Mountaineer's Route, Mt. Whitney 3rd class

   
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High Sierra, California USA

  • Currently 2.0/5
Avg time to climb route: 3 hours
Approach time: 3-6 hours
Descent time: 3-6 hours
Number of pitches: N/A
Height of route: 1000'
Overview
The Mountaineer’s Route is not classic but does offer the most direct non-technical route to the summit of Mt. Whitney. While only rated 3rd class, poor routefinding or snowy conditions can bump the difficulty significantly. This is not just a hike and many people have died by getting off-route or being under prepared for snowy conditions. While technical climbing skills are not needed, routefinding and general “mountain sense” are.

There are many reasons to climb the Mountaineer’s Route. For day hikers, it is a way to avoid the crowds and trail quotas of the Mt. Whitney Trail. For backpackers (who usually camp at Iceberg Lake), it is a way to avoid the competitive Mt. Whitney wilderness permit lottery. However, backpackers still must get a wilderness permit.

Photos - View all 23 photos of Mountaineer's Route as: Thumbnails | Slideshow
Climber Beta on Mountaineer's Route
  A total of (15) submissions of route beta on Mountaineer's Route
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Source: SuperTopo Guidebook Staff Last update: February 25, 2011
Mt. Whitney - Mountaineer's Route 3rd class - High Sierra, California USA. Click to Enlarge
The route disappears behind the ridge and follows the gully to the summit.
Photo: Chris McNamara
Other Routes on Mt. Whitney
Mt. Whitney - East Buttress 5.7 - High Sierra, California USA. Click for details.
East Buttress, 5.7
Mt. Whitney
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The route as seen from Iceberg Lake.
Mt. Whitney - East Face 5.7 - High Sierra, California USA. Click for details.
East Face, 5.7
Mt. Whitney
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  • 5

The route as seen from Iceberg Lake.
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