Guitar Lake to Mt Whitney from Crabtree Meadows Campground – John Muir Trail, Day 13
As I woke up at 4:00 am, I knew today would be incredible. Don and I plan to hike past Guitar Lake to Mt Whitney and on to the summit before noon to avoid getting caught in a thunderstorm. We had a good breakfast with hot coffee to fuel our bodies. We’re both feeling strong and motivated today.
From Crabtree Meadows Campground, we hit the trail and were making quick work of the hike to the summit as we passed Guitar Lake on our way to Mt Whitney. The threat of a thunderstorm left us little time to appreciate the views from the trail.
Mt Whitney’s Summit
That changed once we hit Mt Whitney’s Summit. Standing on the top of the tallest mountain in the lower 48 states looking out from 14,495 feet was amazing. The vast and beautiful landscape was an inspiring sight to behold. Taking a moment to reflect on the past 13 days and 210 miles of our journey on the John Muir Trail, I felt an immense sense of gratitude for all the experiences we had on the trail, the physical and mental challenges we faced, and the amazing people we met along the way.
Soon, however, storm clouds started to gather, and we knew it was time to head down to Mt Whitney Portal to end our adventure. We still had one problem to solve before we left this mountain, though – we needed a ride from the portal parking lot back into Lone Pine where my truck was parked.
But Don had a plan. He had been plotting for the last two weeks and saw his opportunity when we passed a group of three women on our way down. Without hesitation, he asked if they would mind giving us a ride. They were initially reluctant but quickly gave in. Who could pass on giving a couple of homeless-looking, unshaven, smelly backpackers a ride?
Mt Whitney Summit to Lone Pine
The storm finally hit when we were about halfway down to the portal. It started with a flash of lightning, followed by a loud clap of thunder. We even caught a few minutes of hail before it turned into a cold downpour. We returned to the parking lot before the storm broke and the skies were starting to clear.
The five of us piled into a small Acura sedan, with Don and I basking in the glory of an air-conditioned ride. An hour later, we arrived back at my truck, parked at the Lone Pine Golf Course where we had left it 13 days earlier.
Strangers truly are amazing. The three women who gave us a ride were kind and generous, and we were immensely grateful for their help. Within minutes, Don and I were inside an empty Mexican restaurant in Lone Pine, ordering a beer and reminiscing about our incredible adventure.
The chips, salsa, and guacamole tasted like magic, and as I eagerly awaited my burrito, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction. Life was good.
Looking Back on our JMT Backpacking Trip
Our journey backpacking the John Muir Trail was a remarkable experience that tested us physically and mentally. But with the right perseverance and determination, we were able to conquer each challenge along the way and reach the summit of Mt. Whitney. From Happy Isles in Yosemite to summiting Mt Whitney today, the memories we made and the people we met will stay with me forever.
For anyone considering hiking the JMT, or any section of it, or summiting Mt Whitney, I highly recommend it. The stunning scenery, physical challenges, and sense of accomplishment are unmatched. What an adventure it has been!