Mount Whitney Features

Mount Whitney can be most directly reached by a 10.7-mile (17.1-km) trail from Whitney Portal, 13 miles (21 km) west of the town of Lone Pine on the east side of the Sierras. Ice axes and crampons are needed in spring and early summer, but technical climbing equipment is not usually necessary between mid-July and early October. The elevation at the trailhead is 8,360 feet (2,550 meters). The elevation at the summit is 14,495 feet (4,417 meters). Permits for this trailhead must be obtained through the Inyo National Forest.

There are other routes besides Whitney Portal from which to reach Mount Whitney. These leave from less heavily used trailheads but require a longer hike to reach the summit. The High Sierra Trail leaves from Giant Forest on the west side of Sequoia National Park and takes a minimum of six days (shuttle trip) or ten days (round-trip) to complete. The Sequoia Natural History Association's bookstore offers books and maps for planning hikes to Mount Whitney and elsewhere in the Sequoia and Kings Canyon areas. Remember, backcountry permits are required for all overnight travel in Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks.

Mount Whitney Features Whitney or Won't We? Bagging California's highest — and most popular — summit. A Whitney Alternative Got better things to do than jockey for space on the Whitney Trail? This trail is for you.

Move on to Park Index

Return to Top