Mount Whitney stands at 14,505 feet—the highest point in the contiguous United States. Located in California's Sierra Nevada, it draws thousands of hikers each year seeking to stand on the Lower 48's rooftop. The remarkable thing about Whitney is that despite its height and prestige, the standard route is a trail, not a technical climb. With proper preparation, most fit hikers can reach the summit.
That said, Whitney is no casual endeavor. The 22-mile round trip with 6,100 feet of elevation gain, combined with altitude challenges, makes this one of America's most demanding day hikes. Most hikers split it into two days with a high camp.
The Route
Mount Whitney Trail Stats
- Distance: 22 miles round trip
- Elevation Gain: 6,100 feet
- Starting Elevation: 8,360 feet (Whitney Portal)
- Summit Elevation: 14,505 feet
- Difficulty: Very Strenuous
The Mount Whitney Trail begins at Whitney Portal and climbs through pine forest to Lone Pine Lake, then continues past Outpost Camp to Trail Camp at 12,000 feet—the standard overnight spot. From Trail Camp, the trail ascends 97 switchbacks to Trail Crest (13,600 ft) before traversing to the summit.
The final two miles are above 14,000 feet, where every step feels harder than it should. The summit itself is a flat plateau with a stone shelter built in 1909.
Permits
Whitney requires permits year-round, and summer demand far exceeds supply:
Day Hiking Permits
- Lottery opens February 1 for the May-October season
- Apply at recreation.gov
- Extremely competitive—many applicants don't get permits
- Walk-up permits sometimes available (unclaimed lottery spots)
Overnight Permits
- Same lottery system
- Allows camping at Trail Camp or other designated sites
- Slightly better odds than day permits
Off-Season
November through April requires self-issued permits—but conditions are serious winter mountaineering.
Altitude Considerations
Whitney's biggest challenge isn't the trail—it's the altitude. Starting at 8,360 feet and climbing to 14,505 feet means most hikers experience some altitude effects:
- Acclimatization: Spend at least 1-2 nights at elevation before attempting Whitney
- Symptoms: Headache, nausea, fatigue, shortness of breath
- Acute Mountain Sickness: Can be serious; descend if symptoms worsen
- Hydration: Drink constantly; dehydration worsens altitude effects
Recommendations
- Sleep at Whitney Portal (8,360 ft) the night before
- Better: spend 2+ nights above 7,000 feet before your attempt
- Consider Diamox (consult your doctor)
- Know when to turn around—the summit isn't worth your life
Day Hike vs. Overnight
Day Hike (22 miles in one day)
- Requires exceptional fitness
- Start at 2-3 AM to summit by noon (avoid afternoon storms)
- Limited time for acclimatization
- Most challenging option
Overnight at Trail Camp (Recommended)
- Break the climb into two manageable days
- Better acclimatization
- More time to enjoy the experience
- Requires overnight permit and camping gear
For first-time Whitney hikers, the overnight option is strongly recommended.
Practical Information
When to Climb
- July-September: Best conditions; snow-free trail
- June and October: Possible but may have snow on upper sections
- Winter: Technical mountaineering conditions
What to Bring
- Layers for cold summit (can be 30°+ colder than trailhead)
- Sun protection (intense UV at altitude)
- Plenty of water (3-4+ liters)
- Headlamp with extra batteries
- WAG bags (human waste pack-out required)
Getting There
Whitney Portal is about 13 miles west of Lone Pine, California, on the eastern Sierra. Lone Pine has hotels, restaurants, and gear shops.
Quick Reference
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Summit Elevation | 14,505 feet |
| Distance | 22 miles RT |
| Elevation Gain | 6,100 feet |
| Permit Required | Yes (lottery) |
| Best Season | July-September |
Mount Whitney is America's iconic summit—the highest point you can stand in the Lower 48 states. The permit lottery is frustrating, the altitude is challenging, and the distance is humbling. But standing on that summit, looking across the Sierra Nevada to distant horizons, you'll understand why thousands attempt it each year. It's a bucket-list hike that lives up to the hype.
