Mt. Whitney

Hike Name: Mt. Whitney Location: east CA Length: 11 Submitted by: bruce corning Date Submitted: 0/0/00 Rating:	more California trail reviews California national parks California state parks
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Description
Shortest route to highest point in lower 48 states. That's the main attraction--if you want solitude go somewhere else.

The trail gains 6000 ft. over 11 miles. It's generally well-graded, but rocky and rugged, sometimes icy even in summer. For most people it's a 2-3 day backpack to the summit, staying at one of the two trail camps.

You go from Jeffrey pine forest to stunted whitebark pines at treeline to bare granite above 11000 ft. The highest trail camp is exposed, and weather can be severe year round.

The last 1/3 of the trail is the famous set of 98 switchbacks to the Sierra Crest, then up-and-down along the Crest for two miles to the summit.

At the summit sign the guestbook, use your cell phone, and peek into the cabin. Experience the views with dozens of other folks.

Directions to Hike
From L.A. take hwy 14 to U.S. hwy 395 north to Lone Pine, about 200 miles. Turn west onto Whitney Portal Rd. 13 miles to roadhead.

Contact Information
Inyo Nat'l Forest
Mt. Whitney District
(760)876-6200

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