Mt. Whitney

Summiting and Experiencing Mt. Whitney

Towering at 14,505-feet, Mount Whitney reigns supreme as the highest peak in the contiguous United States. Nestled in the Sierra Nevada range of eastern California, it straddles the border of Inyo and Tulare counties. It towers 10,000-feet over the Owens Valley floor at 4,000-feet.

This majestic mountain isn’t just a geographical giant; it’s a symbol of adventure, a challenge for mountaineers, and the pinnacle of California’s wilderness crown.

Reaching the summit of Mount Whitney is an exhilarating experience, but it’s no easy feat. Hikers can choose from several trails, each with its own challenges. The most popular route, the Mount Whitney Trail, starts at Whitney Portal (elevation 8,360-feet) and ascends a demanding 11-miles with an elevation gain of over 6,000-feet. The hike requires physical fitness, proper acclimatization, and a permit, which are strictly limited to manage visitor impact.

Mount Whitney also plays a significant role in two long-distance hiking trails. The Pacific Crest Trail (PCT), which stretches from Mexico to Canada, skirts the eastern slopes of the mountain. Meanwhile, the John Muir Trail, a 211.9-mile path honoring naturalist John Muir, culminates at Mount Whitney’s summit. Completing either trail, with Mount Whitney as a major landmark, is a dream for many long-distance thru-hikers.

Whitney Portal

Beyond the challenge of the mountain itself, the Mount Whitney area offers a variety of activities for visitors. A visit to Whitney Portal, where the trailhead for Mt. Whitney begins, can be done as a half-day road trip. A paved, winding mountain road leads to a parking area where burbling creeks fill a fishing pond, a picnic area with vault toilets are located nearby, a café serves hungry visitors, and a campground hosts happy hikers.

A day hike along the first 3-miles of the Mt. Whitney Trail to Lone Pine Lake can be done without a permit. It’s considered a challenging hike with almost 2,000-feet of elevation gain.

This is a ‘bucket list’ kind of place and even if you don’t climb the highest point on the continental US, at least you can say you’ve been to the portal!

Nearby Attractions

For those seeking a scenic escape without the strenuous climb, the Alabama Hills, a landscape of weathered rock formations just outside Lone Pine, offer stunning photography opportunities and a glimpse into the filming locations of numerous Western movies. Designated campsites within the Alabama Hills and other nearby campgrounds provide a perfect base for exploring all there is to do in the region. Look at this interactive StoryMap all about the Alabama Hills.

Hikers with a more spiritual bent might be drawn to the Tuttle Creek Ashram, tucked high into the mountains above Lone Pine at 8,000 feet above sea level. Built in 1930 by Franklin and Sherifa Wolff, philosophers, mystics and writers, the site was specifically chosen to be near the highest point in the contiguous USA, Mt. Whitney. The couple believed the spiritual point of a country to be near its highest elevation. It has long since been abandoned and almost destroyed, and is now under the jurisdiction of the US Forest Service. Take a look at this trail guide for Tuttle Creek.

Fishing in the Owens River, camping in the local area campgrounds, picnicking amidst the pines, or simply stargazing under the vast night sky are other ways to experience the beauty surrounding Mount Whitney. Whether you’re a seasoned mountaineer or a casual nature enthusiast, the crown jewel of the Sierra Nevada has something to offer everyone.