mount whitney trail

Trail is generally not too hard to follow but some sections where GPS map and strong route finding skills are essential. Passing by Consultation Lake on the way up to the ridge. Light dusting of snow on the trail just before you hit Lone Pine Lake on up. Poles and spikes were useful for added traction in sections where slipping might mean sliding down the mountain. Overall wasn't that technical however. There is a dirt lot you can park on there. Alternatively, try the daily lottery at the Lone Pine ranger station for last minute openings. Summited 12/18/2020, here's some hopefully useful info for anyone still planning to hike Whitney. Normally not a problem but boy that cold really got to us. There is some prep work you need to do, like getting your Mt Whitney permit and dealing with the altitude. This trail is about 21 miles round trip and 6,000 feet of elevation, so it is no joke! our hydration pack hoses froze a few times but we got them to unthaw throughout the day. The trails begins by sharing the Mt. Junctions for other de… Whitney. Wilderness Trails. I recommend helmets for falling rock, as well as time spent studying a guide book as to where you first climb on to the ledges. At 6 miles from the trailhead and the highest possible place to camp, Trail Camp is considered the best site to acclimate to the altitude for overnight hikers. Mt. Although forested, the first few miles of the trail are exposed to the blaring sun. … Whitney and elsewhere in the Sequoia and Kings Canyon areas. The Mount Whitney Trail is a trail that climbs Mount Whitney. Muir on a spectacular switchbacking well-maintained and well-traveled trail. For day hikes you can self register at the trailhead sign in station. weather conditions was bad to continue. Ice axes and crampons are needed in spring and early summer, but technical climbing equipment is not usually necessary between mid-July and early October. Whitney, such as the “Shaky-Leg Crack Variation” or the “Cardiovascular Seizure”. Make sure your snowshoes have that serrated metal edge on the bottom to grip rocks, because you can't afford to take them on and off all the time. You could spend a lot of time just camping here and taking in the sites without even going on the Mt. Directions to Whitney Portal: Because of the snow earlier that night/morning, it was post hole madness at freezing temperatures with some route finding (after the solo hiker ahead of us turned back). Thousands enjoy hiking Mount Whitney each year for premiere Serra Nevada views, whether on the lower trails on the mountain’s flanks or on one of the major approaches to the No hard/compacted snow or ice however so I didn't use ice or crampons. Muir towards Mt. The weather was beautiful! You've made it to the ridgeline. Otherwise, have fun and be safe! We spoke to one other person we encountered (socially distanced, of course) who summitted that day and he said it was cold and windy at the top so use caution. - Overall conditions: from the trailhead to Outpost Camp, the trail is mostly compacted snow which presents no particular difficulties. TRAIL GUIDE - for an in-depth write up on hiking from the Trailhead at Whitney Portal to the Summit, please check out our page on the Mt Whitney Trail . Whitney start from the east side of the Sierra and remain in Inyo National Forest throughout their hike. When I missed stepping through what was already packed, my foot was sinking maybe 6-18" depending on where along the trail I was. Mt Whitney Trail . Ice axes and crampons are needed in spring and early summer, but technical climbing equipment is not usually necessary between mid-July and early October. Whitney Trail, 60 daily); Trail Crest exits (west entry - east exit, 25 daily) while quotas are in effect. - as of 12/18/2020, the road is closed about 3.5 miles below the actual trailhead (measuring using directions on google maps). Mount Whitney Trail, Lone Pine: See 119 reviews, articles, and 169 photos of Mount Whitney Trail, ranked No.2 on Tripadvisor among 17 attractions in Lone Pine. Whitney Trail is the most accessible, fastest and most popular; the other approaches require greater time, cover more distance, or mountaineering expertise and technical gear. The Sequoia Parks Conservancy's bookstore offers books and maps for planning hikes to Mt. You can day hike it or backpack it, but you will need a permit (lottery… Whitney from the west by travelling across the Sierra Nevada range, you should apply for a wilderness permit from Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks. Also the roads get very icy up there. Hand and foot warmers worked well. The Night I Thought Would Be My Last My first backpacking trip was an exciting prospect, but little did I know what a disaster it would turn out to be. If you get a permit, and you feel like you’re ready to do it, then go for a … 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. Mount Whitney Trail is a 22.5 mile heavily trafficked out and back trail located near Lone Pine, California that features a lake and is only recommended for very experienced adventurers. 351 Pacu Lane, Suite 200, Bishop, CA 93514. glad we skipped the recommendation to wear trail runners and went with approach shoes to keep our feet dry. ), Mt. Only the right lane going up was blocked, so you can still drive around and up to the trailhead. Whitney, located in the long Sierra Nevada Mountain Range of California, is the highest mountain peak in the continental United States outside of Alaska. Contact the Mt. Snow is usually soft and flat but there are a couple sections where it is sloped steeper, and a couple places with hard slabs at the surface so make sure to punch through with the snowshoes in those places to avoid sliding down the slope (generally not too exposed). Mount Whitney Mountaineer's Route is a 8.8 mile lightly trafficked out and back trail located near Lone Pine, California that features a lake and is only recommended for very experienced adventurers. The most popular route to the summit is by way of the Mount Whitney Trail, which starts at Whitney Portal, at an elevation of 8,360 ft (2,548 m), 13 mi (21 km) west of the town of Lone Pine. 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. The Mt Whitney Trail is a well maintained 11 mile foot path to the summit of Mt Whitney. Phone #'s: Wilderness Information Line- (760) 873-2485 and Reservation Line- (760) 873-2483. Whitney is a 10.7 mile (17.1 km) trail from Whitney Portal, 13 miles (21 km) west of the town of Lone Pine on the east side of the Sierra. Whitney … Be prepared for extremely cold weather!! Not too windy below 12,000 ft. Clouds rolled in around 11:30 am. Nice campgrounds. Attempted to summit on 12/8! Whitney Trail, then cuts off to the north at the North Fork of Lone Pine Creek. Make sure to bring iodine tabs or a filter. Trail Crest permits (entering elsewhere; exiting at Whitney Portal) have a separate application process. Summiting Mt Whitney is on every hiker’s bucket list. I was also very lucky to have great weather, no clouds and wind, it would have been near impossible otherwise. At least one car was at the trailhead, if you do go up there is a thin layer of snow/ice the last mile. It is also popular to hike Mt. In Spring and into early Summer, expect snow and ice on the trail which makes for more technical conditions often requiring microspikes and potentially crampons and ice axes (with knowledge of how to use them. I can go into details about wilderness permits, the lottery system, campground availability, and other accommodations in Whitney Portal, but that's best left to the U.S. government (believe it or not). Box 1499 , Sacramento, CA, 95812-1499, Phone: 800-862-2543. 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. History of the Mount Whitney Trail Mt. At 14,505 feet, it’s the highest point in the lower 48. Other than that I’d say dress warmly with really good waterproof boots. Whitney Hike is one of THE MOST popular trails in California and the US, because Mount Whitney is the tallest peak in the contiguous United States, meaning, outside of flying to Alaska this is the tallest peak you can hike here in the lower 48 states. - it's probably best to do this as a multi-day trip and camp at Outpost or Trail Camp, even if you start at the trailhead. Gorgeous wintery scenery! Unfortunately we didn’t summit due to slower pacing, but we made it to just below Trail Camp. Permits are required year round for camping and there is a limit. http://www.nps.gov/seki/planyourvisit/whitney.htm, California Travel and Tourism Commision, P.O. Beautiful overall and I hope to attempt again in the future! Easy process. East Lake. Whitney out-and-back in one day, but given the rigor and the length of the trail, a very early start from about 2-4am is recommended, as well as significant prior training for the long day. Whitney, the tallest mountain in the "lower 48" states. 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. we thought it seemed unusually easy, but those 99 switchbacks got us. The first technical challenge is the Ebersbacher Ledges. Cassandra Bravo, 34, had gone hiking … Mount Whitney Hike in Winter. 47050 Generals Highway Start as a group, and stay as . wilderness permit from Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks. First called Fisherman’s Peak after the group of fishermen that reached the summit in 1873, California's Mount Whitney stands at 14,505 feet and is the highest summit in the contiguous United States. Whitney is a 10.7 mile (17.1 km) trail from Whitney Portal, 13 miles (21 km) west of the town of Lone Pine on the east side of the Sierra. Whitney Trail. Definitely recommend having experience dealing with cold weather and long treks through snow if attempting in the near future. Whitney trails are closed even to hikers with permits © (Mary Forgione) The stone building atop Mt. P.S.- Be aware of potential gate closures around Whitney Portal and Inyo County guidelines on visitation due to recently appointed COVID restrictions. Trail is pretty visible. Continue along the backside of Mt. Mt. Summited 12/20/2020. But before I try and talk you from a badass day hike into a big pack backpacker, let’s talk about the mountain and the Mt. There are still some creeks running, so you can refill water before hitting Mirror Lake, but I would be prepared with provisions beforehand. Whitney permit from Inyo National Forest. Mt. This can be done in one day or, if you get an overnight permit, you can stop at various points along the way to camp overnight. The best place from which to see Mt. This is a long and strenuous out-and-back trek that summits Mt. Just drive to Whitney Portal, 13 miles west of Lone Pine, CA. Hope this helps! Are permits required for day hike and camping?? An injured hiker who spent two freezing nights off the Mount Whitney trail died after her rescue, said the news site Sierra Wave. The Mt. PCT: CA Section H - Crabtree Meadow to Tuolumne Meadow, Cottonwood Lakes Campground to Mount Langley, Cottonwood Lake and Long Lake via Cottonwood Lakes and New Army Pass Trail, Muir Lake from the old Cottonwood Trailhead, Upper Alabama Hills Trail to Cyclops Skull Arch, http://www.nps.gov/seki/planyourvisit/whitney.htm. Ice axes and crampons are needed in spring and early summer, but technical climbing equipment is not usually necessary between mid-July and early October. Permits for trips beginning during quota season, May 1st through November 1st can be reserved on www.recreation.gov Whitney zone, including day-hikers, are required to obtain a permit. Ice patches throughout, so move with caution! The shortest and most popular route to climb Mt. There is a truck that will maintain the roads 8-4pm but if you’re getting an alpine start it might be a good idea to take chains if the weather looked dicey the day before your attempt. Warning: Mountain climbing is inherently dangerous even on so called non-technical trails. The hike is about 22 mi (35 km) round trip with an elevation gain of over 6,100 ft (1,859 m). You can get it online pretty easily and will need to email the Sierra ranger station to send it to you in pdf form once you’ve purchased it. Whitney, the highest point in the contiguous United States. The High Sierra Trail leaves from Giant Forest on the west side of Sequoia National Park, and is about 60 miles (100 km) one-way. In 13 miles you will reach the trailhead. Gates were open for us, but the order recently went into effect. I did however do the descent without spikes (in trail running shoes) and didn't have any problems. At 3.5 miles you'll reach Bighorn Park, a scenic meadow with granite cliffs on both sides. Doable with boots, but I would definitely recommend microspikes and sticks. I won’t say that everyone can do this hike, even I’ve turned around on it before. The elevation at the trailhead is 8360' (2550 meters). but will do again when weather is better. Whitney can be most directly reached by a 10.7 mile (17.1 km) trail from Whitney Portal, 13 miles (21 km) west of the town of Lone Pine on the east side of the Sierra. Mount Whitney Trails. The trail is primarily used for hiking, camping, and backpacking and is best used from April until October. There was some snow and ice but nothing unmanageable! Three Rivers, CA The trail is primarily used for hiking, camping, and backpacking and is best used from April until October. Google maps does have the trail and you can download the map offline, it is pretty accurate. summited 12/23. To reach the peak via the Mount Whitney Trail (sometimes known as Main Trail), the easiest and most popular route, you must begin at Whitney Portal and start hiking up Lone Pine Creek. The trail is primarily used for hiking and rock climbing and is best used from June until October. Whitney lies on the boundary of Sequoia National Park and Inyo National Forest. Take US 395 to Lone Pine and then turn west on Whitney Portal Road from the town. The elevation at the summit is 14,494' (4418 meters). It is an extremely popular trail, and its access is restricted by quotas from May to October. Anyone doing Mt. If you feel like going for a long hike and don’t mind the altitude this is the perfect day out. You'll be on a clear trail up the more gradual western side of Mt. It took me close to 18 hrs total (3:30am -9:30pm) to cover the 29 miles, including breaks, and I am far more fit than the ordinary hiker (collegiate distance runner) and was already acclimated. Hiking poles are strongly recommended, as are multiple layers with at least one being wind- and waterproof, and definitely be prepared to purify or filter water along the way. Many roads on Mt. Whitney Zone limits day use (100 daily); overnight (Mt. The trail averages 550' of elevation gain per mile and features two designated campsites along the way, the generally uncrowded Outpost Camp (10,360'), which is situated in a nicely sheltered meadow beside some running streams, and the much more popular Trail Camp (12,039'), an exposed, rocky field at the base of the infamous "97 switchbacks." It was cold but felt fine with some layers while moving. A few icy sections on the trail leading up to outpost camp, including a frozen river crossing which involved walking across ~15 ft of hard ice. There shouldn't be avalanche risk on the route this early but I'm no expert so talk to the folks at the visitor center and https://www.esavalanche.org/. The summit of Mt Whitney is only the halfway point, or for us, less than the halfway point. Mt. Whitney in the coming weeks that I can come with, I’ll really appreciate it @Rigodf on IG. Starting as early as possible will ensure cooler temperatures while hiking. Summited 12/6, poles are a very good idea due to hard snow and ice on the 99 switchbacks. Mount Whitney and the Eastern Sierras from the road up. At 14,505 feet, it’s the highest point in the lower 48 and is one of those rare high peaks that you can hike to without any mountaineering skills. It was gorgeous!! Whitney Lottery, Wilderness Permit Office - Inyo National Forest. Whitney backcountry. We spent 6 hours total hiking by headlamp light so be prepared with extra batteries and layers! This is where the steep terrain begins. Remember, do not attempt if not experienced, acclimated, and very fit!!! Whitney Ranger District are not cleared of snow or rock fall in winter. 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