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Undeterred by our previous attempt, my daughter and I (with my friend, brother Chun, and his son, Joey) decided to give Mt. Whitney another shot. This time, we devised a new strategy. Instead of rushing(singlepush), we opted for a more relaxed approach, allowing us to acclimatize and enjoy the journey.

We got an overnight permit to the summit this year, taking the Main Trail. The goal was not to rush but to take the time to enjoy the moments and views along the way.

Mount Whitney and Lone Pine
The majestic Mount Whitney, the tallest peak in the contiguous United States, is nestled within the breathtaking landscape of the Eastern Sierra Nevada range. Rising to an elevation of 14,505 feet (4,421 meters), Mount Whitney beckons adventurers from around the globe to test their fortitude and savor its panoramic vistas. Nearby, the peaceful town of Lone Pine is a gateway to this natural wonder. The people there are lovely, kind, and genuine. Lone Pine provides a haven for travelers embarking on the journey of a lifetime.

4/27/24, Saturday:
Journey begins. We took the first flight to LV out of NY. Arriving in Lone Pine and stopping to enjoy the beautiful Death Valley National Park, especially walking in the lake at Badwater Basin, was an unforgettable memory. We rented a bear canister and snowshoes (reserved a week earlier) at the Elevation Sierra Adventure (the folks at the Elevation store are fantastic). We brought all other equipment: ice axe, crampons, and helmet. We had a good dinner at the Mt. Whitney restaurant and retired early for rest, and the adventure awaited.

4/28/24: Sunday
The following day, we packed and had a pleasant, relaxed breakfast at the same Mt. Whitney restaurant again (unlimited coffee refills). Then, we drove off to the Whitney Portal trailhead following the detour sign. The gate was closed about 100 feet or so away from the trailhead. I had no issue finding parking along the portal road close to the gate (outside the white line) and started hiking at 10 am.

Due to the late start, we worried slightly about softening snow. However, I did not feel the need to use any of the floatation. Snow was softening as the day passed, but walking without any flotation device was hard enough.
Snow started appearing after about one and a half miles up, but walking without floatation was not an issue. I walked on my boots to the Trail Camp without any floatation device. Kelsey, Brother Chun, and his son, Joey, put on the snowshoes once we passed the hill above Mirror Lake.

Due to the snow covering the switchbacks, we bypassed several sections of switchbacks going straight up from Outpost Camp to Mirror Lake and up to the hill above Mirror Lake. From there, a gradual uphill walk followed the boot pack to the Trail Camp. Kelsey had put on snowshoes from here to the Trail Camp. Even though this was her first time using them, it took no time to figure out how to use them properly.

We had plenty of time at the Trail Camp, setting up the tent, cooking, eating dinner, and enjoying the sunset reflecting on the Owens Valley. The stars towering over the Whitney wilderness were indescribably beautiful. The moon came out, brightening the night sky and dimming the stars. It was a bit chilly, calling for a hot coffee.

4/29/24, Monday
Awakening to the dawn's golden hues, we prepared for the final push to the summit. I couldn't say I slept well at Trail Camp, but Kelsey said she rested well. Again, we took our time. We enjoyed the sunrise, had breakfast, and boiled the water out of the snow for the summit day.

The Whitney Trail was still covered with snow and required full winter mountaineering with the right tools and equipment to attempt.
Snow slope: The infamous 99 switchbacks were all covered with snow, and the only way was the snow slope to the climber's right of the 99 switchbacks. We left Trail Camp around 8:00 am, climbed via the snow slope with an ice axe, crampons, and helmet, and arrived at Trail Crest at 10:30 am. The snow at the snow slope was firm enough to use an ice axe and climb. Slow and steady upward climbing was what you needed to get to the Trail Crest.

Trail Crest to Summit: As others mentioned, the west side of the John Muir trail was still covered under snow, and carefully following the boot track is necessary for the first mile or two. It'd be a hazardous section until the snow melts completely.

The summit: We arrived at the summit at around 2:30 pm (again enjoying the view of the west side of the John Muir trail.) We were so lucky to have perfect weatherlittle to no winds during and at the summit, sunny, not even a patch of clouds, and warm temperature. We savored each moment with weather conditions in our favor, knowing that success was not merely reaching the summit but embracing the journey.

Good luck, everyone. Have safe travel, hiking, and climbing. Most of all, enjoy!