First time for Mt. Dana: Alone or with a Group?

[sierranomad]

I've been a hiker/backpacker all my walking (and a little b4) life. But not a rock climber/peak bagger. Previously I'd been satisfied with going back to the same hikes I'd been to before, but have developed an "itch" to experience more.

I have been over passes, of course. But the diciest one I've been over was in Hoover Wilderness (Virginia Pass heading down Glines Canyon - there's a section that is pretty steep and you're walking down rocks). Dicey to me, no doubt child's play to most regulars to this forum.

Anyway, the reason I give this background is that I want to hike up Mt. Dana. While in Yosemite last week I looked at Mt. Dana's profile and tried to contemplate whether or not it would be an intimidating venture. I saw an ad in the local newspaper that a guy is getting a group to go up and I was wondering if it would be wise for me to join it. I usually hike alone, as I prefer to. But considering my level of "inexperience" do you feel it would be wise to go with a group?

Thanks for your input.

Jon

[Codester]

Mt Dana is an awesome mountain and offers some incredible skiing in the winter time, which is when I normally hike it. The hike up is an easy class 2 climb to the top on the Standard NW Slope/West Slope route. I would definitely think it's doable even for a solo inexperienced hiker as long as they were in shape. Have an awesome hike! the view of the glaciated lakes in glacier canyon are incredible as well as the view of mono lake in the distance

[sierranomad]

Thanks Codester! Glad to hear it.

[Snow Nymph]

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