Mount Whitney

Mount Whitney is the highest peak in the contiguous United States, rising to 14,505 feet (4,421 metres) on the Sierra Nevada crest in eastern California. It marks the high point of the Sierra and is a major destination for hikers, climbers and alpine enthusiasts.

The usual approach follows the Mount Whitney Trail from Whitney Portal, covering approximately 11 miles one-way (about 22 miles round-trip) with around 6,000 feet of ascent to the summit. There are also technical routes on the east and west faces used by climbers; the summit offers expansive views on clear days.

The first recorded ascent was in 1873 and the mountain has since been managed as part of national park and forest lands with trail maintenance and permit systems introduced to control visitor impacts. The area has a long history of mountaineering and recreational use dating to the late 19th century.

Mount Whitney sits on the Sierra Nevada crest in eastern California, on the boundary of Sequoia National Park and Inyo National Forest. The nearest trailhead town is Lone Pine, which lies to the east in the Owens Valley.

• Permits required: A permit is required for all overnight stays and most day trips on the Mount Whitney Trail; permits are allocated via a quota and lottery system in busy months.
• Trail length and season: The standard round-trip route from Whitney Portal to the summit is about 22 miles with roughly 6,000 feet of elevation gain; most hikers complete it between June and October when trails are mostly free of heavy snow.

What to See #

• Whitney Portal: The official trailhead at **Whitney Portal** sits at about 8,300 feet and is the starting point for the standard Mount Whitney Trail that climbs to the summit.
• Summit: The summit of Mount Whitney is the highest point in the contiguous United States at 14,505 feet (4,421 metres) and is a marked alpine summit with broad views of the Sierra Nevada.