Mt. Whitney plans set in motion

Photo credit: http://www.astronomynotes.com/nature/pic18o.htm

This summer I will hike up Mt. Whitney. It is the highest peak in the lower 48 states topping out at 14,496 feet. I looked, calculated, and planned my route last night looking at my topo map with pencil and calculator in hand.

The plan is contingent on being awarded an "Exit" permit. I will be going up the western side of Whitney which is less traveled and longer. Since I'm going this route, I don't need a permit for it. Descending Mt. Whitney Portal however is strictly regulated with regards to how many people may travel it and be on the trail a day. This is where I need to be granted permission to be on the trail.

I realize that without a decent map this really makes no sense to anyone but me but here's the schedule I have planned and a map I found online. I drew my route in red.



July 2, Camp at Horseshoe Meadow Campground to get elevation acclimated (roughly 10,000').
July 3, Depart Horseshoe Meadow and arrive at Soldier Lakes (7.1 miles)
July 4, Soldier Lakes to Guyot Pass (6.8 miles)
July 5, Guyot Pass to Guitar Lake (6.9 miles)
July 6, Guitar Lake to Mt. Whitney summit (roughly 4.2 miles) then descend to Mt. Whitney Trailhead ( 10.4 miles -- 14.6 miles total)

On July 6, I'll have to catch a shuttle back to my car at Horseshoe Meadows and I'll make the decision at that time whether I drive home or stay the night and head home the morning of the 7th.

My itinerary to the government for the hitting Whitney Portal trail is to be on it on 7/6. My alternate travel date is 7/7 which means I'll have to wait around Guitar Lake an extra day or make my way as far as I can and camp for the night there before summiting the next day.

I plan on low daily mileage so that I can take in and thoroughly enjoy the wilderness and pristine scenery. Of course, lots and lots of pictures will surely be taken as well.

First, I need to be granted the permit...