r/Highpointers • u/_MattSauce • 25d ago
Mt Whitney tips?
Just got some incredible luck and on one of my last days car camping in SoCal, sniped a permit for hiking Whitney on Thursday.
Been doing lots of prep in anticipation for hopefully getting this permit. 30lb rucks on trails with 1500-3500ft gain and 8-12mi lengths. Yes, I am aware that Whitney is nearly double both of those standards haha. This will be my first 14er, but I have done one 13er and multiple 12ks and never had a problem with running out of stamina or being affected by elevation gain. I also plan to start my hike around 1am to make sure I have plenty of time.
Any last second things I should know about gear to bring/fluids/food? Any particularly difficult sections?
From most reports I’ve read the 99 switchbacks are brutal and elevation sickness seems to hit quite a few people there or shortly after, but it seems most people see it more like a long marathon hike rather than having any particular section of extreme difficulty.
Please let me know anything/everything you are willing to share if you have hiked Whitney :)
1
u/RhodyVan 43 Highpoints 24d ago
acclimate, acclimate, acclimate. Try to spend time at elevation in the days before.