We were out of camp at 6AM, headed to the summit of Mount Whitney and then down to Whitney Portal.

Looking across at sunrise over the Kaweahs.

As we climbed higher, so did the sun. The clouds lingered again, signaling more afternoon weather, but we were early enough in the day that it likely wouldn’t matter too much.

The storm the previous day had managed to drop enough snow and hail on Mount Whitney that the trail remained covered. Fortunately this trail is easy enough to navigate, even with some snow.

We stashed most of our gear at Trail Crest, being careful to pull out anything smelly into bear canisters to prevent our packs being chewed by marmots before heading out the final 2 miles to the summit.

The view south to Mount McAdie and Mount Langley (in the clouds).

Before long, we were on the summit of the highest peak in the continental United States! As it was after Labor Day, it was a little bit quieter than usual, at least as far as I understand it. This was my first time on the summit.

Me and my dad on the summit of Mount Whitney.

The view north to Mount Russell (foreground) and Mount Williamson (farther back, obscured by clouds).

The Kaweahs to the west.

We hung out a bit and signed the register before heading back to Trail Crest to grab our things and continue down.

Mount Muir in the clouds from somewhere on the 99 switchbacks.

Mount Muir and the Whitney Massif from the switchbacks.

Wontans Throne above Mirror Lake.

A squirrel enjoying a snack by the side of the trail.

We reached Whitney Portal by mid-afternoon and stopped for a snack and drink at the general store there before hitching a ride into Lone Pine. We stayed the night at the Dow Villa and coordinated a ride back north to Onion Valley to pick up our car, then headed off for home.