At the top of the switchbacks is Trail Crest at 13600' where more of the large lakes come into view. The trail continues north along the east side of the ridge behind Muir Peak, the needles, and finally Mt. Whitney. Although the gain is only about 900' from Trail Crest to the summit, I think this is the most difficult two miles of the trail, far more so than the switchbacks. The trail gets more rough, there are many dangerous drops on the left side, but mostly because it is all done above 13600'. For many people, altitude sickness bites here. Most in our group had some symptoms of AMS. I had a headache that started at Trail Crest and didn't go away until I got back to 12000'. Lesson learned on getting acclimated. Everything about the Sierras is Big. Your typical Whitney day hike.
Full report:
http://ironhiker.blogspot.com/2013/07/m ... -hike.html
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Sunrise on the Whitney trail
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Trail Side Meadows
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Whitney obscured by clouds from Trail Camp
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The trail goes left here at Trail Crest
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Hikers on the trail past Trail Crest
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Whitney and needles come into view
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Rod in front of the needles
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Me standing on top of the lower 48
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Wales Lake from the summit
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Summit marmot!