Jeff, what is your intended trailhead?  Mineral King?  Route?  Can't comment
on camping without knowing that.  I've never done Whitney from the west nor
researched it.  But I'm guessing that the accumulated elevation gain has to
be more than 6000 ft no matter which route you take.

The most direct trail (ignoring the blessed switchbacks) is from the east as
already pointed out by Mike Miller.  From Whitney Portal above Lone Pine.
Certainly doable (RT) in one day for someone in good condition and already
with some altitude aclimatization but it's a veeery long day, even then.

Weather wise, anything can happen this late.  But one good thing is that
there is typically much less thunderstorm activity.  You very much do not
want to be on the ridge if there is.  Anyhow, it's too early to predict.
Have NF or NP phone numbers handy to call for for last minute weather.  Be
prepared to abort.

And they ARE aggressive about enforcing permits, especially from the east
side, even this late.

Good luck and let us know how it goes.  I envy you.

//Jack

Date sent:              Wed, 15 Sep 2004 17:22:28 EDT
Send reply to:          Oxroad@AOL.COM
From:                   Jeff Oxroad <Oxroad@AOL.COM>
Subject:                Sequoia,CA camping suggestions
To:                     vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM

> I looking to camp in Sequoia National Park and summit Mt. Whitney the weekend
> of Sept. 25 or Oct. 2.
>
> Anyone been there and have campsite suggestions? Also if anyone knows the
> conditions on Mt. Whitney this time of year I would apprciate the heads up.
> We're planning on a one-day ascent. I think we're talking about 20 miles
> round trip with a 6,000 foot gain.
>
> Thanks
> Jeff
> 83.5 Westy
> LA,CA