Stan Dvorak from UNITED STATES writes:

I have climbed White Mountain peak 14 times over the past 40 years. I always try to climb in June when there is snow for water and aesthetic reasons. The hike is straight forward; 14 miles round trip. Just follow the jeep road until one reaches the large snow field below the summit at the saddle. The last two times I climbed White Mountain was with my wife. We're doing pretty good... I am 71 and my wife was 64 last July 1st, 2017. We climbed it the year before on June 18-19, 2016 with quite a lot of snow. 2017 climb was a very heavy snow year; 200% a normal amount of precipitation. The road was still closed so we had to backpack in to the Barcroft Station and pitch a tent there and go up in the morning of July 1st. Strangely, there was less snow at the summit in 2017 than the previous year, but more snow at the lower elevations! The views are fantastic! Some of the best scenery of any place that we have been! The barren lunar landscapes are anything unlike the neighboring Sierra! Surreal and beautiful! I have climbed the peak as early as June 1st, but most times in mid to late June. Snow adds depth and beauty to the peak. When there is no snow or when one goes later in the summer the scenery lacks the depth and contrast and then one has to deal with the haze. I have been at the summit as late as October 1st. If a hiker takes their time, the trek in and out is not a difficult task, but I always recommend that one stay at elevation for 2 nights prior to making the hike. Otherwise one would risk getting AMS. We have never had problems.
Back in June of 1975 I spent a week doing research on the effects of hypoxia on night vision at the summit laboratory. Being able to see the sunrise and sunset from the summit was an unforgettable experience! And to experience shortening and the lengthening of the mountain shadows and to experience the progress the day was a rare experience to be able to contemplate. I do not recommend spending the night at the summit in the open! The winds can be very strong and there is no protection from the elements. Winds can be unpredictable!

2018-05-30