One of the first trips my wife and I took together was from our home in Victorville, California, up Highway 395 to the town of Lone Pine, located at the base of Mt. Whitney. It's truly stunning how the harsh California desert gives way to lush mountain peaks within just a few miles. The view from the desert floor, gazing up at the 14,000-foot peak, is breathtaking.
We attempted to traverse the mountain roads to reach the summit, but unfortunately, our old car wasn't up to the task. Instead, we enjoyed the cooler summer temperatures in the foothills, hiking around the area, taking in the views, and relishing our time together.
It was a truly magical day.
Most hikers prefer the well-known Mt. Whitney Trail. This round-trip hike is 22 miles long and can be quite demanding, even for very fit individuals. It usually takes around 12 to 14 hours to hike to the summit and back, so starting before dawn is a good idea. Be ready for a little hiking in the dark! Make sure to pick your hiking dates carefully, as the trail is tough but manageable when it is clear of snow. However, if there’s snow or ice, you'll need special skills and equipment to navigate safely. Typically, the trail is snow-free from July to late September. If you’re thinking about more challenging rock climbing routes, it’s important to do some research first.
For those planning to hike up and down the Mt. Whitney Trail over a couple of days, many people enjoy camping at locations like Lone Pine Lake (10,000 feet up), Outpost Camp (10,500 feet), Consultation Lake (11,000 feet), or Trail Camp (12,000 feet). You can also extend your permit to travel further on the John Muir Trail, which takes you through some of the longest untouched areas of the Sierra Nevada Mountains.
If you need more information or help planning your visit, you can call the Inyo National Forest Wilderness Permit Office at (760) 873-2483. If your trip is organized by a group or company, they must reach out to the permit office before applying for a Mt. Whitney permit.
- Photos and Story by Ken Hulsey
Mount Whitney: The Complete Trailhead to Summit Guide Paperback by Paul Richins Jr.
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As more people are interested in climbing Mount Whitney during the winter, this edition features a new section that covers snow and ice climbing. Author Paul Richins shares tips on the best camping spots for multi-day hikes and highlights fascinating side trips to enhance your adventure. You'll also discover different route options that can make your climb easier, avoid tough areas, or lead you to amazing sights along the way.
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