OverviewMt. McAdie is a mountaineer’s summit two miles SSW of Mt. Whitney. The mountain has two prominent summits, the north summit being highest. The standard route is to climb from Arc Pass nearly to the top of the south summit then negotiate a hard class three down climb into the notch between the two summits. A left leading ledge from the notch leads around to the west and up to the north summit.
Getting ThereThere are three standard approaches based on popularity.
1. Via Arc Pass from the North. Leave the Mt. Whitney trail near Consolation Lake and head south over moraine and talus to the visible saddle.
2. Via Arc Pass from the south. From Sky Blue Lake follow the basin to the northeast. Climb scree to the saddle.
3. Via Crabtree Pass. No matter which way you go, it's a long hike. The climb from Crabtree Pass is easier than from Arc Pass.
Red TapeWilderness permits are required and can be reserved up to six months in advance. Mt. McAdie is not in the Mt. Whitney Zone, however to climb from the North requires travel though the Zone, so permits can be very hard to get. Entering at the Cottonwood Lakes trailhead is an easier permit to get but a much longer approach.
When To ClimbLike most of the Sierra, Mt. McAdie is primarily climbed May - October.
CampingOutpost camp is a developed camping area with a solar toilet. This is on the main Mt. Whitney trial before Consolation Lake. Just south of the Miter there is a fine meadow perhaps a two hour hike from Arc Pass. All Iyo National Forest rules and guidelines apply.
Mountain ConditionsInyo National Forest maintains weather and trail information for the main Mt. Whitney trial. This may be useful. California Water Resources maintains snow depth data for the surrounding area.
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John Muir Wilderness
