Trail Crest

Most backpackers make it the 6.3 miles to Trail Camp, which is also the last reliable source of water along the Whitney Trail, before they camp there for the night. Most likely, this is because at an elevation of over 12,000 feet, most people begin to experience the effects of altitude sickness, and need to spend some time acclimating to the thin air.

Of course, it could be that it is the last place to rest before the infamous 97 switchbacks as well. This grueling leg of the trip not only climbs a thousand feet in elevation over 2 miles, it also has remnants of the past snow season dancing across several portions of its upper leg. Good thing they also cut the switchbacks into sheer drop offs, too, in case the icy trails, lightheadedness and thin, dry air weren't intimidating enough for the determined hiker. I kid you not, I almost thought the old man was history a few times on that trail!

However, the view from the top of Trail Crest (the "summit" of the 97 switchbacks) is reason enough to brave the treacherous trail.



From it, you can not only see back down into the valley (the lake on the right is Consultation Lake):



but you can also see the Eastern slope of the Sierras, including the John Muir Trail: