Mt. Whitney From Cottonwood Lakes
The top part of the Mountaineer Route. The last peaklet on the ridge has the notch below it on this side which must crossed on route. You can see part of the notch here.
The Mountaineer RouteMt. Whitney Trip from Cottonwood Lakes Trailhead. June 2000.
The Mountaineer Route was easy to find. The first thing a climber sees at the top of this route is the toilet. There were several ducks and a small cairn and it was obvious where the route was when looking down due to all of the use marking the route. Despite what I read, there was at least two ways to navigate the last 30 meters to the top, with a route on either side of the cairn. If you took the left western route, there is a staircase of ledges and a notch on the cairn ridge that leads back to the main route.
This the top section of the Mountaineer Route. As can be seen, it does not look difficult, and would be even better when the snow is gone. Still, a rope would not be unreasonable to use.
We watched some rock climbers who had just done the East Buttress climb fairly bounce down to the notch and beyond without the aide of ropes. The eastern route to the right of the cairn seemed to be the most traditional route but when we were there it was complicated with just enough snow to pose a problem. The route looked interesting and went on our list of things to do.
This is the infamous Mt. Whitney toilet near the famous Mt. Whitney hut.
The toilet was all I expected it to be and more. Can't beat the view. I am sure the rock wall is a great help. Bring your own toilet paper.
