High Sierra Topix

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…

Eventually you will reach Trail Crest. Trail Crest is 8.5 miles from the trailhead and at an elevation of 13,777 feet.
From here you can see your objective, the cabin on the summit.
Shortly after reach Trail Crest you enter Sequoia Nation Park. This is why you can’t take your puppies on this climb. 
Next you reach the Whitney Summit Trail / John Muir Trail Junction.
The trail junction is 9 miles from the trailhead and at an elevation of 13,480 feet.
Continuing north along the trail you will pass spectacular views between the “Windows”.
The trail now degrades a little bit as it hugs the eroded west side of the escarpment.
Eventually you will see the summit cabin.
And then after a short jaunt you will find yourself at the cabin.
To be continued…

This cabin was erected in 1909.
Occasionally there may be a threat from lightening.
Be sure to hit the “Easy Button” after you sign the register.
“THAT WAS EASY!”

Sport with Langley in the background.
There are several benchmarks.
There is also a tablet.
There are tame marmots always looking for a snack.
There are great views of Hitchcock and Guitar Lakes.
That is Mt. Russell in the distance.
You may get lucky and find a model to display your homemade sign.
Please feel free to add more information or correct any mistakes I made.

Thanks,

-Russ

Congratulations Vaca Russ and Sport. You have had an action packed summer so far!

Congrats Russ you too Sport. Your gas bill must be pricey! BTW Sport is ALWAYS smiling even the shots at the Portal at o-dark thirty. Between her and the "kids" you got a good thing going! I think there are others here that would agree!