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:
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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 within 21 days 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 groups 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.