Mount Whitney - To the Summit of Mt. Whitney and Back

[jimmyt1222]

ooooohh das wasssup!

[airsquad1]

Hello I Pray You folks had crampons on your shoes,You have to be very CAREFUL of Icechute and Chimney canyons.Does anyone want to Hike Mt.SanGorneo or Mt.SanJancinto very soon? I have hiked them both several times,Lets go Hike them.Cheerios 2 all.

[middletech]

I hope you hung out at the portal for a few days. To climb to the top when you were use to the seal level amount of air the day before would get you so sick they might have to send a rescue crew.

[BeepimajeepBeep]

@middletech This is an extremely easy hike, probably the easiest 15,000ft mountains in the world.

[DEEHARDONE]

Just climbed Mt.Whitney Sept 11....and we had whiteout conditions all the way back from the summit to the bottom of the switchbacks. Still an awesome experience.

[Iwillvibrateonyou]

Went up that bad Jesus in 1969. We did not have the equipment that we have now. I was only 13 yrs old. Got to the 13,377 portal. I was sick.

[BarefootArizona]

"The mountains are calling and I must go."

-John Muir

[BarefootArizona]

I'm going to hike that barefoot.

[bbc12377]

for me the mountaineers route was a lot easier after getting altitude sickness and passing out at 0:43 on the regular trail, but it sure is an experience

[Randomstlhero]

Its actually 14 505 ft but still a great vid

[joen1369]

@Randomstlhero You're absolutely right. I just put that because the plaque on the peak of Mount Whitney said, "Elevation 14,496.811 FT". I read they got that measurement from older vertical datum from 1929.

[Randomstlhero]

@joen1369 I figured but just wanted to mention it lol

[CallToArms37]

you guys made it look so easy.... and the music choice was perfect!

[afterthefact15]

it may be the tallest but man the looks really easy. Try Rainier in Washington now that's a climb.

[CallToArms37]

@afterthefact15 Look up "Mount Whitney - Failed Attempt"... you'd be surprised just how long and grueling this hike really is

[1994Juggernaut]

did he have a beer? or was that a pot for an alcohol stove?

[joen1369]

@1994Juggernaut

Yup, it was beer. We brought beer and Taco Bell to the summit.

[askate4food]

@joen1369 perfect



[mountainwonline]

Nice work on the Video!

[1AceDeuce]

Is it too late to go this year without a permit? Is it harder than Half Dome? Thanks!

[joen1369]

@1AceDeuce I think Half Dome is a more technically difficult hike, but with Mount Whitney, you have to deal with the altitude and the greater distance of the hike.

[pqshindelus]

@1AceDeuce I've done both and I'd say both are tougher than the other in different ways. Whitney is longer, at much higher altitude, and you're exposed to the sunlight almost the entire trip. Half Dome was shorter but much steeper, and a lot of the trail is covered in trees to shield you from sunlight. Plus there are a TON more people on the Half Dome trail on any given day than the Whitney Portal trail. Overall I'd have to say Whitney is slightly harder, but they were both hard.

[drummtb333]

@1AceDeuce half dome is easy compared to this. just because of the altitude and length.

[ItsDamianLOL]

@1AceDeuce I have gone three years in a row and never got a permit beforehand. I've always gone to the Visitors center and picked up a day pass which are 95% always available due to cancellations. If you want to go, go, don't worry about whether or not you have a pass until you get there. There are ALWAYS cancellations.

[1AceDeuce]

@ItsDamianLOL Thanks now I have to time to not be a fat ass for the trek :)

[ItsDamianLOL]

@1AceDeuce I wouldnt suggest COUNTING ON DAY PASSES BEING AVAILABLE. It depends on how many are in your Group. The times I have gone where I got day passes the day before were when I had 4 or less in a my group. The best tme to go for great weather in the second to thrid week of Sept. I have three videos on my Channel of my Whitney Summits, one Half Dome, one San Jacinto.

[brilheaint]

@1AceDeuce you must have a permit to enter the whitney area

[chargers9221]

We got a lucjy draw out of the blue for a day hike yesterday. started at 2:45am and finished at 7:15. The best worst mistake I have ever made. If I hear the word switchback I will jump off my house. Congrats!!!

[GeneralAmeli0]

@chargers9221 lol that's intense

[joshyoungail]

First... how can I get a permit? Who do I need to talk to? 2nd, is there any way to buy someone elses permit from them? 3rd how likely areyou to get caught without one? I am leaving for Marine boot camp on August 30th and I MUST climb this mountain before I leave.

[frendo21]

i climbed this mt in the 60s with my dad and 2 bros, we had a great time, took one day

[soydebajamexico]

So you need a permit just to climb? mmm how long does it take to get one?

[joen1369]

@soydebajamexico Yes, you need a permit. It's a lottery system where you have to apply on February of the year you wish to obtain the permit. Cost is $15/person. But there is no guarantee that will get to climb the day that you apply for.

[ItsDamianLOL]

@joen1369 I've gone three times and always got a day pass at the Visitors Center the day of. There are so many cancellations.

[PetPiv]

the video is very well done....thanks for sharing ! doing mt.whitney in 2 weeks...

[RUfaggle]

As an eigth grader I climbed to the mount whitney portal in July 6,1969, We did not have the lastest equipment at that time. The only thing that we were told was don't step on the shale or you might slip to your death. There were whistling marmots. There were no trash laws at that time. We could see Death valley and Fresno at the same time.

[Hillaker1231]

We got a one day permit for July. This will be fun after the Grand Canyon!

[Eyepod24]

Great vid! I just received notification that I've been approved for an overnighter on July 1. Did they have the "pack your poop" then? how did that work out?

[joen1369]

@Eyepod24 We were lucky there were restrooms back in 2006. Yeah, that sucks to have to haul your poop around with you nowadays.

[auegg]

You shouldnt cross snowfields with those shoes.

[BigChampDaddy]

Nice vid! I did this hike when I was 7 years old in 1979, brings back a lot of memories. We camped somewhere just before the summit and the marmots ate a hole through our tent while we were gone! Also, did you guys suffer any physical problems going up and back so fast? We took 3 days to get to the top and 2 to get down. I remember seeing guys looking like rabid dogs trying to go up and back as fast as possible!

[joen1369]

We felt pretty good throughout the hike. We had trained pretty hard for 2 months prior. The nice thing about going up and down in one day is that there's a lot less to gear to carry with you.

[mazameli]

Did this last year in a day, too. We got to the trail head so crazy early. Really awesome hike. Those switchbacks are brutal.

[juliuscastillojr]

Hi joen1369. Today (Feb 1st) I just submitted an application for the permit. Hopefully we'll get picked in the Lottery. I just wanna ask what date of the year did you climb?

[joen1369]

We went July 1, 2006. Good luck getting a permit to hike! You're going to have a lot of fun.

[trwent]

It is "Whitney Portal", NOT "Mt. Whitney Portal".

[joen1369]

You're right. I feel better now that I know that.

[steveo72990]

Haha, Sapporo and Fosters, nice summit drink. Are you allowed to camp on the summit? This peak has been on my list.

Cheers

[joen1369]

Yeah, the beers were a nice way to celebrate at the top.

Nope, camping at the peak isn't allowed. There's actually only a few camp sites you're allowed to camp on the way up the mountain.

[separatee7]

Yes, camping is allowed on the top. There's a few rockwalls, scattered around the summit to protect your tent from high winds and it gets really cold at night too. There's no water sources on the top. Plan accordingly.

[IconicFigure21]

@steveo72990 no there are a few campsites along the trail... but u have to get this stupid permit now... fucking government taxes you for everything... its worth it though...

[TornAsunder666]

i wanna climb this next summer with my youth group. my question is if its safe to spend the night there???

[joen1369]

It is as safe or safer than any campsite in California. The only animals I ever saw there were Marmots. You will be required to rent a small bear box to hold your food. As for other hikers and campers, due to the restricted number of hikers/campers that are allowed on the mountain at a time, it is one of the safer locations to camp. The only real potential danger at Mount Whitney would be the terrain and weather. Which both won't be an issue with proper preparation.

[joen1369]

Also, if you're planning on camping there, make sure you get your reservation request in by Feb. 1st. It is a lottery system and if you don't get your request in early, you probably won't get a camping permit.

[HeavyMetalMen4Life]

its compleatly safe, i camped near constilation lake, the wind was howling and me made it out quite alright, although i recomend one day, worst night sleep of my life

[gph168]

how do I get the music?

[joen1369]

Here is the artist's info:

Artist: Dax Johnson

Song: Through the Storm

Album: The Random and the Purpose

[hen750rr]

i dont think its 99 switvch backs, its 97 switch backs. this mountain was pretty amazing, jus came back from it,

[pb3ch]

Beautiful! Thanks for sharing. The music makes the hike seem epic. 5/5

[joen1369]

Thanks for the kind words!

[Daschett]

congrats awesome hike, i plan on doing it with some friends next summer, did any of you experience any altitude sickness while climbing?

[joen1369]

We didn't get sick, but a lot of people on the trail weren't doing very well. If you're sensitive to altitude, ask your doctor about taking Diamox. From what I've read, it does a good job preventing and treating altitude sickness.

[joen1369]

Haven't hiked Northern Cal yet. I want to hike Mount Shasta someday. Snow camping would be awesome!

[thicknecked]

With full pack, take 3 days. Tried to rush it once and climbed to trail camp from sleeping at sea level (night before) in 1 day ..both of us got splitting headaches and dropped to Mirror Lake where the air felt thick and rich. Mountaineers route is way better than humping the endless trail.

[19surfer88]

I'll be hiking it this weekend for the second time. 1st time i did was when i was 15. It should be a great experience and an enjoyable break from the fast paced city life.

[joen1369]

This was the 2nd time for me too. The first time, we camped overnight, but it seemed like there was too much gear to carry. I preferred doing the single day hike because there wasn't much to carry up and down the mountain. Good luck this weekend!

[Shine70]

Great Video! 6 of us are planing the hike in late Sept. Any suggestions? I was a bit shocked to see that much snow in July.

[joen1369]

I would suggest training at least 2 months before the hike. Mt. Baldy is an excellent trail for training. It really helps to be in top shape before the hike. The trail is technically really easy, but the distance really drains you. The better shape you're in, the easier the hike.

[mikealope]

was the weather cold the whole time, or just above the trees & near the summit?

[joen1369]

It was warm most of the time. It got really cold when the wind would pick up, but as quickly as it got cold, it would warm up again. Brought several layers of clothes to deal with the temperature changes.

[amaleksalehi]

Great work! Super video, fun, music...clips are just makin me wanna get out there! Keep climbing :)

[jaymz300]

nice job. well made video.

[anilomd]

I like your video. You chose good music. Bless you for not adding anything annoying for the music, like the speed metal you often in mountaineering videos.

I plan to hike Mt. Baldy this summer then Whitney next year or sooner. Then, I hope to summit Everest in (?)..

[seecoolguy]

Best Mt Whitney Video I've ever seen

[austint696]

I would have made to the top in one day when I was 11, but my brother made us go back at 14,000

[calparri]

ugh, great music for a hiking/trekking video.

[cmarcallen]

Good video, but don't know why a booty club song is used as a soundtrack for something out in nature like this. I just climbed my first mountain a week ago, Mt. Baldy over L.A. at just over 10,000ft. Hopefully next Mt. Gorgornio and then on to Whitney. Whitney looks brutal.

[Wedrowanie]

Whitney is not brutal...easy path leading to the top. I'd suggest doing this in two days though - so your body has time to adjust to the altitude. Have fun and be safe! :D

Great video!

[coastieshak]

Highly suggest not doing this in one day unless you're really in shape or want to have fun. People who say they had fun doing it in one day are liars... they're just glad its over.

[joen1369]

One thing for sure...I was definitely glad it was over. Nothing better than having pizza and beer in Lone Pine after the hike.

[emambru]

I just did this. There were way more than 99 switchbacks. Those were a BITCH!!

[live2snowboard05]

Nice Video. I hiked Whitney yesterday, July

20th. Beautiful view up top..I even got a shirt. "The Big One in One Day!"

[BlueCloudProductions]

what time did you start climbing

how long did it take?

Nice Video!

[BlueCloudProductions]

sorry dont respond to me

i need to read before i ask!

Nice Video!

[gracie310]

NOthing more inspires me than watching this video over and over again. I love it! Can't wait to hike the trails in July. By the way, "What's the name of this song?" Im loving it.

[joen1369]

Glad you enjoyed the video. Here's the info on the song:

Artist: Fort Minor

Song: Remember the name

Album: The Rising Tied

Good luck hiking in July!

[itsmebthi]

great video & music! really made me look forward to my trip in June 08! thanks for sharing

[Afaceinthematrix]

Wow, you guys did it from Whitney Portal? I did it from the backside and came out at Whitney Portal. I think the way you did it is harder; nice job!

[joen1369]

Isn't the back side a lot steeper? That must have been a tough hike also! All of us had trained together for 6 weeks before the hike so we kept a pretty constant brisk pace throughout the hike.

[shutupjustin]

actually its not as step as the portal its just a lot longer I think its around 50 miles if you go that way.

[MissLuise]

nice I am planning to go in january for more extreme conditions, I like the idea of snow and bigger challenge =)

[TallSky]

You kids should be proud. (I say kids for being 50 yrs.) Good work.

[joen1369]

Thanks!  It was definitely a challenge.

[treyflip3]

i did it on 8 2 07 im 11 hehehe

[badderthanyou]

Nice. A lot of snow for July. We just did it on 8-4-07. A real gut buster.

[joen1369]

Lots snow, but it was melting fast. Definitely one of the toughest things I've done. Congrats on doing it in 1 day.

[bd36576]

Hey, bro. Great submission. Were any of those snow sections icy? We are doing a 1 day ascent this weekend and will be bringing crampons just in case. Good on ya for killing that climb!

[joen1369]

Not too icy, mainly snow...but then again, it was in July. I would definitely bring crampons this early in the season. Good luck!

[359672]

Awesome video!

[joen1369]

Thanks!

[HosedLegs]

Awesome! I climbed Whitney back in '93 and your footage really took me back! The images from my climb will forever be burned in my mind...but its great to relive it through the eyes of your camera! Well done!!

[joen1369]

Thanks! I'm glad you enjoyed watching it.

[aperez999]

Nice, hike, video and music. What's the name of the artist/song?

[joen1369]

Artist: Fort Minor

Song: Remember the name

Album: The Rising Tied

[milesx5]

Motivating and awe inspiring! The challenge awaits me.

[firedawn]

Very cool!

[GuyEnergy]

Well done. Both the video, as well as the successful summit attempt. We're planning a Mt. Whitney summit hike next year.

Btw what kind of camera did you use to acquire your footage? Did you regret hauling it up the mountain?

Also, what did you use for producing the video? IMovie?

Thanks.

[joen1369]

Thanks. I used a Sony Cybershot DSC-M1. Pretty small camera that does Digital Hi-8 at 30 frames/sec. It also takes 5.1 megapixel images all in one unit. A 2GB memory stick does 90 min. of video. I used Microsoft Moviemaker (built in software with XP) to make the movie.

[GuyEnergy]

Thanks for the reply. Again, great job on the video. And hauling beer to the summit was a nice touch.

[TonyPadilla]

Not bad. Especially considering you did Whitney as a day hike in patchy snow conditions--something that's killed a few people in the past. Did you puke? ;)

[joen1369]

Nope, didn't puke. Actually brought up some beer and Taco Bell to the top.

[TonyPadilla]

Truly, you're a sick man.

[Wreckingcrew05]

Very nice. I'm hoping to give Whitney a try next summer from the Whitney portal, probably won't be doing it in one day though.

[joen1369]

Good Luck.