Mt. Whitney Summit Climb
Learn the basics of alpine climbing on a guided climb of Mt. Whitney via the mountaineer’s route (class 2-4). This is not the John Muir trail, but rather a less frequented classic alpine route involving rock scrambling, cross-country hiking and, when conditions warrant, a short bit of rope team travel with crampons and ice axes and/or rock climbing on rope. Expect strenuous backpacking for three days with a total elevation gain of 5700’. You should have backpacking experience and be in strong physical shape; this is not a beginning backpacking trip. Plan to carry a pack weighing 40-50 lbs for two full days. Group gear including shared 2-person tents, stoves, fuel, food, and climbing equipment will be split among group members to be carried up the route in our backpacks. There are no porters on this trip. This is a self-supported alpine climb, with heavy packs on often steep and exposed terrain. It is a significant challenge for fit and experienced backpackers. Proper equipment and conditioning is critical to an enjoyable experience on this trip.
This trip is operated in the Inyo National Forest under the permit of Sierra Wilderness Seminars who provides ground operations. REI and SWS operate non-discriminately.
Mt. Whitney Summit Climb Itinerary:
- Day 1
Your trip begins today near Lone Pine, California. Meet our guides and the other group members at the Horseshoe Meadow/Cottonwood Creek campground by 6 p.m. This campground is located at just above 10,000 feet and is an enjoyable place to relax and begin acclimatizing for the trip. The guides will be setting up camp and will prepare dinner for the group. Tonight, there will be an orientation and some group gear will be distributed before we turn in for the night.
- Day 2
After breakfast, we distribute the group gear then caravan to the start of our climb, descending to the trailhead at around 8,400 feet. We set out from the Whitney Portal, ascending through the ponderosa pine forest to Lower Boy Scout Lake for lunch and inspiring views of the Sierra. In the afternoon we’ll continue on to our high camp at Upper Boy Scout Lake (11,300 feet). Here we can enjoy an evening at a high alpine lake before tomorrow’s early morning push to the summit. Breakfast, a quick and easy lunch, and dinner are provided. Please bring a variety of your favorite energy foods/snacks to eat throughout the day while we climb.
- Day 3
Today begins with an alpine start (4 a.m.) as we climb to Iceberg Lake for sunrise, refill water, then head up the classic mountaineer’s route, ascending a steep gully of third and four class rock to “the notch” at 14,000’. Here, our guides will assess the route conditions and determine the best course of action. The group will either scramble the exposed remaining 500’ to the summit on rope or travel in rope teams with crampons and ice axes along a short snowfield traverse to the top. From the summit we descend to our high camp at Upper Boy Scout Lake in the afternoon. Breakfast, a quick and easy lunch, and dinner are provided. Please bring a variety of your favorite energy foods/snacks to eat throughout the day while we climb.
- Day 4
We sleep in late before breaking camp and descending to the Whitney Portal trailhead. We’ll plan to arrive at the end of our route by 3 p.m. Breakfast and a quick and easy lunch are provided. Please bring a variety of your favorite energy foods/snacks to eat throughout the day while we descend
This is not the popular, moderate John Muir trail that leads to the summit of Mt. Whitney. This is a steep, challenging class 2-4 alpine climb. Do not confuse this less frequented route with the popular, less strenuous John Muir trail. Due to the ever-changing nature of high alpine environments, guides may change the itinerary as conditions dictate. This itinerary is designed to provide an idea of how the route is often climbed, but is subject to change for numerous reasons beyond our control. This trip is operated rain or shine.
Contact REI Adventures prior to purchasing your airline tickets to confirm the trip has the minimum number of participants required to operate.
Professional instruction and guiding up Mt. Whitney; all meals as noted in daily itinerary (meals are not elaborate – they must be simple and lightweight to be easily carried and prepared at altitude and often consist of dehydrated foods and foods high in protein, fat and carbohydrates such as pasta, cheese, soups and the like); 2-3 person tents (we highly recommend sharing tents to reduce pack weight), ice axes & crampons when potentially needed, helmets, group climbing gear including harnesses and hardware, campsite and permits.
Transportation from your hometown to group meeting point; backpack, sleeping bag & sleeping pad; energy foods/bars; energy drinks; insurance of any kind; alcoholic beverages; soft drinks; guide gratuities and items of a personal nature.
Ridgecrest, CA: 73 miles
Bakersfield, CA: 169 miles
Los Angeles, CA: 210 miles
Las Vegas, NV: 230 miles
There is no reliable transfer service from any airport to our meeting place. Anticipate renting a car if flying in for this weekend getaway.
This trip is rated Vigorous [4] as we plan to climb for 8 hours per day most days on steep and often exposed terrain, gaining 4,000 feet in elevations some days. We will travel at altitudes between 8,000 and just over 14,000 feet while carrying heavy packs at times. We will try to maintain a pace that allows us to ascend about 500 feet per hour. The terrain and conditions may require the use of specialized equipment for climbing rock and ice or snow. To maximize your enjoyment of the trip and the likelihood that you will summit, we suggest that you engage in a regular exercise regimen beginning at least three months prior to your departure. We also recommend that you stay well hydrated prior to departure to assist in mitigating altitude sickness. Most important to your enjoyment of the trip is your overall fitness level.
Daytime temperatures usually range between 60o - 80o F, with evening temperatures dropping to 40s - 50s. You may encounter freezing temperatures at some of the higher elevations. Afternoon thunderstorms are common on Mt. Whitney so adequate raingear is important.
This trip is subject to the booking information set forth in the current REI Adventures Weekend Reservation Information. Please read this information carefully and call us if you have any questions. A full gear list and detailed pre-trip information is sent upon sign-up. We highly recommend the purchase of travel insurance through REI Adventures. If coverage is purchased at the time of your initial reservation, the 'Pre-existing Conditions Exclusion' is waived (certain exclusions apply).
We look forward to having you join us for the trip of a lifetime! Why wait? Space is limited, reserve your adventure today.
Mt. Whitney Summit Climb
The key to staying comfortable while on an active trip is layering. To get maximum comfort with minimum weight, you need versatile layers that mix and match to create the right amount of insulation, ventilation and weather protection. Try to bring only what is necessary—this will help you and the field staff.
Weather
Daytime temperatures usually range between 60o - 80o F, with evening temperatures dropping to 40s - 50s. You may encounter freezing temperatures at some of the higher elevations. Afternoon thunderstorms are common on Mt. Whitney so adequate raingear is important.
Gear Checklist
- Tents (3-season, 2-person)
- Cooking gear
- Stoves and fuel
- Water filter
- Trip leader first-aid kit
- Any needed climbing gear, possibly to include ice axes, crampons, helmets, harnesses, ropes and hardware
- Backpack: Large internal frame (4000 - 5500 cu”). No external frame packs and no daypacks or summit packs should be used.
- Pack cover - waterproof
- Sleeping bag (20º minimum)
- Sleeping pad
- Rain jacket and pants, lightweight waterproof and breathable
- Midweight fleece or wool sweater
- Mid- or lightweight thermal top and bottom, synthetic or wool
- Hiking pants, quick-drying, lightweight (zip-off legs are great)
- Hiking shorts, quick-drying, lightweight
- T-shirts, synthetic
- Underwear
- Hiking socks, 2 pairs
- Liner socks, 2 pairs
- Short, lightweight gators (recommended)
- Sun hat with brim
- Wool or fleece hat
- Bandana
- Lightweight wool or fleece gloves
- Hiking boots: heavy duty, waterproof, and well broken-in
- Three 1-quart water bottles or hydration system equivalent
- Headlamp with spare batteries and bulb
- Bowl, spoon, travel mug with lid
- Sunglasses and retainer strap
- Sunblock and lip balm (unscented)
- Personal medications
- Insect repellent (small)
- Toiletry kit: roll of toilet paper, toothbrush & trial-sized paste, pack towel (think light!)
- Personal first aid kit, small and light
- Favorite energy snacks/bars and drinks - bring enough energy snacks and energy drink mix to last for the duration of the climb
- Trekking poles
- Camera and film, spare batteries
- Pocket knife or multi-tool
- Compass
- Ear plugs
Things to Consider
- The group gear will be split up among the group members. You will carry a portion of the group's food, fuel, stove, and/or tent along with your own personal gear and your climbing gear, which will add about 15 lbs to your pack weight.
- Remember, cotton is a bad choice for your clothing layers, as cotton will retain moisture and cold. Wool will insulate well, even when wet, and there are numerous synthetic fabrics well-suited to climbing in alpine environments. Learn more at your local REI store.
- Feel free to give us a call at (800) 622-2236 should you have any questions regarding the gear list. The staff at our stores and Direct Sales (800-426-4840) will be happy to help you with gear questions. Or visit REI's website at www.rei.com. The Expert Advice section has great information to help you prepare for your trip.
Feel free to give us a call at (800) 622-2236 should you have any questions regarding the gear list. The staff at our stores and Direct Sales (800-426-4840) will also be happy to help you with gear questions. Or check out www.rei.com/learn. The Expert Advice section on our "Learn" page has great information to help you prepare for your trip.
REVIEW SNAPSHOT®
by PowerReviewsPros
- Activity level (13)
- Group camaraderie (11)
- Guides (11)
- Well organized itinerary (10)
- Once in a lifetime experience (8)
Cons
Best Uses
- Reviewer Profile:
- Casual adventurer (8), Avid adventurer (6)
- Why Did You Choose to Travel with REI Adventures?:
- All the details planned for me (12), Active adventures (9), Destination (8), Travel with like-minded outdoor enthusiasts (8), Good value (6)
REVIEWS
Reviewed by 16 customers
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Pros
- Group Camaraderie
- Guides
- Once in a Lifetime Experience
- Quality Equipment Provided
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about REI Adventures Mt. Whitney Summit Climb:
Our guide JB was fantastic. He taught a lot and was very encouraging. The hike was very challanging especially the last 500ft. Snow and ice made it a tough climb, but it was an amazing adverture.
- Why Did You Choose to Travel with REI Adventures?:
- All the Details Planned for Me, Destination, Recommended by a Friend
- Why did you choose this trip?:
- A friend recommended this trip. After reading the details and review over the area I thought I would try it out.
- What was the highlight of your trip?:
- Of course reaching the summit was the highligt and looking over all the surrounding area.
- What would be your advice to potential travelers?:
- Get out to the mountain a day early. Weather reports showed nice weather, but when we got there it was rainy and colder than expected. We had an extra day before the hike so it was easy to stop in town and get additional things, otherwise it may not have been as enjoyable.
Pros
- Guides
- Quality Equipment Provided
- Well Organized Itinerary
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about REI Adventures Mt. Whitney Summit Climb:
I thought this trip was great. Well organized, well executed and fun. It was more difficult that I expected and my preparation was inadequate, but I made it and was enriched by the experience. As the sign says, the Mountaineers Route is difficult. If you have little experience in climbing, you would really benefit by going on a guided trip like this. The learning curve is steep and it really is enjoyable to do it with people who know what they are doing. That being said, how do you find the right guide. I do not know the answer to that but only know that I did. James "JB" [@] and Tim [@] are an incredible team and did a phenomenal job with climbers of significantly differing levels of ability and experience. Tim is a younger guide but clearly very capable. Really a great guy to travel with and knows climbing and particularly rock climbing. He also demonstrates an incredible patience for climbers who are newer to the sport.JB is part mountain guide, part psychologist and part magician. It is a toss-up whether JB taught me more about Mt. Whitney or more about myself. When I tell people that I did not adequately prepare, they reply that I must have done okay because I made it to the summit and back. That is only partly true, because I would have never made it to the summit if it were not for JB. While I never voiced any doubt, there was plenty of doubt swirling around in my head. He taught me how to climb a 14,000 foot mountain one step at a time. Stop looking up and look at the most important space, the three feet in front of you. I will do this again and before I do, I will find JB, wherever he is at, and I will figure out a way to climb with him. I am not the most experience person at this, but it is difficult for me to imagine someone better or more enjoyable to do this with than JB. Find him and climb with him.
- Why Did You Choose to Travel with REI Adventures?:
- All the Details Planned for Me, Good Value, I Liked the Itinerary
- What would be your advice to potential travelers?:
- Climb with James "JB" [@]
Pros
- Activity Level
- Exceeded Expectations
- Food
- Group Camaraderie
- Guides
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about REI Adventures Mt. Whitney Summit Climb:
I had a great time. I climbed Shasta before, but this trip was fun because of the guides and the people you meet on the trip. I would recommend running a few months beforehand if you haven't climbed before. There were some folks in an earlier group and in our own group who got altitude sickness. This can affect the trip for others so take the fitness recommendation seriously. The more fit you are the better your chances for an enjoyable trip for everyone! Other than this, everything else was fantastic (even the food was great)!
- Why Did You Choose to Travel with REI Adventures?:
- All the Details Planned for Me, Destination, Travel with Like-minded Outdoor Enthusiasts
- Why did you choose this trip?:
- Highest mountain in the lower 48; mountaineers route is more challenging
- What was the highlight of your trip?:
- Summiting after two full days of difficult hiking was very rewarding, sunrise on day two at the base of the mountain was amazing.
- What would be your advice to potential travelers?:
- Pay attention to the fitness portion of this trip, most people can hike 5 miles, but running and training beforehand will pay dividends preventing altitude sickness; also make sure you know where the first campground is beforehand and call if necessary.
Pros
- Activity Level
- Once in a Lifetime Experience
- Well Organized Itinerary
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about REI Adventures Mt. Whitney Summit Climb:
A truly memorable experience, Mt. Whitney is a little different from most climbs for several reasons and not just because of its status as the highest peak in the continental U.S. The mountain seems to create its own weather patterns and you can sometimes witness three separate ones at the same time from a spectacular vantage point. I've been on it 3 times and you will want to heed all advice on proper preparation and acclimatization for altitude sickness. I've witnessed too many people there who mistakenly thought they didn't need to. On one occasion, a sudden snowstorm with high winds repeatedly flattening our tent to our noses in Trail Camp led credence to the warnings about potential weather changes -- no anemometer needed. ;-) Pack a good water filter and keep hydrated. Our preference is to perform any needed trail maintenance on the way - every bit helps if we all contribute. Given the high traffic and number of visitors on this mountain, it deserves special attention to minimize our impact on the site. This itinerary calls for a descent that may be a bit of a challenge for older climbers -- the downhill wear & tear may warrant some breaks that should be discussed with the guides. I've always been fortunate enough to secure 3-day permits that afforded my old carcass a more leisurely pace. I hope you'll enjoy it as much as we did.
Pros
- Accommodations
- Activity Level
- Food
- Guides
- Quality Equipment Provided
- Well Organized Itinerary
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about REI Adventures Mt. Whitney Summit Climb:
Food was fantastic thanks to guides cooking. Always love an alpine start to enjoy changes as daylight comes. Last 500ft of vertical was not really technical but lots of effort for the hard-earned reward.
- Why Did You Choose to Travel with REI Adventures?:
- Active Adventures, All the Details Planned for Me, I Liked the Itinerary
- Why did you choose this trip?:
- Yet another climb expecting it to be well-run and was.
- What was the highlight of your trip?:
- Diversity of landscape.
- What would be your advice to potential travelers?:
- Definitely train for this as the level 4 could have easily been a 5.
Bottom LineYes, I would recommend this to a friend
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Luxury accomodations
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Diverse terrain
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Pros
- Activity Level
- Group Camaraderie
- Guides
- Well Organized Itinerary
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about REI Adventures Mt. Whitney Summit Climb:
It's tough being from the Midwest and trying to train for high elevation. If you can't get practice hikes in at high elevation locations...make sure you're in excellent cardio condition.
You can always push yourself, but it's much more enjoyable if you're in shape and accustomed to the altitude.
If you're lucky enough to get John and/or JB for this climb, you'll be sure to have a great time.
- Why Did You Choose to Travel with REI Adventures?:
- Active Adventures, All the Details Planned for Me, Commitment to Sustainability, Destination
- Why did you choose this trip?:
- Wanted to do something crazy with my wife for our honeymoon.
- What was the highlight of your trip?:
- Sunrise on the day of the summit climb.
- What would be your advice to potential travelers?:
- Train in altitude (if you can).
Pros
- Activity Level
- Group Camaraderie
- Guides
- Quality Equipment Provided
- Well Organized Itinerary
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about REI Adventures Mt. Whitney Summit Climb:
REI does a great job with the itinerary. Meeting at 10,000 feet on the first night and having an easy first day get you prepared for summit day. I have done this twice and will probably be back again. Great trip.
- Why Did You Choose to Travel with REI Adventures?:
- Active Adventures, All the Details Planned for Me, Destination, Good Value, Travel with Like-minded Outdoor Enthusiasts
- Why did you choose this trip?:
- This was my second time on this trip. A friend I met on REI's Canadian Rockies trip wanted to do Whitney, I enjoyed it so much last time, I decided to go again. Another friend also wanted to come so there were 3 in our group.
- What was the highlight of your trip?:
- I just love the last pitch to the summit. I am not big on heights, so it is tough for me. The guides do a great job and you are on ropes and it really is not as exposed as you think when you first look at it. It is a totally awesome experience.
- What would be your advice to potential travelers?:
- As everyone says - train, train, train. This is an awesome climb, but the better prepared, the better the experience. When you get to Iceberg Lake and look up, you will be very happy you took the training suggestions seriously. Also take the gear list seriously, you can always leave extra items at the bottom. We were on the summit on September 8th and it was in the 20s with a 30 MPH wind - very cold.
Pros
- Activity Level
- Adventurous
- Amazing Views
- Educational Guides
- Group Camaraderie
- Once in a Lifetime Experience
- Well Organized Itinerary
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about REI Adventures Mt. Whitney Summit Climb:
Don't be afraid to bring everything you think you might need (i.e. rain gear, gators, etc) because your guides will have you lay it all out and tell you what you do/don't need based on current conditions; what you don't need can stay in the car. Women, if you get cold easily be sure to sneak an extra layer (shirt) regardless of what your guide suggests; they're general men and stay warm easier. My wife got warm at points during the climb but could've used an extra layer between Iceberg Lake and the Summit (couldn't feel her turkeys). Remember, your packs will likely be 40-50lbs so if you're thinking of purchasing a lighter sleeping bag, jacket, etc... now's the time; space and weight is crucial.
- Why Did You Choose to Travel with REI Adventures?:
- Ensure a safe summit, Gain climbing experience
- Why did you choose this trip?:
- My wife and I are avid adventurers but have never summited a peak above 12,000'. As we were planning our honeymoon to Napa we thought it was a great opportunity to gain some experience by tackling the tallest peak in the lower 48 states before heading off to Napa.
- What was the highlight of your trip?:
- Every bit of the climb had its own little highlight but if I had to make a short list it would have to be: 1) navigating the narrow switchbacks on the rock ledge, 2) camping at Upper Boy Scout Lake, 3) watching the sunlight hit the atmosphere as we perched ourselves on an outcropping of rock between Iceberg Lake and the Notch, 4) reaching the SUMMIT!
- What would be your advice to potential travelers?:
- Make sure you follow REI's recommendations for training. At a minimum, you should be able to walk for several hours at a time with weight on your back; I strontly suggest stair climbing. Remember too, it's easier to go up than it is to come down so don't forget hiking poles; portions of the climb are steep and carrying 40-50lbs makes it very strenuous on your knees.
Bottom LineYes, I would recommend this to a friend
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Mt. Whitney Trailhead
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At the Notch
(3 of 3 customers found this review helpful)
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Pros
- Activity Level
- Group Camaraderie
- Guides
- Once in a Lifetime Experience
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about REI Adventures Mt. Whitney Summit Climb:
If your looking for a challenging and rewarding hike/climb...this one will get the juices flowing!!
- Why Did You Choose to Travel with REI Adventures?:
- All the Details Planned for Me, Destination, Travel with Like-minded Outdoor Enthusiasts
- Why did you choose this trip?:
- It was challenging and since we went to the lowest point in US (in Death Valley) we wanted to go to the highest all within a couple days.
- What was the highlight of your trip?:
- The Scenery and the last 500ft of vertical free climb. we enjoyed the free climb stuff. Also the JB and John as guides were extremely knowledgable and made the trip a true pleasure.
- What would be your advice to potential travelers?:
- Absolutely doo some sort of Training to prepare your body and heart for this trip. whether it is cycling, swimming, running it will all help. Also take some 5 mile steep hikes with 30lbs in your pack..average grade on this trip is about 18%.
Bottom LineYes, I would recommend this to a friend
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At the Notch 14,000ft
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On Top with Group
(3 of 3 customers found this review helpful)
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Pros
- Once in a Lifetime Experience
- Testing Your Limits
Cons
- Activity Level
Best Uses
Comments about REI Adventures Mt. Whitney Summit Climb:
Climbing Mt. Whitney via the Mountaineer Route is an extremely challenging and extremely rewarding experience. See this website for a fairly accurate write-up of the experience of the Mountaineers Route: www.sierradescents.com/climbing/whitney/mountaineers-route.html
- Why Did You Choose to Travel with REI Adventures?:
- Active Adventures, All the Details Planned for Me, Commitment to Sustainability, Destination, Travel with Like-minded Outdoor Enthusiasts
- Why did you choose this trip?:
- After summiting Mt. Kilimanjaro, I was looking for a climb that wasn't quite as high BUT more challenging. Whitney and REI both came through in a big big way!
- What was the highlight of your trip?:
- After a heart stopping harrowing climb up a sheer cliff face, reaching the summit was just incredible!
- What would be your advice to potential travelers?:
- Train, prepare and then train and prepare more. This hike is 85%-90% uphill (steep incline) with full packs. Get your heart rate used to running in a high high gear for this hike.
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