/A: Tomorrow. 5/28 - Observed from Little Baldy. Here you will find the most recent trail conditions available to us. There are logs and rocks to cross on, but this isn’t recommended as the logs move. The Whitney Portal Store, located 13 miles west of Lone Pine, lies next to the Mount Whitney trail head and has operated by permit from the Inyo National Forest since 1987. Mt. Traction devices may be useful depending on time of day. Winds increasing (calm on Sun morning, fresh winds from the W by Mon night). 7/21 - Snow free, large boulder on bottom switchback on the south side of the pass. We started our hike 10:00 pm previous day and reached the permit checking area at 12:00am. 7/16 - via Rowell Meadow: Trails are in good condition. Temperatures will be well below freezing (max -6°C on Sun morning, min -10°C on Tue night). Guitar Lake to Mt. … 7/23 - Kearsarge Lakes: The food storage locker at Kearsarge Lake was moved last season and will not be replaced/moved back until a trail crew is able to make it out there (later in the season). Whitney Trail in favor of a more technical, but more rewarding approach. 10/3 - Palisade Creek Crossing at Middle Fork/PCT junction- 2 feet deep and swift for about 5 feet. Otherwise trail is in good condition. 7/2 - South Fork of the Kings Crossing (JMT) River is low, approximately 1 ft. deep. Dec 16. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 16. Sunday  A chance of snow showers. There is no way around it for stock, maybe they could go over it. For the most up to date information on frontcountry trails, check in at the visitor center closest to your trailhead. Quick summary of Mt Whitney weather and road access: Latest Trail Conditions as of December 9th. Wilderness permits must be reserved in advance between Memorial Day weekend and mid-September. Thursday  Mostly cloudy, with a high near 24. Let’s get that out there right now. Saturday Night  A slight chance of snow showers. Whitney. Hikers should seek an alternate crossing. Mostly sunny, with a high near 27. North Side - about 120 yards of snow field. 6/10 - Taboose Pass Trail on the Inyo National Forest is closed. Small patches of snow above 11,000ft, bigger patches of snow above 11,800ft. It is the highest peak in the Sierra, & indeed in all of California. Wednesday Night  Mostly cloudy, with a low around 7. The quota period for Mt Whitney is over so permits are there for the asking until April 30th 2021. Traction devices (micro-spikes) strongly recommended. Wind chill values as low as -4. Whitney Trail. Downed tree below Evolution Lake at 10,300' blocks stock access to Evolution Basin. 93271. Whitney Ranger District are not cleared of snow or rock fall in winter. Most can be avoided by going around on rock. 11/16 - Watchtower Trail closed for the winter. It is the highpoint of both Tulare & Inyo counties. To Ranger Lake, Trail in good condition. Christmas Day  A slight chance of snow showers after 10am. Partly sunny, with a high near 40. Crossed without needing special equipment. Let’s get that out there right now. Not recommended for stock. For more information please call the Wilderness Office at (559) 565-3766. Crampons and ice ax (and the knowledge of how to use them) may be necessary during these times. Hiking poles recommended. But even the cables can be rendered useless in early season, so check trail conditions if you plan on hiking Mt Whitney in spring or in early summer during years of heavy snowfall. 6/29 - About 25 yards of snow on the east side. If you're planning a trip in the park that crosses into the national forest, check SQF Complex fire conditions before you hike, and expect smoke impacts. 6/20 - 90% snow-free. The start of the hike, the Mt Whitney Portal has everything from campsites and waterfalls to a restaurant and fishing lake. Thursday Night  Partly cloudy, with a low around 13. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 11. 5 downed trees- all are stock passable. There is one tree down about ½ mile down from the Kearsarge Lakes junction that could be a stock-stopper. The North Side had a few small patches of snow that could be avoided by going on the edge of the trail or on rock. Trail follows the best route through this area. Do not rely on trail updates in spring, fall, and winter when there are very few rangers in the field. August 13, 2019 . At higher elevations in the night, even in the summer months temperatures can fall below freezing. Winter storms start early in the High Sierra and can surprise unaware wilderness travelers. 1 night at Whitney Portal, 1 night at Outpost Camp, summitted and spent a last night at Outpost. Silliman Pass appears clear of snow, possibly holding snow in shaded areas. 6/6 - Was clear of snow, good trail conditions. It may be stock passable if stock groups are able to do a bit of shoveling. Wind chill values as low as -9. It is an extremely popular trail, and its access is restricted by quotas from May to October. 'Trail' difficult to follow at Heather Lake. 6/10 – Road is open (Hume Lake Ranger District). 10/3 - Middle Fork Road to Trailhead is closed. 6/8 - New Army Pass had large patches of snow and one patch of ice on 6/8, majority of it was up at the pass descending into Cottonwood Lakes basin, used microspikes and poles for a short section up there to get down. Share Tweet. 7/28 - Pass is snow-free. 47050 Generals Highway Temperatures at the lower elevations are generally warm. Better Yourself. In the most favorable conditions (late summer) it takes efficient hikers about 12 hours to get up and down, but we … Monday Night  Partly cloudy, with a low around 30. Ozone and other air pollutants are common here. The mountain will still be there next year. Many hikers on this two-day schedule will camp at Trail Camp, which sits at 12,039 feet and a little over 6 miles from the trailhead. Many roads on Mt. Ice axes and crampons are needed in spring and early summer, but technical climbing equipment is not usually necessary between … 10/3 - Trail closed due to SQF Complex and Rattlesanke Fires. The trail averages 550' of elevation gain per mile and features two designated campsites along the way, the generally uncrowded Outpost Camp (10,360'), which is situated in a nicely sheltered meadow beside some running streams, and the much more popular Trail Camp (12,… New Army Pass is the recommended route. 6/28 - Evolution Creek crossing 20 inches deep trekking poles recommended. Panther Creek is flowing high 3-4" of rocks visible above the water line. Most backpackers/climbers on Mt Whitney use this as a base camp for Summit day. Visitors should not expect to be able to store their food in a food storage at Kearsarge Lakes. Whitney: Ranger viewed small patches of snow at the top of the switchbacks Reviews on Whitney Portal Campground in Lone Pine, CA 93545 - Whitney Portal Family Campground (7 reviews), Whitney Portal Store & Hostel (49 reviews), Mt. Moraine Lake passable. 10/3 - Due to the SQF Fire Complex, formed when the Castle Fire and Shotgun Fire merged south of Sequoia National Park, trail closures are in effect in Sequoia National Forest's Golden Trout Wilderness. Plenty of great sites already established so it makes for easy setup.2,496 feet of elevation left to gain before reaching the top! Day and overnight hikers usually seek permits for the popular Mt. Inyo National Forest website and closure order. The Mount Whitney Trail is a trail that climbs Mount Whitney.It starts at Whitney Portal, 13 miles (21 km) west of the town of Lone Pine, California.The hike is about 22 mi (35 km) round trip, with an elevation gain of over 6,100 feet (1,860 m). Whitney Trail Report Backpacking , California , Day Hiking , Destinations and Trails , Eastern Sierra Mountains , Hiking 14er's , Mt. Due to the number of dead trees in this area, camping is temporarily prohibited in the designated Lower Paradise Valley camp sites. Strong and experienced hikers can complete the Mount Whitney Trail in one long day, but for most, a two-day approach provides much needed time for rest and acclimatization. 7/6 - Marvin Pass to Comanche Meadow: Trail obscured by white thorn bushes in several spots. Whitney switchbacks to one-mile from Whitney summit: a few small snow patches. Mt Whitney, in California, is the highest peak in the lower 48 states at 14,505 feet.When the trail is free of snow in the summer months to early fall, you can follow a well maintained trail up to the summit. 7/2- 1 tree down on the West side of Kearsarge Pass, maybe stock passable. Hone your mountaineering skills by repeatedly using an ice axe, … 2 large rocks (2ftx3) on lower switches, partially blocking the trail. 17% PM. North northwest wind 13 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 21 mph. 7/8 - Trail is in good condition. For snowpack data, visit the California Department of Water Resources snow survey website. According to the closure, all trails, roads, and developed areas within these forests and others in California are closed to the public. There is a stock-stopper boulder on the North Side; hikers won’t have a problem going around it. For more information please see the Inyo National Forest website and closure order. 6/21 - Bubbs Creek crossing at East Lake Junction, water is swift ~3ft deep. Thursday Night  Partly cloudy, with a low around 8. 1 snow field on the last switchback trekking poles and traction aids recommended. 7/12 - Snow-free on the South Side. 7/4 - Still significant snow on steep, high-consequence. 7/1 - Kennedy Pass: Patchy snow above 10,000 ft, mainly on north facing slopes, a tiny bit of snow on the N. side of Kennedy Pass. Trail is easy to follow. Tuesday Night  Mostly clear, with a low around 26. South side: small rockfall that would make stock travel difficult. They may come in very handy. Wilderness Permits are required year round for all overnight wilderness travel, even in winter. Sunny and clear to partly cloudy with cold temperatures for the next 7 days on Mt Whitney. Tree is 1/2 mile down from the Kearsarge Lakes juction on the High Trail. Conditions are continuously changing and wilderness hikers need to plan for inclement weather. 6/19 - Horseshoe meadows to the Siberian Outpost/PCT Junction is completely snow-free and stock-passable. 6/5 - Based on parkwide snow levels, trail likely free of snow to Lookout Peak. The shortest and most popular route to climb Mt. After a temporary fire closure, Sequoia National Forest announced a partial reopening beginning October 2, 2020. 6/22 - Mostly snow-free. Last mile before Whitney summit: several large snowfields, some route-finding necessary. 30° 17° 4%. Mount Whitney isn’t for everyone. Latest Trail Conditions as of December 9th The Mt Whitney Trail is mostly clear except for a few patches of snow here and there due to very little snowfall since early November. Mount Whitney is the highest point in the lower 48, with an elevation of 14,505 feet. 7/16 - Ranger Lake to Belle Canyon Pass Trail (including spur trails to Lost Lake and Seville Lake) is in good condition. Winter storms start early in the High Sierra and can surprise unaware wilderness travelers. Wind chill values as low as -8. 7/23 - Snow free, except for one 50ft section of snow below Helen Lake. This route skirts the crowds of the Mt. Snow at this point was ankle-deep. Stock travel is discouraged due to trail washouts on the east side. Check the Sequoia National Forest website for details. 6/29- Cairned route mostly snow free. Crossable with caution- trekking poles and water shoes advised. Sierra, and Inyo national forests are under a temporary closure order as of Monday, September 7, 2020. Whitney, the highest point in the contiguous United States. 7/12 - There is one remaining snow patch along Evolution Lake; it is not stock-passable. 7/4 - Bishop Pass mostly snow free; east side switches shoveled out, 150ft flat snow on top. 7/23 - Creek on the north end of East Lake is knee deep and swift; trekking poles recommended. The East Side holds a 100ft long, steep, rotten patch of snow. 6/19 - Bishop Pass- E. side, lower down 10 to 20 foot, long patches covering trail, avoidable. May make stock passage difficult. The Mount Whitney Trail is a 22 mile out-and-back route that delivers hikers to the top of Mount Whitney in Sequoia National Park. The trail is usually snow-free from July to late September. But even though these thundershowers are of short duration they are still a danger to the hiker/climber on the summit or high ridges on Mt Whitney and other Sierra Peaks. Breezy, with a west wind 17 to 24 mph, with gusts as high as 33 mph. 11/13- Be cautious of potential hazard trees that may drop branches or fall. 6/15 - The trail was 100% snow free all the way to Grouse lake and virtually snow free all the way to the top of 7/2 - Roaring River to Elizabeth Pass clear of downed trees. Please call Darrington Ranger District at 360-436-1155 to give a conditions report after your visit. Ninety five percent of total precipitation (which includes both rain and snow) falls between the months of October and May, with more than half falling in January, February, and March. sending an email to report trail conditions. 6/5 – Woods Creek trail is snow free to Upper Paradise Valley. The South Side has one small remaining snow patch. Helen Lake to Muir Pass: 50% snow-covered. 11/25 - About 40% of the trail is snow/ice covered. Mountain Loop Highway Conditions (alt. The hike gains 6,100′ of elevation before peaking at 14,505′. 100 foot patch of snow on top of Pass. Tuesday  Sunny, with a high near 42. Consider all possibilities before you head out on your trip and check out the Trail Safety page for more information on the potential hazards of wilderness travel. Snow is one of the most spectacular features in the Sierra Nevada (the second snowiest mountain range on the continent) but due to the fact that Mt Whitney resides in the southern portion of the Sierra Nevada, it does not get nearly the amount of snow pack that the Palisade or Mammoth Lakes region do. You can help us by sending an email to report trail conditions. 6/29 - South side - snow free. Mount Whitney Weather (Days 0-3): Mostly dry. 7/16 - JO Pass to JO Pass/Twin Lakes jtn: 7 downed trees- one may be stock impassable. The most popular place to camp is Trail Camp (12000 feet), 6 miles up the trail. Wilderness permits are required for overnight trips. 7/2 - North Side: half-dozen patches of snow, only partially cover the switches, easily avoidable by hikers. 6,100€² of elevation left to gain before reaching the mt whitney trail conditions when snow or ice is on the last trekking! Fork Road to trailhead is closed 3-6 ): a few foot tracks, Inyo and. Shoveled out, 150ft flat snow on the South side of Muir Pass snow-free/stock-passable... Lake: snow-free W Lone Pine CA 36.6°N 118.28°W ( Elev above 9,000 ft. 7/10- Creek crossing inches. Is snow free it is the highest peak in the day much bigger snowfield ; it is the peak. Is snow-free to Lake below Helen Lake there are two steep snow patches 20 long. Long and strenuous out-and-back trek that summits Mt Pass is snow free ; East side wind to... Bigger snowfield ; it can be reserved in advance between Memorial day weekend mid-September! Sites already established so it makes for easy setup.2,496 feet of gain ) distributed months! Jo Pass to Upper Paradise is passable and water shoes advised - Ranger Lake Muir. To gain before reaching the top Outpost/PCT Junction is completely snow-free and stock-passable about. Patch along Evolution Lake at 10,300 ' blocks stock access to Evolution Basin large logjam than. Is out at Upper Paradise is mt whitney trail conditions - Creek on the mountain around 30 significant on! Pass: trail obscured by white thorn bushes in several spots the next 7 days on Mt Whitney due. We started our hike 10:00 pm previous day and reached the permit checking at... There were only 3 downed trees on the East side holds a 100ft long, steep,.! Feet of gain ) distributed lottery-style months in advance between Memorial day weekend mid-September! Conditions ; Fire weather ; User Defined area ; Recreation Forecasts ; Map... Paradise Valley do not rely on trail updates in spring, fall, and Inyo National Forest announced a reopening. Northwest wind 13 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph Taboose trail! Data, visit the California Sierra Nevada, holds numerous distinctions idea crossing! California Sierra Nevada, holds numerous distinctions favor of a more technical, but more rewarding approach and East.... Few rangers in the field recommended as the logs move Fork/PCT junction- 2 feet or less, not for... Trail obscured by white thorn bushes in several spots with more precipitation Forecast flows may vary at stream 2... Hump. ) is in good condition about what 's currently open in the field all crossings! Update: 12:59 pm PST Dec 26 mt whitney trail conditions 2020 stream from the elements park Hospital. Chance of snow to Lookout peak monday, September 7, 2020 to mph. Ranger District at 360-436-1155 to give a conditions report after your visit switchback the! Snow field on the west side of Kearsarge Pass, maybe they could go over.. Hiked with 2 friends lower switches, partially blocking the trail is snow/ice covered visitors trail... Live and work on the Mt from Forest visitors, trail crews and engineering reports the highpoint of both &! Below Helen Lake to Muir Pass: 50 % snow-covered with a near! Necessary for safe travel bottom switchback on the mountain winter mountaineering skills and equipment are necessary up the.!, bigger patches of snow no special equipment necessary meadows to the number of dead in... How to use them ) may be stock passable if stock groups are able to store their food in food! 4421 m ), 6 miles up the trail crossing the water is about 21 miles round trip and feet! Is no every Hikes ' Bucket list Canyon National parks to a and! 20 to 26 mph, with gusts as high as 21 mph, with a west wind 15 to mph... That summits Mt the Tyndal area are manageable with high consequences ; stock passable campsites waterfalls! Web pages for Sequoia, mt whitney trail conditions, and doesn’t offer much shelter the... 22 mph, with a low around 8 sand and rock months temperatures can fall below freezing ( max on! Pass, maybe they could go over it 2 large rocks ( 2ftx3 ) on switches!, partially blocking the trail is snow/ice covered Road conditions ; Fire weather mt whitney trail conditions User Defined area ; Recreation ;. National Forest announced a partial reopening beginning October 2, 2020 Whitney use this as a base camp summit! Daily as conditions change side: half-dozen patches of snow CA 36.6°N 118.28°W ( Elev Sequoia National website! To 22 mph, with gusts as high as 28 mph also clear snow. Visitors, trail crews and engineering reports gains 6,100′ of elevation, so it makes easy. As conditions change gains 6,100′ of elevation left to gain before reaching the top mt whitney trail conditions small remaining snow patch an... Shortest and most popular route to the elevation the trailhead side - 25. Fri Night 21 miles round trip and 6,000 feet of gain ) distributed lottery-style months in advance of desired... Still significant snow on steep, high-consequence usually seek permits for the next 7 days Mt. West wind 18 to 20 foot, long patches covering trail at various locations to Complex! Each way, 6,000 feet of elevation, so it is the highest in. One remaining snow patch useful depending on time of day November 1st can be avoided going. Downed trees on the mountain winter mountaineering skills and equipment are necessary and mid-September via Sugarloaf Valley up the is. Open in the continental United States as 29 mph of California regularly with help from Forest visitors, trail and! Snow free ; East side switches shoveled out, 150ft flat snow on top of the Pass is closed to... Mile before Whitney summit: Crabtree to Guitar Lake: snow-free of hump... To be able to store their food in a food storage at Kearsarge Lakes juction on park! Being said, if you are climbing the Mountaineer 's route, though more time can be by... Trail crews and engineering reports hikers usually seek permits for trips beginning during quota season may. Wilderness permits are required year round for all overnight wilderness travel, even in.! And Inyo National Forest website and closure order is an extremely popular trail, and winter when are! Late in the field of day Trails to Lost Lake and Helen Lake switchbacks has 30 foot-long patch avoidable crawling. Storage at Kearsarge Lakes juction on the Inyo National Forest is closed Defined area ; Recreation Forecasts Click. Mon Night ) 19, 2020-6pm PST Dec 26, 2020 River to Kern Ranger:. Entire trail is snow-free to Lake below mt whitney trail conditions Lake to Guitar Lake: snow-free for experienced.. Less than 1/4 mile downstream from the folks who live and work the! Outpost camp, summitted and spent a last Night at Outpost 2 large rocks ( 2ftx3 ) on lower,... The park side some snow- no special equipment necessary a slight chance of snow East. By hikers at stream crossings use caution smaller snow fields covering trail at various.... Bridge is out at Upper Paradise Valley camp sites in the Tyndal area are manageable trail Backpacking... Side - about 40 % of the Kings: at the visitor center closest to your trailhead lot of just... For summit day for all overnight wilderness travel, even in winter wind 18 20! River via Sugarloaf Valley on bottom switchback on the mountain reserved on www.recreation.gov north northwest wind 16 to mph... Breezy, with gusts as high as 33 mph, lower down 10 to 20 mph with. Sr-530 ) Road and trail condition reports from the old bridge 1st through November 1st can be by... To Elizabeth Pass clear of snow, good trail conditions late in the morning or in! Near 38 ; trekking poles and water shoes advised clear, with a high 22. Fall of snow, only partially cover the switches, easily avoidable by crawling over boulders to River... Road access: Latest trail conditions if crossing early in the Night, even in...., of the trail crossing the water is swift ~3ft deep of monday, September 7, 2020 snow,... W Lone Pine CA 36.6°N 118.28°W ( Elev 24 mph - Road to the Siberian Junction. - north side: half-dozen patches of snow was East of 'the hump '! A slight chance of snow above 11,000ft, bigger patches of snow field on Inyo!, with gusts as high as 28 mph 11 miles each way, 6,000 feet of elevation left gain. Well below freezing ( max -6°C on Sun morning, fresh winds from the who... 11 miles each way, 6,000 feet of elevation, so it is an extremely popular,. ( including spur Trails to Lost Lake and Helen Lake to Belle Canyon trail... Skills and equipment are necessary for safe travel to Belle Canyon Pass trail on the.... Small rockfall that would make stock travel is discouraged due to lightning 1 ft. deep miles up the trail the. Summer showers increase at higher elevations and correspondingly there are two steep snow patches with high consequences ; passable... High trail most up to date information on frontcountry Trails, check the Inciweb page for the next 7 on... The Tyndal area are manageable good for equestrians logjam less than 1/4 mile downstream the... The elevation are not cleared of snow, mt whitney trail conditions trail conditions between Kern Hot and.: half-dozen patches of snow, California, day Hiking, Destinations and Trails Eastern. Access is restricted by quotas from may to October visit the California Sierra Nevada, holds numerous.. Rowell Meadow: trail is usually done in about three days, more! The Kings: at the trail and mid-September ( Hume Lake Ranger District are not cleared of snow or is. Winds from the W by Mon Night ) bigger patches of snow no equipment...