Mt. Whitney in April 2024 - The highest mountain (14,505 ft, 4,421m) in the contiguous United States
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- Опубліковано 10 тра 2024
- www.alltrails.com/explore/rec...
Undeterred by our previous attempt, my daughter and I (with my friend, brother Chun, and his son, Joey) decided to give Mt. Whitney another shot. This time, we devised a new strategy. Instead of rushing(single-push), we opted for a more relaxed approach, allowing us to acclimatize and enjoy the journey.
We got an overnight permit to the summit this year, taking the Main Trail. The goal was not to rush but to take the time to enjoy the moments and views along the way.
Mount Whitney and Lone Pine
The majestic Mount Whitney, the tallest peak in the contiguous United States, is nestled within the breathtaking landscape of the Eastern Sierra Nevada range. Rising to an elevation of 14,505 feet (4,421 meters), Mount Whitney beckons adventurers from around the globe to test their fortitude and savor its panoramic vistas. Nearby, the peaceful town of Lone Pine is a gateway to this natural wonder. The people there are lovely, kind, and genuine. Lone Pine provides a haven for travelers embarking on the journey of a lifetime.
4/27/24, Saturday:
Journey begins. We took the first flight to LV out of NY. Arriving in Lone Pine and stopping to enjoy the beautiful Death Valley National Park, especially walking in the lake at Badwater Basin, was an unforgettable memory. We rented a bear canister and snowshoes (reserved a week earlier) at the Elevation Sierra Adventure (the folks at the Elevation store are fantastic). We brought all other equipment: ice axe, crampons, and helmet. We had a good dinner at the Mt. Whitney restaurant and retired early for rest, and the adventure awaited.
4/28/24: Sunday
The following day, we packed and had a pleasant, relaxed breakfast at the same Mt. Whitney restaurant again (unlimited coffee refills). Then, we drove off to the Whitney Portal trailhead following the detour sign. The gate was closed about 100 feet or so away from the trailhead. I had no issue finding parking along the portal road close to the gate (outside the white line) and started hiking at 10 am.
Due to the late start, we worried slightly about softening snow. However, I did not feel the need to use any of the floatation. Snow was softening as the day passed, but walking without any flotation device was hard enough.
Snow started appearing after about one and a half miles up, but walking without floatation was not an issue. I walked on my boots to the Trail Camp without any floatation device. Kelsey, Brother Chun, and his son, Joey, put on the snowshoes once we passed the hill above Mirror Lake.
Due to the snow covering the switchbacks, we bypassed several sections of switchbacks going straight up from Outpost Camp to Mirror Lake and up to the hill above Mirror Lake. From there, a gradual uphill walk followed the boot pack to the Trail Camp. Kelsey had put on snowshoes from here to the Trail Camp. Even though this was her first time using them, it took no time to figure out how to use them properly.
We had plenty of time at the Trail Camp, setting up the tent, cooking, eating dinner, and enjoying the sunset reflecting on the Owens Valley. The stars towering over the Whitney wilderness were indescribably beautiful. The moon came out, brightening the night sky and dimming the stars. It was a bit chilly, calling for a hot coffee.
4/29/24, Monday
Awakening to the dawn's golden hues, we prepared for the final push to the summit. I couldn't say I slept well at Trail Camp, but Kelsey said she rested well. Again, we took our time. We enjoyed the sunrise, had breakfast, and boiled the water out of the snow for the summit day.
The Whitney Trail was still covered with snow and required full winter mountaineering with the right tools and equipment to attempt.
Snow slope: The infamous 99 switchbacks were all covered with snow, and the only way was the snow slope to the climber's right of the 99 switchbacks. We left Trail Camp around 8:00 am, climbed via the snow slope with an ice axe, crampons, and helmet, and arrived at Trail Crest at 10:30 am. The snow at the snow slope was firm enough to use an ice axe and climb. Slow and steady upward climbing was what you needed to get to the Trail Crest.
Trail Crest to Summit: As others mentioned, the west side of the John Muir trail was still covered under snow, and carefully following the boot track is necessary for the first mile or two. It'd be a hazardous section until the snow melts completely.
The summit: We arrived at the summit at around 2:30 pm (again enjoying the view of the west side of the John Muir trail.) We were so lucky to have perfect weather-little to no winds during and at the summit, sunny, not even a patch of clouds, and warm temperature. We savored each moment with weather conditions in our favor, knowing that success was not merely reaching the summit but embracing the journey.
Good luck, everyone. Have safe travel, hiking, and climbing. Most of all, enjoy!
It’s so great you were able summit with your daughter! I did the same approach in the Spring with my son 30 years ago when he was 11, and we still share the memories of those moments!
That is awesome! Congratulations on you and your son's summit in 30 years ago. 11 years old stood on the highest point on the lower 48. That's amazing!
Very much enjoyed your journey! 😊😎
Well done.
Congrats for your achievement. Beautiful scenes and tough trails. Good job!
Thanks! The mountain is big and yet beautiful. The experience is unforgettable.
What an amazing father/daughter adventure! Great job. I’m hiking the John Muir Trail with my 32 year old son this summer.
Good luck with your JMT this summer with your son. It would be an unforgettable hiking experience and the memory of a lifetime.
Unforgettable moments with Dongho family and Joey! We made it! It was a hiking of my life.
Indeed! It was one of the best hiking ever, and it was great to experience the beauty together.
Amazing Hike. I did this with my two older kids summer of 2022. I'll never forget it.
It's great to do something like this with family, and it's an unforgettable memory.
Good job! My friend and I ran into you guys at the summit plateu on our way down the mountain! We were taking our snowshoes off. Glad you guys made it back safe
Oh my, it's great to meet you here. You were terrific at climbing via the mountaineering route and returning to the Main Trail. I kept thinking about how you did it in one day. Congratulations!!
Magical moments in time !!!
Spectacular!
Thank you for sharing, and greetings from Canada!
Hello Canada! It's great to e-meet wonderful outdoor lovers. Thanks for watching!
the view from the top is beautiful
Kudos to all of you. It is absolutely beautiful and amazing! Thank you for sharing!
We are so sorry that you couldn't join us. I hope you come to this magical place with your son someday.
Stunning! ❤❤
Thank you! 😊
❤I've spent a lot of time in that area. I'm glad you were able to enjoy it. Very well made video
Thanks for watching! It certainly is a quiet and peaceful area. We loved it.
8:54 what it’s all about right there. Good job!
Yes, 100%! I'd say you would have to be there, stand on the top, and feel what it is like.
Great job! Amazing on so many levels, I really enjoyed this. Very inspirational.
Thanks for watching and kind words. Summiting was something, but the planning and preparation for this trip were rewarding and worth it.
Splendid! Thanks for sharing your experience with others, this is very helpful :)
It's great that this video was helpful. The trail condition would likely change often, depending on the weather.
Great job ! Beautiful video
wow! wow! 👋👋👋👋👋wow!
Wow, Thanks!!
Thanks for the great video and sharing
Thanks for watching and kind words!
축하해요. 참잘했습니다! Love seeing you do this with your daughter!
Great!
@5:41, I still remember that day we reach this snowy slope, early June 2009. I have to went back at 13500ft, never have chance to go there. What a nice hike and great video
I loved climbing the snow slope and descending it. I hope you can go there soon. It is beautiful, and I'd love to see it again.
Excellent video!
Very beautiful footage
Glad you enjoyed it!
Congratulations on the summit! We are going May 30th. Thank you for posting 😊
Thanks! I hope you enjoy your summiting on May 30th. It's a beautiful mountain.
예술입니다! 너무 멋져요 삼촌!!!
I can't believe how heavy your packs were.... When I hiked Whitney, my pack was 11 lbs. But I day hiked and didn't camp. You must have incredible stamina to hike with such heavy bags.. I'm old. My knees can never do that.
I agree that the packs were heavy. We camped and had to carry all equipment for the winter mountaineering conditions contributing to the weight. My shoulder complained for a couple of days after the hike. :-)
@@dhchoi11 congratulations!
I just hit the like button.
Wonderful. Going may 22nd
Great! The weather looks good so far. Enjoy!
Were going May 31, curious if the switchbacks were open yet
Absolutely amazing nice sound. Thanks for sharing your adventure. Guys I recommended you visit the himalayan mountains k2 and Nangaparbat view point from one place moses peak.add this amazing sound in your bucket list.
Thanks! I'd love to. The logistics and whole planning are a little bit complicated. I'll be following others who are out there and doing those amazing adventures!
@@dhchoi11 You need not worry at all. Moses Peak is an easy and family route. This is an open zone. You don't need to pay any loyalty fee to summit this peak.I have given all the details about this peak and its route in the description of my video. You need not worry at all. This peak is located in Barah Valley.And I am from this village. Me and the Himalayas sounds always welcome you guys whenever you want to come.
눈이 많아서 힘드셨을거 같은데, 성공적인 정상 등반 축하드립니다.
감사합니다!
😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍
3:05 yes, that’s called a saddle.
Thanks for checking and confirming it! 🙂
awesome video! have you gone up in summer? curious if you think it is easier to do the 99 swtichbacks that way haha// looks really tough overall though wow thanks for sharing
Thanks for watching! My applications during the quota season have been unsuccessful for a few years. It'd be beautiful in summer. 99 switchbacks could be felt endless 😂.
@@dhchoi11 i love the switchbacks myself/ hilarious is i have gone back after my summit to only go up the switchbacks to trail crest, that is far enough for me once to the top was enough/ applying for weekday permits i had decent luck hope you get to try it in summer sometine and let us know if you think it is harder or not... it is slow but i think easier...
Awesome!! Looks like coming down was more fun than going up..haha..How long did it take to acclimate?
Yes, and it was faster descending. We added an extra day (overnight at the Trail Camp, which I think helped acclimatize. We were all from sea-level people 😊.
all good, but where is the skis?
That's the missing part 😅. But I am glad I didn't bring it with me 😊
Did you go up the Chute as opposed to the 99 switchbacks?
Yes, the snow slope (the climber's right of the 99 switchbacks) was the only way up. The switchbacks were completely covered under snow and not passable.
Highest, not tallest (Shasta) Whitney starts at a much higher elevation.
Thank you! I just updated the title. I had to check the definition of those. 😀
@@dhchoi11 an amazing video, well done.
does anybody think i’ll be able to hike this june 19th without snowshoes and an axe
Well, it's likely. It's still a month away. The best place to check is the Whitney Facebook group, where people post beta reports almost daily.
Someone please replace the summit flag with the country that mountain is in.
I agree that the flag represents the nation's land, people, and government.