Mt Whitney - IN A DAY - Up Mountaineer's/Down Standard

Mt Whitney - IN A DAY - Up Mountaineer's/Down Standard - Hike Guide

Рет қаралды 36,965

Күн бұрын

This guide covers a day hike up Mt Whitney, the highest peak in the lower 48 of the USA and California. I took the Mountaineer's route up and then the standard Mt Whitney Trail down. This is a destination hike and one I would highly recommend. This was filmed in October with a reservation I snagged the week of the hike. Read the full guide for tips on the reservation system!
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0:00 -17:04 Mountaineer's Route
17:05 - 27:49 Standard Trail

Пікірлер: 113

@TheVirtualSherpa Жыл бұрын

For a free guide on this hike + tips for avoiding the lottery, head here: www.thevirtualsherpa.com/mt-whitney-day-hike-guide/

@randygonzalez5758 Жыл бұрын

Easily the best Mt Whitney MR video I’ve seen to date. Thank you times a million for grading the climbs (class 2 vs 3 vs 4) u encountered on the way up. All the other MR videos seem to not include that crucial info. Thx again, and cheers to you

@TheVirtualSherpa Жыл бұрын

Cheers Randy - no problem, glad you found it helpful.

@johngood542 Жыл бұрын

Excellent video. For reference: The summit plaque (dating to 1930) lists the elevation as 14,496.811 ft. Over the years, the mountain has been measured multiple times in various ways, producing various results; the currently accepted figure is 14,500.8 ft. Mt Elbert (highest point in Colorado) is 14,440 ft - so just 60 ft less than Mt Whitney.

@stevecox8576 Жыл бұрын

I really enjoyed following along with you on this loop. I know that most people do the Mountaineer’s route-which I’ve never attempted-in two days, camping overnight at (I believe) Boy Scout Lake, then climbing the chute the next day. I’d never imagined someone doing it as a loop (especially not being familiar with the route!), and in one day, no less. You make it look almost “easy” and straightforward; but I know you’ve gotta have solid route finding skills, be competent on Class 3 rock, and be WELL acclimatized to pull this off in such “no sweat” fashion. Bravo, and thanks for the excellent, entertaining-and informative!-documentary.

@TheVirtualSherpa Жыл бұрын

Thanks Steve, really appreciate the kind words.

@frankiehands Жыл бұрын

I drove by this on 395 on my way to Yosemite and said "Damn, I have to see that up close" and after watching this video I plan to do it sooner than later!!

@krissmith2004 Жыл бұрын

That was exciting,surprising and educational. You made it look very easy. My bet is that few people would take the mountaineer route “solo”, so kudos for the badassery.

@TheRealZenman Жыл бұрын

I did that hike and many others when I was a teenager. Loved to hike but my feet fell apart. Seeing your video brought me so much joy. So many great hikes and destinations in California.

@Miderguy_ Жыл бұрын

I really like this channel. I recently had a major medical scare and it woke me up. Hiking has taken the forefront in my life again. Back in the day when I was an avid hiker we didn't have the internet to find hikes and collect data. I enjoy your videos to see if I am able to do these hikes or not. Plus they are just fun to watch. Thanks man. Keep them coming.

@jamman3131 Жыл бұрын

Awesome job as always, keep up the great work!

@andrewstephens9843 Жыл бұрын

This is on my bucket list! Thanks for doing this video!

@RandallsReviews Жыл бұрын

Incredible. Thank you for all the hiking videos you do. They are excellent sources of information that use quite frequently.

@jakekaiser1399 Жыл бұрын

My favorite time of the year to do Whitney !

@dearmountains3431 Жыл бұрын

Wow what a hike this was such beauty!! Incredible views. Great video showcasing the beauty of great nature! Thanks for sharing! Be safe on your adventure👍👍👍

@marcump Жыл бұрын

Thanks for documenting this.. my plans are for next summer 2023

@StandardLoop Жыл бұрын

Amazing video. Inspirational

@adamhenby317 Жыл бұрын

Thanks mick. That looked amazing. After the Colorado 14ers that’s high on my list.

@ttmallard Жыл бұрын

Awesome, on a bike tour got to hike it & back one day late fall, happy to see the mountaineer trail, very cool vid for that. Cheers 🍺🍺🍺

@JillianCampsArizona Жыл бұрын

Beautiful shots, I’m definitely taking notes from you for the slot canyon trail guides, trying to make them for Arizona! 😊

@jasonthomas16 Жыл бұрын

Loved this. I think from videos and what I’ve read people prefer this route in winter because of how loose it it in spots. Great video

@zacharywalsh6917 Жыл бұрын

Awesome video! Hopefully I’ll make it out there one day. Next week I’ll be in Colorado doing pikes and Elbert with much help from your guides. Thanks!

@sammiesasquatch Жыл бұрын

Dude I wanted to do this route so badly! Thanks for capturing it on video Sherps!

@geoffswyka1143 Жыл бұрын

Strong work!

@henketooraw Жыл бұрын

Was waiting for this one! So sick 🔥

@aliensoup2420 Жыл бұрын

I did this route in late Sept. of 2006 when the Mountaineer's Rt. did not require a permit. I had a permit for the main trail, so I used that to go down. There was more snow then, but this year is in a drought. I had difficulty finding a way out of the Moraine to Iceberg Lake because the ledges were still iced over. At 7:28, I took the rocky slope on the left to the minor notch in front of the shadow. The slope you took was covered in snow. The hard part for me was the scree slope just before the crest at the big notch. I took the first chute, or "final 400" to the summit, which was not difficult, but ironically, I was flummoxed at the very last 8 feet trying to get up a wall. I completed the hike in 16 hrs - 10 up and 6 down.

@PilotEJ401 Жыл бұрын

Nice to see you're in better general fitness than a few years ago look healthy 👍

@jasonenglish458 Жыл бұрын

Great POV footage

@richh650 Жыл бұрын

Looking down from the foot of Mt. Whitney to the eastern valley results in one of the highest vertical reliefs as well, unlike many of the Colorado 14ers that have a base of over 8000 feet. Well done sir!

@steveross1260 Ай бұрын

Oct. 10, 2000 we got hit with a white out blizzard about a half mile from the summit. Grateful to have made it out. Great video thanks.

@dperry7309 Жыл бұрын

Great video!

@rayserrato9519 8 ай бұрын

Thanks so much for the video!

@bendaniels8572 3 ай бұрын

That was awesome man. I plan on summiting Whitney this year via mountaineers route. Another climb I’m doing this season will be Black Kaweah in Sequoia.

@Farallonjoe Жыл бұрын

Nicely done. If you go low from there down to Bubbs creek, your mind will also be blown.

@dancer1 Жыл бұрын

I see you hustling bro keep putting in the work and editing you will make it!

@dancer1 Жыл бұрын

I do recommend making a patreon

@rawveganfoodforthought2333 Жыл бұрын

Make it to what?

@marvinwhisman3333 5 ай бұрын

Nice free climb Alex

@JamesRobertSmith Жыл бұрын

This was a great video.

@trailkrum6750 Жыл бұрын

Next time you’re up there, you ought to tag Mt Muir, an easy short class 3 from the crest trail. It offers an outstanding view of the crest and summit block.

@TheVirtualSherpa Жыл бұрын

I know, I realized that after - so so stupid not to snag Muir

@MileHighGrowler Жыл бұрын

Did the Main Mt Whitney Trail (MMWT) about 13 years ago and as a day hike it's an absolute endurance test (and really sucks on the joints by the end). Would love to get back someday to do the mountaineer route. I'd always heard it was intense and frightening so seeing this footage gave a very realistic idea of what to expect! Living in CO now there are lots of opportunities for practice, too :)

@gregparrott Жыл бұрын

I believe the 5.7 route is what a friend uses. It branches off to the left of the gulley and ascends the east face. It is not that technical, but has two particularly noteworthy features. First, finding the correct route (unmarked) is difficult. One can waste a LOT of time either backtracking in search of it, or be forced into more technical ascents. Second, a key move is known as the 'Fresh Air Traverse', which entails a brief, but VERY exposed traverse.

@justrione Жыл бұрын

Thank you thank you

@steventhaw3765 Жыл бұрын

You were on the John Muir Trail from summit to Trail Crest!

@smileyhappyradio 2 ай бұрын

No way I would do this after watching this and other videos. Thanks for the good beta. Congratulations just the same!

@mickeybrumfield764 Жыл бұрын

Have never been up the mountaineering route it really doesn't look that enticing. Always enjoy day hiking up the smooth and consistent standard route where you can get a pace going and move right along. Always feel good on the way down but seems to be longer down in spite of the ease. Good video.

@TheVirtualSherpa Жыл бұрын

Without snow, I wouldn't recommend it. With snow, I am sure its a blast. Beautiful terrain all around though.

@XxxUnderestimatedxxX Жыл бұрын

Was wondering when you’d take this on, great video!

@TheVirtualSherpa Жыл бұрын

Thanks Vince, was fortunate to snag this one this year - wasn't in the plans a month ago!

@XxxUnderestimatedxxX Жыл бұрын

@@TheVirtualSherpa nice! I was reading your trail guide, didn’t realize you could still get spots if you didn’t get one in the lottery. Also, I just happened to notice that it looks like the gpx recording is currently the tour de abyss one instead of the Whitney one.

@TheVirtualSherpa Жыл бұрын

@@XxxUnderestimatedxxX yeah absolutely not the only way, highly recommend just refreshing the permit page for the dates you want. Can also go starting tomorrow through May 1st as the permits are unlimited

@5MillCity Жыл бұрын

Before it got light enough, I thought you were wearing orange micro shorts. I’m just glad light told the truth. 😂😅. Another great guide! Happy Halloween!

@Tastewithnewdrinks Жыл бұрын

Awesome

@charlesbromberick4247 10 ай бұрын

Nice job - tks

@J1997 Жыл бұрын

You mentioned Boundary Peak. I also did that at the same time as Whitney and man what a difference. Loved Whitney, hated Boundary.

@TheVirtualSherpa Жыл бұрын

😂 same. Next week’s video and there was a reason I wanted to swap the order

@benjamingust-kl6nc Жыл бұрын

This was the most brutal hike my cousins and I did(because of poor planning). Was a year of like 200% snowfall. Hiked in June or July and everyone had legit winter hiking gear like micro spikes, ice axe, etc… and we had sticks we found. Was snow basically the whole way up. Somehow made it up and down the chute. Was wild.

@jgalt99 Жыл бұрын

Boots alone are arguably better than micro spikes on steep snow. You can kick steps with boots, micro spikes will give you a false sense of security; if you turn your ankle or start to slip with spikes they can twist right off your boots. Better still would be light crampons, there are aluminum ones out there which are super light weight and good insurance to just throw in your pack if you're unsure of the conditions. Micro spikes are really only advisable on relatively flat terrain where the main hazard is slipping on ice.

@rugged9769 Жыл бұрын

Great combo route to Whitney in a day. Before long you will be finishing all 14ers in lower 48

@TheVirtualSherpa Жыл бұрын

Probably a while - getting to the ones in CA is not very easy for me but will def be back to explore more in the Sierras

@LifeAtHighAltitude Жыл бұрын

I camp at upper Boy scout lake and did Whitney's Mountaineer route one day and Mt Russel the next

@TheVirtualSherpa Жыл бұрын

Nice - that makes sense on what that other social trail up there was 👍🏽

@LifeAtHighAltitude Жыл бұрын

I think you'd like Mt Russell's East ridge

@AdamJPaul89 Жыл бұрын

I did this exact route in May and had a near death experience in the final chute as three basketball sized rocks whizzed by my head at what seemed to be +100mph, started by something like 9:35. At that time the chute was still snowed in, except for the last ~200ft. The chute is very long, and I couldn't even see the party above me, so a callout wouldn't have mattered. I implore anyone who does this route to be super careful. Also, with snow, you have crampons on, so footing is much more secure in exposed areas like 11:40 (if you know how to walk with crampons on). People have died in that spot, so it's important to have some prior experience if you do go earlier in the season. If I had to do it again, I'd still go early season (April-May), but would've glissaded down the chute next to the 99 switchbacks on the standard route. The switchbacks were extremely exposed in areas since that face was still covered in snow.

@TheVirtualSherpa Жыл бұрын

Glad you are okay - I can 100% imagine what a dangerous situation it would be with other people in front of you - especially if they weren’t super experienced. Agree, like I touched on towards the end of the video, this route really should be done with snow for the most safety and fun.

@aliensoup2420 Жыл бұрын

If you are referring to the "final 400" above the notch, to the summit, I had a similar experience. Although it was not close, some hikers above me dislodged a soccer ball sized rock and yelled a warning. I was on a secure ledge and darted to the side, but the rock was far enough away not to be a threat. That chute is not a difficult climb, but definitely worthy of caution.

@AdamJPaul89 Жыл бұрын

@@aliensoup2420 mine was actually still in the main chute, about 13,500. I was so spooked that I skipped the final 400 and went the long way around. It was also partially snow covered when I went, and I was by myself.

@ianholl9100 Жыл бұрын

So fortunate. We were denied the lotto this year. Maybe next year.

@TheVirtualSherpa Жыл бұрын

Read my tips on the lotto - its NOT the end of your journey if you don't get it. Admittedly, some flexibility is required.

@timothykaye2902 Жыл бұрын

Well done. I enjoy all of your video work. One comment: you included Evans/Bierstaad file in write up and not Mt. Whitney. Thanks for taking us along on your adventures.

@TheVirtualSherpa Жыл бұрын

It’s been updated thanks 👍🏽

@Foxyfreedom Жыл бұрын

I’ve done the standard route. I can’t imagine doing this route in the summer. I’ll take my crampons and ice axe up.

@justrione Жыл бұрын

Heck yes

@rawveganfoodforthought2333 Жыл бұрын

Crazy. You looked like you had more energy when you finished than when you started! 😂

@TheVirtualSherpa Жыл бұрын

😂 a 3AM wake up call will do that to ya

@davisbenn2179 Жыл бұрын

Great loop - definitely going to try this one out when we move out west. How much of the trail back could you run?

@TheVirtualSherpa Жыл бұрын

If you are looking to run it - probably 95+ percent. The trail is in great condition and not very technical.

@ezradboa1681 Жыл бұрын

Happy halloween

@gregparrott Жыл бұрын

Nice video P.S. The lake at 9:22 is Iceberg lake

@plerickson 8 ай бұрын

20:36 That is the summit of Mt. Muir behind you (obvious pyramid shaped peak), another California 14er at 14,018 ft.

@eddy0083 Жыл бұрын

Awesome terrain! Have you ever considered doing voiceovers for parts with muffled audio/wind?

@TheVirtualSherpa Жыл бұрын

I do my best to avoid the wind, including a muff on the camera but sometimes it sneaks through.

@djd__998 Жыл бұрын

Super cool terrain, was wondering if you were doing all the state highpoints

@TheVirtualSherpa Жыл бұрын

Not the goal - but the ones that involve a mountain maybe. Just like exploring new areas 👍🏽

@djd__998 Жыл бұрын

@@TheVirtualSherpa def some differences between whitney and the high points in places like Kansas. Vids on Elbert, Katahdin or even denali are really cool though.

@TheVirtualSherpa Жыл бұрын

@@djd__998 check out my state high points playlist - got a bunch on there and another one coming next week

@steventhaw3765 Жыл бұрын

JOHN MUIR'S Mountaineers Route!!!

@jadejou17 4 ай бұрын

Great video. What time did you start in the morning?

@bennettbiggs478 Жыл бұрын

That’s so incredible you were able to do it in a day! Great Job! How long ago did you get a Whitney zone permit?

@TheVirtualSherpa Жыл бұрын

Snagged it a few weeks before I hiked. Check out the full guide for tips on how to get a permit.

@bennettbiggs478 Жыл бұрын

Great, thanks!

@bradboyer5288 Жыл бұрын

Witney was brutally long for me. Have you done mt rainier yet? I have climbed 30 14ers crestone peak as my hardest. I need rainer to het the top 10 highest in the lower 48. Stage 4 cancer and then corona destroyed my legs so im trying to make a comeback to climb a few more. Stay safe up there!

@TheVirtualSherpa Жыл бұрын

Not yet, but hopefully soon. Glad to hear you are still battling despite the obstacles!

@pw2883 Жыл бұрын

Hi Sherpa! Excellent video! It seems to me you always challenge yourself by taking difficult routes. In this case it is the Mountaineer’s trail in a day. This is the U.S. Army Ranger way of doing things. Rangers lead the way!

@steventhaw3765 Жыл бұрын

Real fourteeners in California!

@williamjensen365 Жыл бұрын

I have forgotten how many switchbacks there are on that trail, but I'm certain it's over 90!

@randygonzalez5758 Жыл бұрын

Just from trail camp up to trail crest has 99 switchbacks

@stevenvazquez1644 Жыл бұрын

I’m relatively new when it comes to outdoor climbing - is that summit push pretty standard class 3?

@TheVirtualSherpa Жыл бұрын

I would say so - fairly low Class 3. What made it challenging was the amount of loose rock and bits of snow mixed in. Usually, you are hoping for more solid rock so you don't have to fear for your life or those around you when grabbing/stepping on every single piece of rock.

@dmbeaster 2 ай бұрын

To make it clear, THIS ROUTE REQUIRES A DAY HIKING PERMIT FOR WHITNEY. That is because the day use permit applies to any entry on the trail route. Hiking the mountaineers route as a day hike by itself does not require a permit for day use. Overnight use is the typical Inyo wilderness permit. Route finding for most of the route is easy because the use trail is fully developed. Still, it pays to read a route description. A few decades ago it was much more difficult as there was no meaningful use trail. It is a great route. It has a few short stretches of class 3. The other rock is class 2-3. There is no required class 4 to do this route. There is an option at 14,000 to avoid the steep chute to the summit, which is the trickiest rock section. You traverse westward along the top of the north face. The summit plateau drops as you go west, so the vertical distance steadily lessens as you traverse. The traverse is not difficult - broken rock and moderately sloping to the north, but it steepens quickly so stay as left as possible on traverse. There are other useful pointers about places on the route.

@steventhaw3765 Жыл бұрын

TUMANGUYO is the real name!!!

@warchieft2k Жыл бұрын

any tips on how to get the permit? i keep applying and never get it!

@TheVirtualSherpa Жыл бұрын

Check out the full write up 👍🏽 you absolutely do Not need to get in through the lottery

@gen1einthelens990 23 күн бұрын

that part where you had to do mountain climbing to get to the top.. is that part of the normal route?

@TheVirtualSherpa 23 күн бұрын

I believe this can be avoided if you head further right before I started climbing - can't guarantee that as that is the route direct but some other commenters have made that feedback.

@chrisread3415 9 ай бұрын

16 miles, 10 hours, round trip done at 7 times all conditions. No Permitis much Easier in winter

@frankblangeard8865 11 ай бұрын

If the section starting at 11:51 is class 3 then I am wondering what a class 4 would be. No one ever seems to claim that a climb is class 4 so I am wondering if class 4 even exists. Maybe climbs go directly from class 3 to class 5 and there is no class 4.

@TheVirtualSherpa 11 ай бұрын

High 3 and low 4 are so experience and opinion based. I’m sure you could make the case that some of those moves are class 4. I think what’s more important is that regardless of your line, there isn’t a straight up option of class 3 unless you really get lucky in picking your line.

@steventhaw3765 Жыл бұрын

Please it is SIERRA !!! John Muir's The Range of Light!!!

@dmbeaster 2 ай бұрын

From Iceberg Lake, it is a mistake to start up that awful gully as was done in this video. The rocks to the left are far superior and do not present any rock climbing challenge (almost entirely class 2 to 2-3; maybe a very short class 3 move). You only need to be around 100 yards left of the gully. This will not put you any into the steep rock that is the East Face route on Whitney. These rock ramps merge with the gully about half way up. The upper part of the gully is not as awful as the first section.

@TheVirtualSherpa 2 ай бұрын

Appreciate this comment, wish I knew this way back when I hiked!

@williamrowley4657 Жыл бұрын

I've been to the top..I took 2 days to do it..I can see doing it in a day but I'm inclined to wonder why would you want to..it is an amazing journey ..after taking 2 days ,upon returning I regretted not making an extended trip out of it..there are several trailheads that lead to the pacific crest from the Owen's Valley..my favorite was kearsarge pass near, independence..amazing country!