[pct-l] planning - Walker Pass to Mt Whitney (Lone Pine)

[sarah estrella]

WV,

It's hard to know what the snow and water situation will be in late June/early July but so far it looks drier than average.
As far as water, I hiked that section in late summer of last year, a bad drought year. The South Fork of the Kern River was completely dry south of Kennedy Meadows! It was in the 90s most days. I started out carrying as much as 9 liters of water from Highway 58, but never more than 4 l from Walker Pass. Still, water is not plentiful north of there, but if you're resupplying in Kennedy Meadows, you won't have a heavy pack otherwise so extra water won't feel that heavy. Bring something you can scoop with and purifying tablets as back-up to a filter. Spanish Needle Ck was just a trickle into a muddy hole when I was there. Bring the water report and fill up when you can!

Printable campfire permits are available on line now. No need for a separate Whitney permit, unless things have changed in the last 6 months. 

For your vehicle and ride questions from Whitney Portal, you might call the store when they open. I had planned to hitch a ride from the Portal to Lone Pine, but it was mid-late morning (I spent the night on the summit) and no one was heading down, so the guy at the store called a friend of his who picked me up for cheap.

I would not leave a vehicle at Walker Pass.

I did not carry a bear can south of KM. Might as well send your resupply in it.

FreeRange


________________________________
 From: The Wilderness Vagabond <wildvagabond at yahoo.com>
To: Sarah Estrella <skestrella at sbcglobal.net> 
Cc: "pct-l at backcountry.net" <pct-l at backcountry.net> 
Sent: Tuesday, February 24, 2015 1:11 PM
Subject: Re: [pct-l] planning - Walker Pass to Mt Whitney (Lone Pine)
 

Thanks FreeRange!
   Permits:  I came to the same conclusion about permits.  I called Inyo (wilderness permits) and also Sequoia.  My conclusion is that:  You get your permit from Sequoia, being sure to specify on the permit that you are going out the Whitney Zone, and it is good for your entire hike.  Wonderful stuff!  Easy too, have permit, will complete it, scan it and return it to Sequoia NF.  Sequoia told me I needed a separate Whitney Permit - but I'm assuming that the Inyo guys know the most about their area.
     Also needed - campfire permit.  Anyone know if alcohol stoves will be OK to use this year?

So - one question answered.  Thanks.

Next issues:  (Walker Pass to junction with JMT, out Whitney to Lone Pine)

Start date?  I'm guessing a July 1st or even a last week in June start date might work.  Looking forward to hearing from those with more experience.  Weigh-in please.

I have the Half-Mile maps and app.  

Where might water be an issue?  That is, where will I find, not find water - asking for your best guesses here.

Will too much water be an issue with a late-June start?  Fording the Kern?  Other places?

Snow issues?

Might I be best advised to exit via Cottonwood Pass to Horseshoe?  (I'm tying this section of the PCT to my previously hiked JMT trek, so I'll go at least to this junction -- could backtrack if advisable).

I am planning to leave a vehicle in Lone Pine, so:
    Where is the best place to leave it for two + weeks?  Secure?
     How might I get from Lone Pine to Walker Pass to start the hike?
     Is there parking at Walker Pass?  How safe would a car be there?

Canister:  I'm assuming I might as well carry a bear canister the entire distance, with resupply at Kennedy Meadow.  Feedback?

Incidentally, I discovered a way to individually size your built-to-length bear can (e.g., Bearikade) to fit your pack.  Anyone interested - please write and I'll post my method.

Cheerio and happy hiking.  WildVagabond

http://wildernessvagabond.com/