Mount Whitney is the highest point in the lower 48 states. It is located at the boundary between Inyo County, California and Tulare County, California. The western slope of the mountain lies within Sequoia National Park. 

Coordinates: 36 34'42.9 N, 118 17'31.2 W 

Google Earth - Get a view of Mt. Whitney from the east. If you have Google Earth installed, you can double-click on the linked Placemark file and it will fly you to Mt. Whitney. If not, you will need to install Google Earth first (available at http://earth.google.com).

Transportation - Excellent shuttle link put together by the Loma Prieta Sierra Club.  Yosemite Area Transport System YARTS includes Mammoth area.

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Mt. Whitney - Main Trail (2.8 mb file - this may take several minutes to download.)

U.S.G.S. Quadrangle map

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Mount Whitney was named after Josiah Whitney, chief of the California Geological Survey from 1860 – 1874.   Mt. Whitney was first summited on August 18, 1873 by Charles Begole, A. H. Johnson, and John Lucas, who were fishermen from Lone Pine, California.  For more Mt. Whitney history, visit the Lone Pine Chamber of Commerce website.

At 14,505’, Mount Whitney is the highest point in the Continental United States. It is less than 90 miles from Death Valley--the lowest point of the United States. The estimated elevation of Mount Whitney’s peak has changed over the years. Although it is often (incorrectly) assumed that the peak is growing, it is not.  Instead, the vertical coordinate system has changed due to more advanced technology.   The previously recorded altitude of 14,494’  was based on a vertical datum from 1929.  Now, elevation measurements are more accurate.  For the most up-to-date geodetic information from the National Geodetic Survey, go to: http://www.ngs.noaa.gov/cgi-bin/ds_pid.prl   [Type GT1811 in the SQUARE white box, click “Submit,” click “Select All”, click “Get Data Sheets.”]

The hike to the summit from Whitney Portal is 21.4 miles round trip, with an elevation gain of  6,100 feet.

Elite trail runners can make it to the top of Mt. Whitney in under three hours.  The average hiker takes 10 to 16 hours to summit Mt. Whitney from the Whitney Portal Trailhead.

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There are numerous routes to the summit of Mt. Whitney.  Outlined below are four of our favorite approach picks.  Note: All descents are via the main Mt. Whitney Trail.

MOUNT WHITNEY TRAIL

DESCRIPTION:  Eastern trailhead, eastern approach.  Most popular, fastest route

DISTANCE: 10.7 miles to the summit; 21.40 miles round trip

TRAILHEAD:  Whitney Portal at 8,365’. Mt. Whitney hiking permits are required for day hikes or camping and are issued via a lottery held in February for trips beginning May 1 to November 1. Permits that have been reserved, but are not claimed by 10:00 AM on the entry date will be made available at 11AM on a walk-in basis. Advance reservations are also required to camp near the trailhead.

CAMPING ALONG THE MT. WHITNEY TRAIL:

• Outpost Camp (elevation 10,360’) is located about 3.8 miles from the trailhead. All water must be filtered or treated. Solar toilet available. It is less crowded than Trail Camp and is the best choice for breaking camp on your return  trip.
• Trail Camp (elevation 12,000’) is located about 6.3 miles from the trailhead. Best choice for base camp on the way to the summit as it lies just below a long series of switchbacks up a steep face. This camp is heavily used and can be quite crowded. All water must be filtered or treated. Get water from streams entering the lake, not from the lake.  Toilet facility is usually available.

MOUNTAINEER’S ROUTE

DESCRIPTION:  East-side trailhead, East-side approach.  “Straight to the top” route.  Technical climbing and mountaineering skills required.  Nicely detailed trip reports are posted for this route on climbers.org.

DISTANCE: 4.7 miles to the summit; 15.40 miles back to Whitney Portal via main trail.

TRAILHEAD:  Whitney Portal 8,365’. Check for the required wilderness permit. 

Note: In order to descend on the Mt. Whitney trail, you will need a “Trail Crest exit” permit. You may reserve up to six months in advance for Trail Crest exit space along with your entry trail. This is the only exit point on the Inyo National Forest with a quota. Currently, the quota is 25 people per day; 60% can be reserved and 40% is set aside for walk-ins. No Trail Crest permit is required if you return via the Mountaineer’s Route.

CAMPING & MILESTONES ALONG THE MOUNTAINEER’S ROUTE:

• North Fork Lone Pine Creek 8,700’ (0.8 miles from trailhead)
• Lower Boy Scout Lake 10,300’ (1.8 miles from trailhead)
• Upper Boy Scout Lake 11,300’ (2.7 miles from trailhead)
• Iceberg Lake 12,600’ (3.9 miles from trailhead)
• Mt. Whitney Summit 14,505’ (4.7 miles from trailhead)
• Trail Camp 12,000’ (8.9 miles from trailhead)
• Outpost Camp 10,360’ (11.9 miles from trailhead)
• Whitney Portal 8,365’ (15.4 miles from trailhead)

HIGH SIERRA TRAIL (more info)

DESCRIPTION:  West-side trailhead, West-side approach.  Trans-Sierra trail, spectacular scenery, longest route. You'll need to arrange a private shuttle from Whitney Portal back to Sequoia National Park.

DISTANCE: 61.5 miles to the summit; 72.20 miles to Whitney Portal

TRAILHEAD: Crescent Meadow 6,700’. Check for the required wilderness permit. 

Note: In order to descend on the Mt. Whitney trail, you will need a “Trail Crest exit” permit. You may reserve up to six months in advance for Trail Crest exit space along with your entry trail. This is the only exit point on the Inyo National Forest with a quota. Currently, the quota is 25 people per day; 60% can be reserved and 40% is set aside for walk-ins.

CAMPING & MILESTONES ALONG THE HIGH SIERRA ROUTE:

• Nine Mile Creek 7,400' (8.8 miles from trailhead)
• Bear Paw Meadow 7,840’ (11.4 miles from trailhead)—Offers simple tent accommodations, meals and limited supplies from mid-June through Labor Day.  Reservations required. Small area is also available for campers not staying in the tent hotel.
• Lone Pine Creek 8,080’ (13.1 miles from trailhead)
• Big Hamilton Lake 8,240’ (16.6 miles from trailhead)
• Big Arroyo Junction 9,600’ (22.5 miles from trailhead)
• Moraine Lake 9,300’ (30 miles from trailhead)
• Upper Funston Meadow 6,800’  (34.5 miles from trailhead)
• Kern Hot Springs (36.8 from trailhead)
• John Muir Trail Junction 13,480’ (48.9 miles from trailhead)
• Crabtree Meadow 12,560’ (53.1 miles from trailhead)
• Guitar Lake 11,500 (56.6 miles from trailhead)
• Mt. Whitney Summit 14,505’ (61.5 miles from trailhead)
• Trail Camp 12,000’ (65.7 miles from trailhead)
• Outpost Camp 10,360’ (68.7 miles from trailhead)
• Whitney Portal 8,365’ (72.2 miles from trailhead)

NEW ARMY PASS

DESCRIPTION:  Eastern trailhead, Western approach.  Scenic, rewarding trail that avoids the crowded Mt. Whitney trail for most of the route.

DISTANCE: 18.1 miles to the summit; 41.8 miles to Whitney Portal

TRAILHEAD:  Horseshoe Meadow 10,040’.  Check for the required wilderness permit. 

Note: In order to descend on the Mt. Whitney trail, you will need a “Trail Crest exit” permit. You may reserve up to six months in advance for Trail Crest exit space along with your entry trail. This is the only exit point on the Inyo National Forest with a quota. Currently, the quota is 25 people per day; 60% can be reserved and 40% is set aside for walk-ins.

CAMPING & MILESTONES ALONG THE NEW ARMY TRAIL:

• Long Lake 11,135’ (5.5 miles from the trailhead)
• New Army Pass 12,320’ (7.0 miles from the trailhead)
• Rock Creek 9,525’  (14.5 miles from the trailhead)
• Crabtree Meadow 12,560’ (22.7 miles from trailhead)
• Guitar Lake 11,500 (26.2 miles from trailhead)
• Mt. Whitney Summit 14,505’ (31.10 miles from trailhead)
• Trail Camp 12,000’ (35.3 miles from trailhead)
• Outpost Camp 10,360’ (38.3 miles from trailhead)
• Whitney Portal 8,365’ (41.8 miles from trailhead)

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“When attempting to summit Mt. Whitney, it’s important to stay hydrated and eat a snack every hour or so, even if you’re not hungry. Take a break (10 minutes) every hour;  eat then. Don’t rest longer than 10 minutes or so, otherwise muscles start to tighten up.  Once at camp, take a short break, set up everything, then take a long break. You will not be as motivated to set up if you take a long break first. When pumping water in the afternoon, take off boots and soak your feet.”

~ Ben Reade, Assistant Manager, Adventure 16, San Diego Store

“I summited Mt. Whitney in the summer of 2003 and it was one of the best trips on which I have ever gone.  We went from the Cottonwood Lakes side, which enabled us to get permits a lot easier.  We did 50 miles and came in contact with less than 20 people for the week along the main trail. I would definitely suggest this approach unless you are time crunched. ” 

~ Chris Koci, Assistant Manager, Adventure 16, San Diego Store

"I recommend using hiking poles. They give you "four-wheel drive" and help you crank out the miles--especially on the descent when you're tired."

"I also suggest bringing a fresh pair of socks to change into at the summit."

~ Christo Kuzmich, Manager, Adventure 16, San Diego Store

I always replace my original insoles supplied by the shoe manufacturer with Superfeet™ insoles. You will get superior comfort, performance and shoe fit, as well as a more efficient power transfer.  Ultimately, you’ll take less strides, have improved posture and less knee and back strain.

~ Donald McLellan, Footwear Buyer, Adventure 16, San Diego Store

The effects that high altitude has on each of us vary wildly. I’ve seen somewhat out-of-shape people perform well at 14,000+ ft and I’ve seen people who are as fit as a fiddle, slow down to a near crawl and even hit the wall at much lower altitudes.  For anyone living near sea level, that has never hiked at high altitude, I suggest adding a 10,000 ft peak to your Whitney training program.  Mt. Baldy, San Gorgonio and San Jacinto, all in Southern California, all qualify.  For a quick read on how your body responds to altitude, take the Palm Springs Tram to 8,500 ft then take the approx. 7 mile round trip hike to San Jacinto Peak (Trip #11 - "A Million Miles from Monday" backpacking guide). Elevation 10,804.  It can easily be done in a day, you’ll get a good work out and it will help you plan which route and at what speed you should attempt Whitney.  I never go to altitude without a good supply of Goodkinaid Hydralyte® for my group.  I selfishly stash a little extra of the lemonade flavor for yours truly. 

John D. Mead, President, Adventure 16

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How to get a permit.

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Weather and Sun/Moon information for Lone Pine or NOAA Forecast

Bishop Weather

For weather and Trail Conditions (valid only in season) for Inyo and Sequoia N.F., try the weather websites listed here or call the White Mountain Ranger district at 760-873-2500. Fire restrictions.

Cottonwood Lakes Weather 
Owens River Valley weather reporting station. 

Crabtree Meadows Weather
Kern River Basin weather reporting station.

Note: Subtract -4º for every 1,000' gained above 4000' 

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• Excellent orientation notes for Whitney first timers can be found on the Whitney Portal Store website.   
• Mount Whitney - The Complete Trailhead-to-Summit Hiking Guide by Paul Richins, Jr. - Available at all A16 stores.
• Mount Whitney: Mountain Lore from the Whitney Store - by Doug Thompson and Elisabeth Newbold
• Sierra Mountaineering International
• Whitney Clinic—Veteran Whitney expert Kurt Wedberg will share tips and suggestions for a successful summit of Mt. Whitney and other routes.
• MULTI-DAY CHECKLIST: Well-fitting, quality footwear, with proper traction and support, are your most important piece of outdoor equipment.  Specially designed boots will help you maintain a fast stride, while providing stability, support and aggressive traction on rocky, uneven terrain. Getting a professional boot fit could make or break the success and enjoyment of your trip.
• Check Adventure 16 event listings for seasonal clinics on Mt. Whitney.

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ALTITUDE SICKNESS

Altitude sickness occurs when you ascend in elevation faster than your body can adjust to the decreased amount of oxygen. Symptoms include: Loss of appetite, nausea, or vomiting; fatigue or weakness; dizziness or light-headedness; difficulty sleeping. Symptoms can be relieved by descending to a lower elevation. Continuing to ascend with altitude sickness will worsen the symptoms and can even result in death in acute cases. For more information click here.

PREVENTION

• Ascend gradually so that your body has time to acclimatize. People acclimatize at different rates which can vary from trip to trip.
• If possible, climb high, sleep low. Sleep at least 450 feet lower than the highest altitude climbed during the day.
• Avoid dehydration, over-exertion, alcohol and other depressant drugs.  

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Hiking, backpacking, and other wilderness activities, are potentially dangerous and unpredictable.  Adventure 16 assumes no liability for injuries associated with the use of information provided on this site. The trails, activities and areas described on this site are to be used for informational purposes only and should not be your sole source of guidance.  Always thoroughly research any outdoor area you plan to visit using various resources--including contacting local ranger stations--to obtain the most up to date information for your destination. Contact your physician if you are unsure about your health or physical abilities.