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Mount Whitney via Mount Whitney Trail

RECOMMENDED ROUTE
Difficult Difficult
 4.9 (58)
  1. Areas
  2. CA
  3. …High Sierra
  4. …Inyo National Forest
  5. John Muir Wilderness
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“A popular, strenuous journey to the highest peak in the contiguous United States. ”

Miguel Vieira
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20.5

Miles

33.0

KM

Out and Back

14,433' 4,399 m

High

8,367' 2,550 m

Low

6,404' 1,952 m

Up

6,405' 1,952 m

Down

12%

Avg Grade (7°)

41%

Max Grade (22°)

Dogs No Dogs

Features Commonly Backpacked · Geological Significance · Lake · River/Creek · Views · Wildflowers · Wildlife

Wilderness permits are always required for this trail, and between May 1 and November 1, a quota permits only 60 overnight users and 100 day users per day: fs.usda.gov/detail/inyo/pas…

Overview

Rising to 14,505 feet, Mount Whitney is the highest summit in the contiguous (Lower 48) United States. Tens of thousands come to hike Whitney each year for premier Serra Nevada views, whether on the lower trails on the mountain's flanks or via one of the major routes to the summit. Of the various approaches, the Mount Whitney Trail that leaves from Whitney Portal is the most popular and accessible choice. During peak season the trail is well-maintained and easy to follow. From early summer on, the mountain clears of snow and ice, and reaching the summit via the trail requires no mountaineering or winter gear.

Need to Know

Permits are always required, and there's a lottery system that's very strict. Search Recreation.gov for information on how to apply for and obtain a permit. Beyond the length and steepness of this trail, high altitude is a major factor to consider when planning the pace of an ascent. Strong and experienced hikers can complete the Mount Whitney Trail in one day, but for most, a two-day approach provides much-needed time for rest and acclimatization. Many backpackers on a two-day schedule will camp at Trail Camp, which sits at 12,039 feet and a little over 6 miles from the trailhead. Outpost Camp, at 10,360 feet, is another good option.

Description

At Whitney Portal, find the trailhead for the Mount Whitney Trail located below the Whitney Portal Store. Climb along the North Fork of Lone Pine Creek along several long switchbacks. Pass Lone Pine Lake at 2.8 miles.

At 3.5 miles you'll reach Bighorn Park, a scenic meadow with granite cliffs on both sides. A short while later is Outpost Camp at 3.8 miles.

Continue climbing through the increasingly rocky landscape to Trail Camp at 6.3 miles. Trail Camp is popular with Whitney climbers doing overnight trips.

Past Trail Camp are the infamous 99 switchbacks that climb the granite slope to Trail Crest, at 8.5 miles and 13,645 feet -- the highest trail pass in the United States. You'll get your first views west of the mountains, and they are spectacular.

Make the short jaunt to the junction with the John Muir Trail. From there it's a relatively level but high-elevation 2 miles to the summit along granite slabs. The "windows" between granite spires on your right provide dramatic views toward Owens Valley.

Near the top you'll pass the stone cabin, which is not for camping but for emergency use only. Just beyond is the true summit of Whitney, where large and reasonably flat boulders provide plenty of room to spread out. The views are absolutely mind-blowing, and if the weather is decent you'll want to spend plenty of time to enjoy it.

When ready to return, retrace everything you just climbed all the way back to the trailhead. Expect a round-trip day on the trail to take anywhere from 10 to 20 hours.

Contacts

Land Manager: USFS - Inyo National Forest Office

Shared By:

Miguel Vieira with improvements by Jesse Weber and 1 other
Full Details

Trail Ratings

  4.9 from 58 votes

#1

in John Muir Wilderness

#142

Overall
  4.9 from 58 votes
5 Star
91%
4 Star
9%
3 Star
0%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
0%
Recommended Route Rankings

#1

in John Muir Wilderness

#17

in California

#142

Overall
36 Views Last Month
14,384 Since Dec 31, 2016
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Photos

View west from Mount Whitney Trail
Sep 14, 2015 near Lone Pine, CA
It's a long, rough trail to the summit of Mount Whitney.
Jun 27, 2017 near Lone Pine, CA
Suns coming up! Whitney Trail 6:30am
Sep 28, 2018 near Lone Pine, CA
Enjoying the Moment: Hikers at Mt Whitney Trail, Highest Peak in Continental USA with permission from Elena Omelchenko
Apr 19, 2016 near Lone Pine, CA
Daybreak looking down on Trail Camp from the middle of the 99 switchbacks. Can you find the tents?
May 2, 2017 near Lone Pine, CA
09/11/2018 Trail Crest looking west towards Hitchcock Lakes and Sequoia. Cloudless day and only a breeze.
Sep 28, 2018 near Lone Pine, CA

3 Comments

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Weather

Current Trail Conditions

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Add Your Check-In

Check-Ins

Nov 5, 2023
Jessica Hoho
Aug 16, 2023
Kris E
August 2023 25mi
Jul 8, 2023
Bret K
20.5mi — 17h 00m
Aug 29, 2022
Linda Reeves
Jul 5, 2022
Tiequn Qiu
Jun 30, 2022
Richard Acs
Failed at high trail camp: will be back — 10h 00m
May 30, 2022
Brian Baker
Just a couple spots of snow on the switchbacks. Otherwise, all clear.
Aug 30, 2021
Carl Hartenstein
What an epic day on so many levels. It took way longer than anticipated, but I made it. 22.2mi — 19h 14m

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