The Last Road to Whitney- Bishop Pass to Whitney Portal, ~10 days, 2017
Details
THIS TRIP WILL BE SCHEDULE FOR AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2016.
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Photo: Eastern Sierras and ranch lands in early morning light, photo by Galen Rowell.
By the end of 2015, I will have seen much of the John Muir Trail (JMT). The only section left will be the route near Dousy Basin to Mt. Whitney and exiting at Whitney Portal. That’s approximately 100 miles of trail. Taking a moderate to leisure pace, it could be done in 10 days, 12 days. I think I can do it without a resupply but that will not be fun for others, might not be fun for me. So, lots to think about and decide. Therefore, I am putting this on the calendar early for planning purposes.
This trip will be open to 6-8 people, maybe a little more or little less depending on interest. The limiting factor will be finding suitable campsites for the group along the way and my desire to lessen our impact at a site while we are there. Come talk to me if you are interested as I may not open the event to RSVPs if the trip fills up early. Please know that this will be a strenuous hike with lots of climbing at elevation with some days being longer than others. And, as always, I must know you personally to be a strong hiker, an experienced backpacker with demonstrated skill, AND someone who will enjoy the experience with a group (very important).
Our route will take us over Bishop Pass down through Dousy Basin where we will intersect the JMT. From here we will wend our way south passing though high meadows and high passes on our way to Whitney Portal. Along the way, we’ll see the west side of the Palisades, Rea Lakes, sneak a peek at Kearsarge Pass (someday I’ll hike that), and climb over Glen Pass and Forester Pass. And then, we’ll walk through Bighorn Plataeu on our way to Mt. Whitney where we will camp at the base of the mountain’s western facet before the brutal climb.
This trip will complete my tour of the JMT and it will also be my first trip to Mt. Whitney’s summit. But the best part of the hike will be the burger and fries waiting for us at the General Store at Whitney Portal :-)