Mt. Whitney Presents Local, Attainable Climb for Hikers

Mountain climbing has always fascinated the public, arousing the arm-chair mountaineer in many of us.

Each spring when Mt. Everest is swarmed by professional climbers, guides and high-paying amateur adventurers, the exploits of those trying to reach the world’s highest spot are closely followed.

Climbers shooting for the high points in this hemisphere--Peru’s Aconcagua at 22,834 feet and Alaska’s Mount McKinley at 20,320--also attract their share of attention, mostly in specialty magazines and Web sites.

Most people are content to watch the show from the safety of their homes and offices, but others want to get into the action. A good first step--and a feat that stands on its own--is climbing Mt. Whitney, which at 14,496 feet is the highest point in the continental United States.

Unlike Everest and the others, Whitney is a realistic goal--the trail head is only a 4 1/2-hour drive from Orange County--and REI, the recreational equipment co-operative, hopes to make it more accessible with a seminar next month.

“We have our own gem right in our backyard,” REI’s Joe Pierson said. “You don’t need a 5,000-mile airplane ticket, a guide or porters to get the thrill of standing on a high peak.”

The free seminar--at 11 a.m. Dec. 9 at REI’s Santa Ana store--will lead people through what it takes to prepare for Whitney. Pierson said it’s a matter of helping people make the transition from day hiker to mountaineer.

The weather on Whitney can turn quickly any time of the year, so proper clothing is crucial. Synthetic materials are recommended, especially for items worn next to the skin.

Gear, such as tents and sleeping bags, should be rated to handle three-season weather. And it’s a good idea to give unfamiliar equipment a test run on a local overnighter.

“You probably don’t want to be halfway up Mt. Whitney,” Pierson said, “and be trying to figure out how to set up your tent.”

The 20-mile hike up Whitney can be completed in one long day, but most camp at least one night on the mountain before making their push for the summit.

Spending the night on the mountain also helps a climber get accustomed to the thin air at altitude. Pierson, an experienced climber who has been on Whitney twice, said the effects of altitude become noticeable at 8,000 feet. The hike starts from 8,365-foot Whitney Portal, so headaches and nausea are common.

That discomfort doesn’t deter many. This year 2,674 permits were issued to climb Whitney during the prime season of May 15 to Nov. 1. Often the trail is jammed. “You are probably going to be in a long queue at some point,” Pierson said.

There’s a big demand to get in that line. Nearly 4,000 applications were filed for permits, said Adam McClory, manager of the wilderness permit office of Inyo National Forest, meaning an applicant had a 68% chance of success in the permit lottery.

“Whitney is the most climbed peak in the Sierra and possibly in the lower United States,” McClory said. “I let people make the decision if that’s the experience they are looking for.”

McClory’s office will start accepting applications on Feb. 1 for next season’s lottery. For more information call the Inyo National Forest at (760) 873-2400 or click on https://www.r5.fs.fed.us/inyo/

For more information about the REI seminar call (714) 543-4142.

IRON SHUT CASE

The Ironman California isn’t accepting any more applications for the May 19 triathlon at Camp Pendleton.

Event organizers closed the applications last week after receiving about 2,100 and hope to start the race with about 1,800 after the usual amount of people withdraw.

There are a limited amount of charity spots still available for triathletes willing to pay $1,000. All proceeds go to local charities. For information call (760) 757-0599.

This spring, 1,505 people started--and 1,364 finished--the first Ironman-distance triathlon in the state.

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Gearing Up

Starting from scratch to outfit an overnight Mt. Whitney trip isn’t cheap, but a backpacker lacking equipment can cut costs by renting all the necessary gear except for clothing from an outdoor store. Such a full-scale weekend rental would cost less than $150 at REI, said Joe Pierson, operations coordinator of REI’s Santa Ana store. Here’s a rough price list to buy the basics, not including a wilderness safety kit that should include first aid supplies, matches, knife, compass, whistle, flashlight, etc.:

* Two-person tent $130-200

* Sleeping bag $100-150

* Stove $20-80

* Food $20-30

* Ice ax $50-60

* Crampons (ice spikes) $80-90

* Heavyweight boots $160-225

* Backpack $150-250

* Trekking poles $60-130

* Bear canister (food container) $70

* Outer shell jacket $80-100

* Outer shell pants $30-40

* Fleece jacket $40-60

* Synthetic long underwear $40-60

* Gloves $20

* Hat $10

* Total $1,060-1,575

Source: Joe Pierson, REI

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

BICYCLING

Saturdays

* Orange Coast Velo cycling club meets at Worthy Park, located at 17th and Main Street in Huntington Beach. Rides vary from 25 to 50+ miles and begin at 7:30 a.m. with periodic regrouping and rest stops. After-ride socializing at Noah’s Bagels on Main Street. For further information call Jerry, (714) 960-4214 or Peter (714) 848-7618.

* Orange County Wheelmen training, 8 a.m., Food Park, MacArthur and Main, Irvine. Beginner and intermediate training group will ride and stay as a group. Informal lectures will cover stretching, nutrition and hill climbing. Led by Fred and Peg Bauer, (714) 997-0892.

* Bicycle Club of Irvine rides, 9 a.m., meet at Deerfield Park, Irvine. Three routes, 10-15, 15-25 and 25-35 miles, each with a stop midway for breakfast. Rides finish at about 11:30 a.m. Ride leaders Scott and Sandy Angle, (714) 960-4068.

* Velo Allegro Cycling Club meets at 8 a.m. at Long Beach Marina off Second Street for 24-mile ride at 14-18 mph pace. Those with paceline experience meet at 7:30 a.m. for warmup and speed training of up to 50 miles. Details: Julio, (562) 988-8117.

TRAILS

Saturday

* Trail maintenance day in Laguna Canyon, co-sponsored by the Nature Conservancy and Laguna Coast Wilderness Park. Meet at 8 a.m. at staging area near the big bend on Laguna Canyon Road to work on a multiuse trail. Bring drinking water, work gloves and stout shoes. To sign up leave message for Keith at (949) 574-5277.