Mount Whitney Trail to Summit
The Mount Whitney Trail climbs to Mount Whitney’s summit, the tallest peak in the contiguous United States at an elevation of 14,505 feet.
It starts at Whitney Portal, 13 miles west of the town of Lone Pine, California. The non-technical route is about 22 mi round trip, with an elevation gain of over 6,100 feet.
Overview of The Mount Whitney Trail
Start: Whitney Portal
Round Trip Distance: 22.5+/- miles
Round Trip Time: Varies
Elevation at Summit: 14, 505 ft.
Elevation Gain from Portal: 6,100 feet (1,860 m).
Surface: Granite, snow, ice, exposed rock, and wet ground.
Via Film History Museum in Lone Pine: Mt. Whitney webcam.
Acclimatization
To reduce the risk of altitude sickness, acclimate and train before your hiking the Mount Whitney Trail.
Inadequate acclimatization may lead to altitude illness in any person going to 8,000 ft (2,500 m) or higher and can sometimes occur at lower elevations as well.
Lone Pine Campground (pictured) is at an elevation of 6000 ft. Whitney Portal Campground is at an elevation of 8000 ft.
The summit of Mount Whitney is 14, 505 ft.
Thunderstorms
Summer aftertoon thunderstorms are very common in the Eastern Sierra, and occur almost daily.
Lightning strikes are an extreme hazard on the Mount Whitney Trail. Its important to be prepared and educated on how to best protect yourself in the event of a lightning, a thunderstorm, and the possibility of flash floods.
Pack and prepare accordingly. Leave early and watch the sky.
Active Bear and Wildlife
There is a ton of bear activity at Whitney Portal Campground and the backcountry campgrounds, especially in the summer months.
Be savvy, educated and prepared for wildlife in the backcountry and car camping.
ALWAYS keep food and scented items out of, and away from your tent. Set up your camp well away from any wildlife travel corridors, such as the edge of the forest, wildlife trails, or stream banks and lake shores.
Outpost Camp
Outpost camp is 3.8 miles (6.1 km) into the Mount Whitney Trail and sits at an elevation of 10,300 ft. (3140 m).
It is forested with designated campsites below the tree line and a water source.
This camp is a good choice/pivot to provide for more acclimating opportunities and is a somewhat safer choice than Trail Camp if there is a storm.
There is high bear activity at this camp. Be wildlife savvy and respectful.
Be wary of the risk of lightning and flash flooding at this camp. Do not camp near trees nor in the low-lying wash. This camp does flash flood.
Consultation Lake
Consultation Lake is 7.3 miles (11.7 km.) from the Whitney Portal Trailhead at an elevation of 11686 ft. (3562 m.). Elevation gain from the trailhead is 3,900 ft. (1.2 km.).
The lake’s pristine waters are fed by snowmelt, rainwater, and glacial melt.
The site is a stunning location for a moment of rest and water on the trail and offers nearby campsites at Trail Camp.
Trail Camp
Located 6 miles (9.7 km) from the trailhead at elevation 12,000 ft. (3.7km), Trail Camp is above the tree line and exposed.
This is the last reliable water source before you summit Mount Whitney. You may come across melting snow/ice but cannot guarantee access to water any further on the trail. Prepare accordingly.
Campsites are scattered on both sides of the trail. This camp is exposed rock and granite, you must pack waste in and out.
Because of its exposure, there is an increased risk of lightning strikes or flash flooding at trail camp. Watch the weather and prepare accordingly.
If the situation becomes necessary to vacate Trail Camp, Outpost Camp is below the tree-line and offers more cover.
99 Switchbacks
This infamous section of trail has 99 different switchbacks that rise over 1,700 feet (0.5 km) to the trail crest above above.
This section of trail can be wet, icy, or snowy.
Trail Crest
8.2 miles from the trailhead at 13,700 ft. (4.2 km) Trail Crest is one of the most spectacular passes in all the Sierra Nevada.
Here, the trail crosses the summit ridge and enters into Sequoia National Park.
The Great Western Divide (to the west), is part of the scenery along the final 2.8 miles (4.5 km) from the crest to the summit.
The Sierra Nevada above 13,000 ft. are a land of exposed rock, ice, snow, and weather that can change in an instant.
Trail Crest to Summit
From Trail Crest it is an additional 2.8 miles (4.5 km) to the summit.
The trail crosses scree and dramatic drop offs. There are stunning views everywhere you look.
Many hikers choose to drop their packs/weight along this section, carrying only water and essentials to the summit.
Mount Whitney Summit, 14,505 ft. (4421 m).
At 14,505 ft. Mount Whitney’s summit is the highest point in the Lower 48 and provides breathtaking views from every angle.
The exact elevation of Mount Whitney changes periodically due to geologic forces.
The mountain is constantly rising and/or its surrounding valleys are sinking.
