Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
final time. The PCT continues heading south toward its terminus in Mexico, while
the JMT turns left to head east toward Mount Whitney.
After a little less than a mile through shady conifers, come to a second junction
(10,640 feet) with a trail to nearby Crabtree Ranger Station. At the signpost, look for
a plastic bin with waste-disposal “pack it out” kits for those continuing to Guitar
Lake and the Whitney Zone. These glamorous “wag bags” come with toilet paper,
hand sanitizer, and deodorant gel. In recent years the composting toilets en route
from Whitney Portal cannot keep up with the number of hikers. In 2006, more than
30,000 people camped in the Whitney Zone. As a result, the forest service is asking
all backpackers to pick up the provided wag bags and pack out
all
their trash. There
are disposal bins at Whitney Portal upon arrival at the trailhead.
Wag bag securely stashed, climb gradually for 1.5 miles to photogenic Timber-
line Lake (11,070 feet), where Mount Whitney's southwestern flank is reflected in
her glassy waters, making even amateur photographers feel like Ansel Adams. There
is no camping at this lake.
Walk the lake's northern shore to begin the final climb up to Guitar Lake. The
climb is a bit deceiving, seemingly always on the next rocky bench, despite being
less than 2 miles from Timberline Lake. Traverse a lovely alpine meadow while
mountains rise up to embrace you as you head skyward. You can't actually see
Mount Whitney from Guitar Lake (11,450 feet). Camping is forbidden in the grassy
areas of the lake, but there are several campsites around the neck of the guitar. Sim-
ply follow the use trail southwest for these tent sites with outstanding sunset views.
Beware the hungry and clever marmot, as you will undoubtedly want food on your
journey up Whitney!
Ascend to the next bench, passing the mirror ponds above Guitar Lake with lim-
ited camping. This is the last spot to pump water before the summit. Begin switch-
backing up the west side of Whitney, huffing and puffing the nearly 2 miles from
Guitar Lake to Trail Junction (13,484 feet), where the eastern trail from Whitney
Portal meets the JMT. Foot traffic increases here as hordes of day hikers, in varying
degrees of fitness and distress, summit Mount Whitney as well.
A handful of waterless campsites can be found just northwest of Trail Junction.
Look for a small use trail leading to small tent sites surrounded by small rocks that
create a wind shelter. While dry (and high!) these campsites are one of the world's
best spots for sunset photography, and they provide an excellent point from which to
get an early start on the summit. Many hikers rise and start walking in the dark to en-
joy sunrise on the summit.
If you're not camping here, this is still the best place to shed your pack and
lighten your load for the final climb. Be sure, however, not to leave any food that in-
