Mt Whitney - High Camp timberlinetrails.net
Whitney Links
Base Camp
Getting Started
Trailhead
Trail Guide
High Camp
Trail Crest
East Face Route
Summit
Aerial View
Whitney Video
Whitney Slide Show
For Additional peaks and
information on the Sierra
Nevada. Click Here.
Photo Gallery Sierra range.
Click Here.
Base Camp
Getting Started
Trailhead
Trail Guide
High Camp
Trail Crest
East Face Route
Summit
Aerial View
Whitney Video
Whitney Slide Show
For Additional peaks and
information on the Sierra
Nevada. Click Here.
Photo Gallery Sierra range.
Click Here.
Click Here to Watch our Mt Whitney Video
Mt Whitney Trail Camp - or High Camp (shown above) is one crowded location during peak season. It is
located 6.0 miles from the trailhead and resides at 12,000 feet of elevation. Most overnighters use this camp
as the stopping point before going on to the summit in the morning. Always camp at least 100 feet from any
water source. This rule also applies to how far you must camp from the main trail. Violation of this regulation
could put you in a position of being fined and/or create a situation where an Inyo Forest Ranger (who are
often stationed somewhere in the area) will have to ask you to relocate your camp.
located 6.0 miles from the trailhead and resides at 12,000 feet of elevation. Most overnighters use this camp
as the stopping point before going on to the summit in the morning. Always camp at least 100 feet from any
water source. This rule also applies to how far you must camp from the main trail. Violation of this regulation
could put you in a position of being fined and/or create a situation where an Inyo Forest Ranger (who are
often stationed somewhere in the area) will have to ask you to relocate your camp.
Trail Camp has many established
campsites, and there is certainly no
need to recreate the wheel when it
come to finding a location for your
tent or bivy bag. As you can see in
the photo to the right (and in the,
main photo above), nice flat
campsites are scattered everywhere.
Most even have rock walls built
around them to block the wind.
So, if you cannot find a site nearby,
try scrambling a little further up the
rocks to the south of the main trail.
There are many sites hidden in the
surrounding areas, and a little exploring
campsites, and there is certainly no
need to recreate the wheel when it
come to finding a location for your
tent or bivy bag. As you can see in
the photo to the right (and in the,
main photo above), nice flat
campsites are scattered everywhere.
Most even have rock walls built
around them to block the wind.
So, if you cannot find a site nearby,
try scrambling a little further up the
rocks to the south of the main trail.
There are many sites hidden in the
surrounding areas, and a little exploring
is often all it takes to find a good site if things are crowded when first get there.
When you first arrive at High Camp, try and avoid
just setting up your tent and then crashing inside.
Even though you may be tired, it is best to stay
active. Inactivity can intensify the effects of altitude
sickness, and at 12,000 feet, most people feel it's
effect. Doing camp chores like unpacking, preparing
lunch or dinner, and especially taking short walks
(during daylight hours) can really help alleviate
mountain sickness (which is caused by high altitude).
Also, when setting up your tent do not forget the
rain fly. Not only does this extra layer protect you
from unexpected rain during the night, but it also
just setting up your tent and then crashing inside.
Even though you may be tired, it is best to stay
active. Inactivity can intensify the effects of altitude
sickness, and at 12,000 feet, most people feel it's
effect. Doing camp chores like unpacking, preparing
lunch or dinner, and especially taking short walks
(during daylight hours) can really help alleviate
mountain sickness (which is caused by high altitude).
Also, when setting up your tent do not forget the
rain fly. Not only does this extra layer protect you
from unexpected rain during the night, but it also
provides an extra layer of warmth. We had clear sunny skies in June 2007, but even so, night time
temperatures at Trail Camp ended up being well below freezing.
temperatures at Trail Camp ended up being well below freezing.
Trail Camp is also the last reliable source of water.
The area has a beautiful little tarn (a tarn
is a small high alpine lake) that provided a perfect
place to get water. The photo to the right shows
this
nice little Trial Camp Tarn. But as is the case at
Outpost Camp, you will need to treat your water by
filtering it, boiling it, chemically treating it, or a
combination of all the above. These days, with the
sheer volume of visitors to the Whitney area, all
water must be treated as suspect.
The area has a beautiful little tarn (a tarn
is a small high alpine lake) that provided a perfect
place to get water. The photo to the right shows
this
nice little Trial Camp Tarn. But as is the case at
Outpost Camp, you will need to treat your water by
filtering it, boiling it, chemically treating it, or a
combination of all the above. These days, with the
sheer volume of visitors to the Whitney area, all
water must be treated as suspect.
Many people may remember the fantastic solar latrine that
was located at trail camp. The photo to the left shows this
facility back in 1996. I have to say having this amenity at
Trail Camp was deluxe in the past, but it is unfortunately
no longer there. Too many people abused the privilege of
having a convenient bathroom facility by putting their trash
down the toilets which created a mess for those who had to
maintain the structure. Because of this, there are no longer any
toilets, solar latrines, or outhouses on Mt Whitney. All solid
was located at trail camp. The photo to the left shows this
facility back in 1996. I have to say having this amenity at
Trail Camp was deluxe in the past, but it is unfortunately
no longer there. Too many people abused the privilege of
having a convenient bathroom facility by putting their trash
down the toilets which created a mess for those who had to
maintain the structure. Because of this, there are no longer any
toilets, solar latrines, or outhouses on Mt Whitney. All solid
human waste must now be packed out by participants. The forest service provides poop kits at the Ranger
Station for free when you pick up your permit. The bag includes everything you need to get the job done. It
even comes with toilet paper and a sanitary wipe for your convenience. Once done, the bag closes up very
securely, and there is little chance of spillage in your pack during the transport out. Packing out human waste
has now become a must on Mt Whitney due to the throngs of visitors on the mountain. Make sure you
observe this regulation, because if people fail to be responsible in this matter, the Forest Service may be
forced to impose even stricter limitations on who is able to enter the Whitney Zone.
Station for free when you pick up your permit. The bag includes everything you need to get the job done. It
even comes with toilet paper and a sanitary wipe for your convenience. Once done, the bag closes up very
securely, and there is little chance of spillage in your pack during the transport out. Packing out human waste
has now become a must on Mt Whitney due to the throngs of visitors on the mountain. Make sure you
observe this regulation, because if people fail to be responsible in this matter, the Forest Service may be
forced to impose even stricter limitations on who is able to enter the Whitney Zone.
Make sure to secure all your gear before leaving for
the summit. Late afternoon thunderstorms can come
up at any time. A friend of mine told me that a
storm broke out while his group was on the summit.
When they finally got back to camp, they found all
their gear, including their down sleeping bags,
soaked. Needless to say they were forced to exit the
mountain in the rain, carrying their water logged
gear in the dark. A normally pleasant experience
had quickly turned into an exercise in survival as
a result of it all. So remember, protect your gear
at all times. The day may start out sunny and clear
but that does not mean it will stay that way.
the summit. Late afternoon thunderstorms can come
up at any time. A friend of mine told me that a
storm broke out while his group was on the summit.
When they finally got back to camp, they found all
their gear, including their down sleeping bags,
soaked. Needless to say they were forced to exit the
mountain in the rain, carrying their water logged
gear in the dark. A normally pleasant experience
had quickly turned into an exercise in survival as
a result of it all. So remember, protect your gear
at all times. The day may start out sunny and clear
but that does not mean it will stay that way.
Weather changes quickly in the mountains. Thankfully, the group all made it down without injury. Placing
your sleeping bag and other items that you do not want to get wet inside your tent is a good way to protect
them should a storm come up. Make sure your tents rain fly is in place.
your sleeping bag and other items that you do not want to get wet inside your tent is a good way to protect
them should a storm come up. Make sure your tents rain fly is in place.
Another important item to pay attention to when securing your site (while you are away)
is making sure that your food and scented items are safely stored away in your portable
bear box (a requirement on Whitney). At Trail Camp it is not the bears that will likely be
a problem, but the pesky other little critters that populate the area. Pika's (small
chipmunk like animals), birds, and especially marmots are always on the prowl and they
have no problem chewing through your tent or pack if they detect food or scented items
inside. Forest Service personnel recommends that you leave your tent flaps open, and
is making sure that your food and scented items are safely stored away in your portable
bear box (a requirement on Whitney). At Trail Camp it is not the bears that will likely be
a problem, but the pesky other little critters that populate the area. Pika's (small
chipmunk like animals), birds, and especially marmots are always on the prowl and they
have no problem chewing through your tent or pack if they detect food or scented items
inside. Forest Service personnel recommends that you leave your tent flaps open, and
your pack compartments loose so that the above invaders can have a look around if they are so inclined. This
is good advice, because I can remember years ago when I threw all my stuff inside my tent and closed
everything up. When I got back from the summit I discovered that a marmot had chewed a hole through the
front of my tent, rummaged around, and then chewed a hole in the rear of it for an exit point. So make sure to
make it easy for these pesky guys to search your gear so they do not chew holes through it. And again, make
sure to have all your food and scented items safely stored away in your bear box.
All in all, Trail Camp is a great place to spend the night before going on to the summit. It gives you a nice high
start in the morning, enables you to become more accustomed to the altitude (don't forget to keep active
around camp during the daylight hours), over half the trail mileage is behind you, and the scenery is awe
inspiring with the towering granite walls that surround you!
A Few Safety Notes: If you should get a headache in high camp from the effect of altitude, try taking a
couple of Advil or some other form of analgesic. But if the headache does not go away, do not keep popping
pills. Stop! I knew a guy that took over 20 Aspirin (dangerous) in an effort to try and rid himself of the pain.
is good advice, because I can remember years ago when I threw all my stuff inside my tent and closed
everything up. When I got back from the summit I discovered that a marmot had chewed a hole through the
front of my tent, rummaged around, and then chewed a hole in the rear of it for an exit point. So make sure to
make it easy for these pesky guys to search your gear so they do not chew holes through it. And again, make
sure to have all your food and scented items safely stored away in your bear box.
All in all, Trail Camp is a great place to spend the night before going on to the summit. It gives you a nice high
start in the morning, enables you to become more accustomed to the altitude (don't forget to keep active
around camp during the daylight hours), over half the trail mileage is behind you, and the scenery is awe
inspiring with the towering granite walls that surround you!
A Few Safety Notes: If you should get a headache in high camp from the effect of altitude, try taking a
couple of Advil or some other form of analgesic. But if the headache does not go away, do not keep popping
pills. Stop! I knew a guy that took over 20 Aspirin (dangerous) in an effort to try and rid himself of the pain.
He ended up with severe nausea and vomiting. You
do not want to end up in a situation like that. If your
headache and/or nausea becomes severe you need
to descend as soon as safely possible. For much
more on this subject, please visit our write up on
Altitude Sickness.
Next, do not forget to take enough water when
heading for the summit. This means knowing your
needs. Some people need 7 or 8 quarts of water, or
more (to go from Trail Camp to the summit and
back), while others need much less. The air at high
altitude is very dry, and it sucks the moisture out of
you at an alarming rate. I can tell you from
do not want to end up in a situation like that. If your
headache and/or nausea becomes severe you need
to descend as soon as safely possible. For much
more on this subject, please visit our write up on
Altitude Sickness.
Next, do not forget to take enough water when
heading for the summit. This means knowing your
needs. Some people need 7 or 8 quarts of water, or
more (to go from Trail Camp to the summit and
back), while others need much less. The air at high
altitude is very dry, and it sucks the moisture out of
you at an alarming rate. I can tell you from
experience that running out of water is no fun, and can be a painful and dangerous experience if the
dehydration becomes severe enough. Getting enough water also helps avert altitude sickness.
Also, be prepared for high winds, cold, and possible late afternoon thunderstorms. A hiker/climber can
quickly be put into a life threatening situation if improperly prepared for bad weather.
Next, is lightening. If you detect a thunderstorm developing, vacate the summit and high ridges at once. The
first recorded fatality on Mt Whitney was due to lightening.
Many inexperienced hikers come to Mt Whitney each year and try for the summit only to end up in pain and
failure. As mentioned on the main Whitney page, 2 out of 3 people who attempt the summit do not make it,
and an unfortunate few over the years have lost their lives. So be safe and have a great adventure. But don't
take the mountain for granted. High altitude is serious business.
The following is from the US Inyo National Forest site:
By any route, climbing Mt. Whitney is difficult and potentially dangerous. Every year visitors become sick,
injured; and sometimes die. Almost all illnesses, injuries and fatalities occur on Mt. Whitney’s "easiest" routes,
including the Mt. Whitney Trail and the Mountaineers Route. Relative to the number of visitors, the number
of rescue missions at Mt. Whitney is disproportionately high. The following elements are recurrent factors in
incidents that occur at Mt. Whitney:
Disclaimer: This is by no means a complete list of all the dangers in the mountains. Mountaineering is
inherently dangerous. If you venture into the outdoors to undertake any activity, you assume all risks and
responsibilities for yourself and your party. Get proper training, and go with others who are experienced. And
remember, no mountain is worth your life.
dehydration becomes severe enough. Getting enough water also helps avert altitude sickness.
Also, be prepared for high winds, cold, and possible late afternoon thunderstorms. A hiker/climber can
quickly be put into a life threatening situation if improperly prepared for bad weather.
Next, is lightening. If you detect a thunderstorm developing, vacate the summit and high ridges at once. The
first recorded fatality on Mt Whitney was due to lightening.
Many inexperienced hikers come to Mt Whitney each year and try for the summit only to end up in pain and
failure. As mentioned on the main Whitney page, 2 out of 3 people who attempt the summit do not make it,
and an unfortunate few over the years have lost their lives. So be safe and have a great adventure. But don't
take the mountain for granted. High altitude is serious business.
The following is from the US Inyo National Forest site:
By any route, climbing Mt. Whitney is difficult and potentially dangerous. Every year visitors become sick,
injured; and sometimes die. Almost all illnesses, injuries and fatalities occur on Mt. Whitney’s "easiest" routes,
including the Mt. Whitney Trail and the Mountaineers Route. Relative to the number of visitors, the number
of rescue missions at Mt. Whitney is disproportionately high. The following elements are recurrent factors in
incidents that occur at Mt. Whitney:
- Snow and ice (significant factor in fatalities)
- Weather (significant factor in fatalities due to Hypothermia)
- Exhaustions and Altitude Sickness, signs and symptoms of illness are ignored (extremely common)
- Obvious hazards ignored or not recognized
- Poor judgment
- Simple stumbles and falls (many times due to exhaustion and lack of Conditioning)
Disclaimer: This is by no means a complete list of all the dangers in the mountains. Mountaineering is
inherently dangerous. If you venture into the outdoors to undertake any activity, you assume all risks and
responsibilities for yourself and your party. Get proper training, and go with others who are experienced. And
remember, no mountain is worth your life.
For More Photos &Further Information On Mt Whitney Please Check Out The Below Links
Base Camp Getting Started Trailhead Trail Guide
Trail Crest East Face Route Summit Aerial View
Whitney Slide Show
For Additional peaks and information on the Sierra Nevada. Click HERE.
For a Photo Gallery featuring the Sierra range. Click HERE.
Or if you are looking for answers to the deeper things in life, try the Ultimate Journey
Base Camp Getting Started Trailhead Trail Guide
Trail Crest East Face Route Summit Aerial View
Whitney Slide Show
For Additional peaks and information on the Sierra Nevada. Click HERE.
For a Photo Gallery featuring the Sierra range. Click HERE.
Or if you are looking for answers to the deeper things in life, try the Ultimate Journey