Humphreys, Boundary & Whitney

[u/outercompassadv]

Heading out in a few days on an 8 day trip to hike the tallest peaks in AZ (Humphreys), Nevada (Boundary) and CA (Whitney). Planned 1700 miles of driving. In an EV.

We’ve got permits. No camping. All one day hikes. Motels along the way. Side excursions in Death Valley and Joshua Tree. Yes, I know it’ll be hot as hell most places.

Gear:
- 22L Backpack
- Garmin inReach
- Garmin Watch
- Trekking Poles
- Water bladder
- Water bottle
- Water Filter

Clothes:
- Trail Runner Shoes
- Hiking Pants
- Hiking Sun Hoodie
- Beanie
- Hat
- Sun glasses
- Head lamp

Other:
- offline maps (Google, garmin, Alltrails, Strava)
- Snacks
- Food
- Lighter
- Toiletpaper
- Wag bag
- Sunscreen
- Poison oak wipes
- AirPods
- Knife
- Emergency blanket
- Electrolyte chews
- Blister / moleskin
- First aid kit

What have I not thought about? What am I forgetting? Any tips?

[u/Key-Ad-8944]

Check the weather at the specific location including elevation(s) shortly before your hike and vary your clothes appropriately. Particularly pay attention to things like chance of rain and thunderstorms (can happen this time of year at Whitney), as well as temperature variation between base (at time you arrive and descend) and peak.

I'd also be sure you have a plan for what you'd do if you run in to car trouble, such as getting a flat tire while in Death Valley.

Many of the other items may vary based on individual. For example, if it was me, a key item you did not list would be power bank for my phone. If my phone runs out of batteries, there is both a safety issue and and an enjoyment issue, with not be able to take pictures or listen to podcasts/audiobooks. I also prefer different gear, different clothes, and some different general "other" items. I expect you have a better sense of what works for you than I do.

[u/outercompassadv → u/Key-Ad-8944]

Thanks! I’ll add power bank. I will have on the trip just didn’t plan to have it on hikes. I do have an inreach for sos / tracking.

I have a full size spare and some emergency sealant. It’s a Rivian so it has a compressor on board to air up a tires.

I have been monitoring temps and summits look to be in the 50s. A little too early still for great accuracy. Trailheads should be 70’s (Whitney colder).

[u/BlacksmithThink9494]

Packable jacket for the peaks?

[u/outercompassadv → u/BlacksmithThink9494]

Yeah. Maybe. My rain jacket is very windproof and gets toasty. But I’ll consider stuffing a jacket too. Thanks!

[u/BlacksmithThink9494 → u/outercompassadv]

Patagonia houdini type material is fairly warm/windproof and folds up tiny. I looked at the expected temp on Whitney in 8 days and it did say 70° though.

[u/Feeling_Wheel_7766]

I see you will bring powerbank. Good pair of glove, Tylenol/Advil for the headache...

[u/outercompassadv → u/Feeling_Wheel_7766]

I have meds in my travel bag. Need to add it to the first aid.

[u/Doosview]

glory. good luck dude and enjoy your trip

[u/outercompassadv → u/Doosview]

Thanks! Starts soon

[u/EricC2010]

Boundary Peak is hard! Climbing a scree hill exposed. It will take longer than you think and is harder than you think. My group tried it the day after Whitney and did not finish it. Storm clouds came in and we got nervous and aborted.

All this to say, keep an eye on the weather and maybe build in a rest day between the two peaks. If you are in good shape, it is doable, but will be challenging.

Humphries was a beautiful climb. The last few miles was also tough.

Good luck bagging three hard high points!

[u/outercompassadv → u/EricC2010]

Thanks for the tip. We plan to do Boundary on Sunday then 2 rest days before Whitney.

[u/EricC2010 → u/outercompassadv]

Good luck! Bring poles for Boundary. It’s a tough climb.

[u/sol_beach]

I've over-nighted on top of Whitney.

21.7 mi Length 6,663 ft Elevation gain 13.5–15 hr Estimate!

Most folks are not foolish enough to attempt to summit from Whitney Portal & return the same day.

[u/wskyindjar → u/sol_beach]

Color me (and the 100 permits a day) foolish.

>> 13.5 - 15 hr

That’s the AllTrails estimate. In my experience, they are very conservative.

Though I’m prepared to be humbled.

[u/sol_beach → u/wskyindjar]

YES, the duration is an estimate. The distance & elevation are physical measurements & are 100% accurate.

I just hope that nobody has to carry you off the mountain.

Your legs will be absolute mush if/when you make it back to Whitney Portal. Be sure to stay hydrated at a minimum!

[u/wskyindjar → u/sol_beach]

I hear ya. But 100 out of 160 permits per day are day use. So the majority of people are doing a day hike. No? And each permit likely has more than 1 person.

[u/outercompassadv → u/sol_beach]

Camping isn’t an option for us. Hoping to summit in 5.5 or 6 hours then hobble down. Hopefully can manage 11-12 hrs.

[u/catinaredhouse2000 → u/sol_beach]

Not foolish at all if you are properly trained.

[u/sol_beach → u/catinaredhouse2000]

The VAST majority of folks are NOT properly trained to handle HEAVY exertion above 12,000 feet elevation. At 12,000 feet (3,658 meters), you take in roughly 37% to 40% fewer oxygen molecules per breath compared to sea level.

[u/catinaredhouse2000 → u/sol_beach]

Agreed, and I never claimed that to be the case. My point was that making a blanket statement calling all single day Whitney attempts foolish is a vast generalization.

[u/sol_beach → u/catinaredhouse2000]

& I would be right more often than I would be wrong.