Hiking up Mt. Whitney Memorial Day week this year (2014)

[Tele 'til You're Smelly]

Has the drought made this possible for someone without snow equipment this year? My 21-year old has a permit to do it then with some friends- other than not doing it if a storm is forecast, waddyathink for someone in regular hiking boots etc.?

[LightRanger]

I'd suggest posting on the Whitney Portal Store message board. Somebody there will probably have a better idea about current conditions.

I'm guessing probably yes.

[bobs]

Yes, it'll be doable, and hiking boots are the way to go. There's a decent chance of snow sections though. Bringing a lightweight ice axe wouldn't be a bad idea (maybe people you talk to at the trailhead will tell you to leave it in the car though). I'd definitely bring gaiters too.

[thornton]

probably won't be snow on the east face....

[fogey]

But there can be long-lasting ice on the trail leading up to Trail Crest--there was some when we passed through mid-summer some years back. Taking a lightweight ax (or at least poles) and checking the situation at the trailhead sounds like a good idea.

[mchin]

Whitney zone has recent photos of the trail conditions. http://www.whitneyzone.com/wz/ubbthreads.php/topics/4904/Current_Conditions_Mt_Whitney_#Post4904

[Todd Eastman]

The Harding Route up the Keeler Needle would probably not be holding too much snow...

[thornton]

not knowing how your boy is getting there, but mammoth mountaineering rents crampons, http://mammothgear.com/10/Rentals-and-Tech/

wherever he gets the crampons/axe, he should reserve it soon. that'll be the biggest weekend for that type of rental gear in CA for this spring/summer.