Mount Whitney
Posted: Sat Aug 17, 2013 11:12 am
TITLE: Mount Whitney
GENERAL OVERVIEW: Mt. Whitney is the highest mountain in the contiguous United States. It is one of the most popular summits in the world. A permit is required to climb to the summit.
CLASS/DIFFICULTY: Class 1
LOCATION: Sequoia National Park HST Map
ELEVATION: 14,505 ft
USGS TOPO MAP (7.5'): USGS MOUNT WHITNEY Quad, California, Topographic Map
ROUTE DESCRIPTION: The easiest and most popular route is a 10.7 mile, well-constructed and maintained trail from Whitney Portal to the summit. Another route is to approach the summit from the west via the John Muir Trail. There are also more technical routes including the Mountaineer’s Route. (Other route descriptions are a WIP)
PHOTOS: To reach the trailhead, take Whitney Portal Road from Lone Pine.
It is best to get an Alpine Start when summiting Whitney. The new trailhead is at an elevation of 8360 feet.
Take 26 switchbacks to Lone Pine Lake. It is 2.8 miles from the trailhead and at an elevation of 9960 feet.
Outpost Camp is 3.8 miles from the trailhead and at an elevation of 10,365 feet.
Mirror Lake is 4.3 miles from the trailhead and at an elevation of 10,640 feet.
Trailside Meadow is 5.3 miles from the trailhead and at an elevation of 11,359 feet.
This little tarn at Trail Camp is your last reliable source of water. Please treat your water if you use this tarn. Trail camp is 6.3 miles from the trailhead and at an elevation of 12,039 feet.
From Trail Camp you have a clear view of the east face of the escarpment…
…and the peak of Mt. Whitney.
From here you begin your hike up the notorious 97 switchbacks. This part of the trail you will gain 1738 feet in 2.5 miles.
At about halfway up the switchbacks you will cross a wet slick section of granite. Cable hand rails have been installed to ensure your safety.
To be continued…
GENERAL OVERVIEW: Mt. Whitney is the highest mountain in the contiguous United States. It is one of the most popular summits in the world. A permit is required to climb to the summit.
CLASS/DIFFICULTY: Class 1
LOCATION: Sequoia National Park HST Map
ELEVATION: 14,505 ft
USGS TOPO MAP (7.5'): USGS MOUNT WHITNEY Quad, California, Topographic Map
ROUTE DESCRIPTION: The easiest and most popular route is a 10.7 mile, well-constructed and maintained trail from Whitney Portal to the summit. Another route is to approach the summit from the west via the John Muir Trail. There are also more technical routes including the Mountaineer’s Route. (Other route descriptions are a WIP)
PHOTOS: To reach the trailhead, take Whitney Portal Road from Lone Pine.
It is best to get an Alpine Start when summiting Whitney. The new trailhead is at an elevation of 8360 feet.
Take 26 switchbacks to Lone Pine Lake. It is 2.8 miles from the trailhead and at an elevation of 9960 feet.
Outpost Camp is 3.8 miles from the trailhead and at an elevation of 10,365 feet.
Mirror Lake is 4.3 miles from the trailhead and at an elevation of 10,640 feet.
Trailside Meadow is 5.3 miles from the trailhead and at an elevation of 11,359 feet.
This little tarn at Trail Camp is your last reliable source of water. Please treat your water if you use this tarn. Trail camp is 6.3 miles from the trailhead and at an elevation of 12,039 feet.
From Trail Camp you have a clear view of the east face of the escarpment…
…and the peak of Mt. Whitney.
From here you begin your hike up the notorious 97 switchbacks. This part of the trail you will gain 1738 feet in 2.5 miles.
At about halfway up the switchbacks you will cross a wet slick section of granite. Cable hand rails have been installed to ensure your safety.
To be continued…