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July 2008
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So, my friends and I are headed to Mount Whitney the second week in September, lucky enough to get one of the last remaining permits. Having scaled 14ers in Colorado and the three SoCal peaks above 10,000 feet but never the crown jewel, I wondered what local hikes we could take to get prepared. And I found out that other folks are wondering too after seeing this recent Internet post asking which trails in the San Jacinto Mountains are good Whitney prepping. 
The Press-Enterprise/Caitlin M. Kelly
Mount Whitney looms to the right as runners make their way down the road through Owens Valley during the Badwater Ultramarathon in this July, 2005 photo.
By the way, REI in Rancho Cucamonga is holding another preparing for Whitney clinic later this month for those who want more tips. I plan to attend myself, and it's free so why not? I also consulted with Ralph Salisbury, outings chair of the local Sierra Club and avid hiker who has led many of the group's outings. Here's what Ralph suggested. On any of these, you should always bring the ten essentials, including layered clothing and plenty of water, specifically four quarts of water for most these listed hikes. And please add any more hikes you think might be worthy by posting a comment at the end of this entry. Most require an Adventure Pass for parking at the trailhead, and sometimes a permit if going into wilderness. Mileage is round-trip: Mount Wilson: San Bernardino East: Mount Baldy: Cucamonga Peak: San Gorgonio Peak: San Bernardino Peak: Mount San Jacinto: Ralph's notes: All hikes require wilderness permit except Old Mt. Wilson Trail, Baldy via Bear Canyon, Baldy via Ski Hut. Adventure Pass required for all hikes except: Old Mt. Wilson Trail, Baldy via Bear Canyon. 4 CommentsLeave a comment |
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My husband and I have attempted Whitney twice in the last 3 years and summited once. All I can recommend as a "sure thing" for preparing is the Stairmaster! Whitney is grueling switchbacks and high-stepping. Be sure to make the top by 1 pm to avoid afternoon storms.
Nothing really prepares you for the big ones but exposure to altitude surely does not hurt. Several days at higher elevation really pays off. It isn't local but a great prep hike is to do White Mountain just to the east of Bishop. It is California's 3rd highest peak at 14,247 feet but the trail is a bonus in that you start at about 12,000 feet and walk through barren alpine setting for 8 miles to get to the summit. The views are phenomenal stretching from Yosemite to Death Valley to Mount Whitney and the crest of the eastern Sierra is unbelievable. This hike is worth it even if you don't do it to prepare for Whitney.
My father and uncle and I did Whitney from the east about 10 years ago. I felt a great sense of accomplishment....until we were passed on the way down by a couple who were JOGGING from the trailhead to the summit and back.
i personally have not done mt. whitney, planning on doing it in august or september. my plan is to do all three southern calif. peaks (san jacinto, mt. baldy and san g.) then you can certainly do whitney. i think the only thing that might be an issue is handling the altitude. my thoughts on that is to make sure you bring excedrine. the san jacinto board is the best place to find out information though, its a great board.