Mt. Whitney from Whitney Portal

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Difficulty: Moderate
Length: 22 miles / 35 km
Duration: Full day

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Overview: On this very long day you will climb from Whitney Portal at 8,365' to 14,505' over 22 miles round trip. This peak is the highest point in the lower 48 but because it is so far south it contains no glaciers and is a non-technical ascent. It is best to camp at least one night at Whitney Portal to get your body a little used to the altitude. During early season crampons and an axe are helpful but in late summer you could wear sneakers to climb to the top. The most concerning thing to remember is that this is a 14,500 foot peak and altitude WILL affect your head and body so make sure you are with others to keep an eye on you if you start feeling weird near the top.

Tips: Directions to Whitney Portal:
Take US 395 to Lone Pine and then turn west on Whitney Portal Road from the town. In 13 miles you will reach the trailhead.

Permits are required year round for camping and there is a limit. For day hikes you can self register at the trailhead sign in station.

Points of Interest

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Whitney Portal Parking

Plenty of parking here along the road and in the parking lot but remember that bears have been known to frequent this trailhead so don't leave any food out if you camp here the night before climbing.

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A look back

A look back down the valley and up a the walls of the valley that are being lit up by the rising sun to the east.

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Waterfall

A nice waterfall coming down from Mirror Lake to Bighorn Park where there are campsites if you were to do this climb in two days.

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Passing Consultation Lake

Passing by Consultation Lake on the way up to the ridge.

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Reaching The Ridgeline

You've made it to the ridgeline. Continue along the backside of Mt. Muir towards Mt. Whitney

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Passing behind Mt. Muir

Passing behind Mt. Muir on a spectacular switchbacking well-maintained and well-traveled trail.

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Passing Behind Gendarmes

You'll be on a clear trail up the more gradual western side of Mt. Whitney. You have the opportunity to peak through them down to the valley you climbed up through but becareful as they are cliffs and if you fall you will die.

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Top of the Lower 48 States

It really is amazing to look at the contrast between the broad western slopes of the summit compared to the jagged cliffs dropping down to the eastern side. At 14,505 feet and just one day of climbing you're head will most likely be throbbing so stay clear of the edges take some quick pictures and start to head down out the cold to a lower altitude where you will feel better.

Mt. Whitney mega Pano 2 8-18-04.jpg Photo

Pictures in this guide taken by: JonathanEllinger

Jonathan Ellinger

How does this work?

I'm planning to do this magnificent tour to Mt. Whitney this summer with my friend... But we failed to get permit for this, and this site says this... "For day hikes you can self register at the trailhead sign in station." Anyone please let me know if we can hike for just one day, can we still just do "self register" at the station?
Visited on Jun 30, 2000

by sunlandyeon on Jun 06, 2012