Baker

Trip Details
Date	June 19-20, 2007
Team	Gatz, Pat, Lester
Pack Weight	?
Attempted Route	Mountaineer's Route
Other Attempts

At 14,495' Mt. Whitney is the highest peak in the United States out side of Alaska. Only 85 feet taller than Mt. Rainier and roughly 14.7 times easier. Of course, that depends on your chosen route. You could opt for the trail, in which case it is 36.4 times easier.

Trip Report

If you're planning on climbing the Sierras in summer, better bring a filter. Aint no way you're going to carry enough water for the trip on your back. There's plenty of year-round water sources along the Mountaineer's route. You just have to pretended that it's not the same water you soaked your feet in after hiking all morning.

If you're coming in from the eastern half of the country, you won't be disappointed in the beauty of this range. If you're coming from the Northwest or Rocky states, just remember Californian's are very proud of this place, and the awe level must be maintained at a maximum when expressing your gratitude for allowing you to climb here.

The Mountaineer's route follows the trail for a couple of miles, before veering off to the north on an un-signed tangent. Just remember, it's okay to run your RV generator in the parking lot while watching your satellite TV, but never ever use your cell phone on the trail.

Once off the trail, the route is pretty easy to follow. You just have to be sure you know where you're going and ignore all the warning signs.

This beautiful trail winds it's way westward letting you think the approach is going to be a breeze. Then, when you least expect it, it darts off to the south and crosses the creek leaving you unaware for a mile or so, that you're actually being lulled along a bastard anti-trail. This demon of a route leads through undergrowth so thickest and nasty, you'll laugh out loud at every time you remind yourself that you're climbing a mountain.

Sooner or later, you'll wise up and start following the ridges to your right. A little exposed, but well worth being out of the woods.

Once above the trees, things open up and you begin to enjoy the views again.