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National Park & Nature

Mount Whitney

📍 Mount Whitney, Sierra Nevada, California, USA
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Quick Facts

Location
USA, California
Category
National Park & Nature
Duration
Plan 1–2 days; altitude needs acclimatization.
Address
Mount Whitney, Sierra Nevada, California, USA
Coordinates
36.5786, -118.2921

Introduction

Mount Whitney is the highest peak in the contiguous United States at 4,418 m, rising on the rugged crest of California's Sierra Nevada. Southeast of Yosemite, it forms the greatest elevation relief in the Lower 48 with nearby Death Valley. The classic route is the Mountaineer's/Whitney Portal trail, about 34 km round trip with over 1,900 m gain — a strenuous alpine hike most people split over two days with high-camp. It passes alpine meadows, granite canyons and the 99-switchback climb to Trail Crest, then a ridge walk to summit views over peaks and desert. Given extreme altitude and fickle weather, a permit and solid fitness are essential.

✨ Highlights

1
Highest in Lower 48
4,418 m; a proud summit.
2
Portal Trail
Classic 34 km alpine round trip.
3
99 Switchbacks
Famous zigzag climb to Trail Crest.
4
Ridge Views
Summit over Sierra and desert.
5
Permit System
Lottery in peak season; plan early.
6
Star Camp
High camp for the Milky Way.

🛈 Practical Info

→Best season：Jul–Sep less snow
→Duration：1–2 days
→Permit：Forest Service lottery
→Gear：Alpine hiking kit
→Altitude：Watch for AMS
→Opening Hours：Trailhead open by day; summit needs permit, lottery May–Oct.
→Ticket Information：Forest Service summit permit required (fee); wilderness permit for some.
→Transportation：In the Sierra Nevada; Whitney Portal trailhead near Lone Pine, ~4 hrs NE of Los Angeles.

💡 Tips

• Peak-season permits sell out; lottery months ahead.
• Acclimatize before the summit push.
• Weather shifts; pack warm and rain layers.
• Long route; start early to avoid dark.
• Respect alpine ecology; stay on trail.
• Use poles; descents are hard on knees.

FAQ

What are the opening hours of Mount Whitney?

Trailhead open by day; summit needs permit, lottery May–Oct.

How much is the admission for Mount Whitney?

Forest Service summit permit required (fee); wilderness permit for some.

Any practical tips for visiting Mount Whitney?

Peak-season permits sell out; lottery months ahead. Acclimatize before the summit push.

How long should I spend at Mount Whitney?

A typical visit takes Plan 1–2 days; altitude needs acclimatization..

Information here is compiled from public travel resources. Hours, permits, weather and snow change; verify with the U.S. Forest Service before travel.