Mountaineer's Route

Overview

As a note, this route is less of a hike, and more of a technical, rocky, ascent. From Upper Boy Scout Lake, you'll see the obvious chute. Stay on the left side of this chute for as long as you can to avoid falling rock and then ascend the upper portion of the chute. Once you top out at the shoulder, you'll either head up a class three section for the final 400 ft, or continue along the trail that wraps around the back side to where it joins the John Muir Trail. Choose your route wisely based on your experience, as the summit can be reached both ways. You'll top out on the summit plateau, and you have made it! Enjoy the view, you earned it! <br><br>Reaching the top of this route is only the halfway mark, and you'll have to get back down. You can either retrace your steps, or descend via the John Muir Trail.<br><br>For more detailed information on this route, be sure to checkout the Mountaineer's Route listing on <a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="http://www.mountainproject.com/v/the-mountaineers-route/107170320">Mountain Project</a>.

Trail Stats

Photos

Gorgeous views and a welcome break await you on the summit of Mount Whitney.

Gorgeous views and a welcome break await you on the summit of Mount Whitney.

An iconic USGS marker awaits those who summit Mt. Whitney

An iconic USGS marker awaits those who summit Mt. Whitney

Summit views!

Summit views!

Sunset on the top of Mt Whitney.

Sunset on the top of Mt Whitney.

9/11/2018 @Whitney Summit perfect cloudless day, no wind!

9/11/2018 @Whitney Summit perfect cloudless day, no wind!

Made it to Mt. Whitney (14,505’) after 4 days of backpacking from Cottonwood Pass to Mt. Whitney.

Made it to Mt. Whitney (14,505’) after 4 days of backpacking from Cottonwood Pass to Mt. Whitney.

Mt Whitney from Iceberg Lake.

Mt Whitney from Iceberg Lake.

Sitting atop Mount Whitney

Sitting atop Mount Whitney

Climbing up the chute

Climbing up the chute

Gorgeous views abound while climbing Mt. Whitney's Mountaineer's Route.

Gorgeous views abound while climbing Mt. Whitney's Mountaineer's Route.

In the Chute.

In the Chute.

Approaching the Chute.

Approaching the Chute.

Tired and happy to be on the summit of Mt. Whitney, a pair of hikers enjoys their accomplishment.

Tired and happy to be on the summit of Mt. Whitney, a pair of hikers enjoys their accomplishment.

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