Lone Pine, California
Mount Whitney Trail
The tallest summit in the contiguous US in a punishing single-day push.
- Difficulty
- Strenuous
- Length
- 22 mi
- Elevation Gain
- 6,100 ft
- Duration
- 12–18
- Best Season
- Jul–Sep
- Permit
- Required
- Dogs
- Not allowed
- Features
- Highest peak in lower 48, 99 switchbacks
About the trail
Mount Whitney (14,505 ft) is the crown of the Sierra Nevada and the highest point in the lower 48. The Mount Whitney Trail climbs from Whitney Portal past Lone Pine Lake, Mirror Lake, and Trail Camp before tackling the famed 99 switchbacks to Trail Crest. From there it's a 1.9-mile ridge traverse with massive exposure to the summit hut.
Trailhead map & directions
Trailhead: 36.5785, -118.2398Get directions →
Turn-by-turn route
- Drive to Whitney Portal above Lone Pine and park at the trailhead lot.
- Climb past Lone Pine Lake (2.8 mi) and Outpost Camp (3.8 mi).
- Reach Trail Camp at 6 miles — last reliable water.
- Ascend the 99 switchbacks to Trail Crest (13,600 ft).
- Follow the ridge 1.9 miles to the summit. Reverse the route.
Parking
Whitney Portal trailhead lot — overnight lot for day hikers. Fills before dawn in season.
Tips from the trail
- Day-hike permits are required May 1–Nov 1 via recreation.gov lottery in February.
- Start by 2–3 AM to beat afternoon thunderstorms above Trail Crest.
- Spend at least one night at 8,000+ ft before summit day to acclimatize.