White Mountain Peak

White Mountain Peak 9-4-09

Climbed White Mountain Peak on 9-4-09.


Fortunately I was able to get out of the house for a couple of days and get in a nice hike. I tried like hell to get an overnight permit to Whitney, but after calling the ranger station the previous week (every day...) I was unsuccessful. I wanted to bag a 14er so I thought a jaunt up White Mountain Peak would be fun as I've never been there before. No permits are needed and the pullout at Barcroft gate has a half-dozen campsites or so. Note: if it's windy look over the hill to the right of the gate. There are some sites set up that use the road and rick rings for wind breaks. These look to be better than just pitching your tent next to the road.

As challenges go, the hike itself is really no challenge since it is hiking up a 4x4 dirt road for 7 miles each way. However what does play a factor is the altitude. Starting at 12,000 feet (from the Barcroft gate) you need to be somewhat acclimatized or this will take FOREVER (as would any hike/climb at this altitude).

The views are not that good until you reach the last couple of miles, and you really would only head here to bag the 14K peak. Once you leave the comfort of pavement, you drive about 17 miles on a dirt road until you hit the locked gate. The one BIG plus...there is a clean bathroom at the gate. Use it to avoid bagging your stuff :)

Images

View White Mountain Peak Image Gallery - 6 Images