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- Mount Whitney
14,505 ft · Sierra Nevada, California
Mount Whitney
Mount Whitney is a 14,505 ft peak in the Sierra Nevada, California. The standard route is the Mount Whitney Trail: 21 mi, 6,663 ft of gain, Class 1.
Mount Whitney at a glance
- Elevation14,505 ft4,421 m
- RouteMount Whitney TrailClass 1
- Distance21 mi6,663 ft gain
- Time12 – 18 hrsVery Hard effort
- SeasonJun – Sep
- RangeSierra NevadaCalifornia
Climbing the Mount Whitney Trail
From Lone Pine, California, drive west to Whitney Portal at 8,300 feet. A Mt. Whitney Zone permit is mandatory for the trail, with quotas enforced through a competitive lottery system. Apply months in advance (typically February for summer permits). The trail is long (22 miles round trip) with the famous 99 switchbacks on the upper mountain. Many parties camp at Trail Camp (12,000 feet) to split the effort. Altitude sickness affects many hikers due to rapid elevation gain. Afternoon thunderstorms are common in July and August. Start very early (2-3am) for a day hike. Bring layers for cold summit conditions.
Gear and hazards
What to bring
Backpack (40–55 L)
Water
First-Aid Kit
Offline Maps
Headlamp
Hiking Boots
Base Layer
Midlayer
Insulated Jacket
Hardshell Jacket
Sun Hat
Warm Hat
Buff
Midweight Gloves
Trekking Poles
GPS Device
Power Bank
Water Filter
Sleeping Bag (0°F to 20°F)
Sleeping Pad
Sunglasses
Sunscreen
Satellite Communicator
What to watch for
- Steep exposure
- Storms
- Snow near summit
- Ice near summit
- Loose rock
- High winds
- High altitude
- Altitude sickness
- Low visibility
- Rockfall
Mount Whitney on Yak
Climbers have shared 27 climbs of Mount Whitney on Yak. Read their trip reports and recent conditions in the app
Quests with Mount Whitney
50 State Highpoints
California 14ers
Lower 48 14ers
Lower 48 UltrasPeaks near Mount Whitney
Frequently asked questions
How tall is Mount Whitney?
Mount Whitney is 14,505 feet (4,421 m) tall. It is in the Sierra Nevada, California.
Is Mount Whitney the highest point in California?
Yes. At 14,505 feet, Mount Whitney is the highest point in California. It is also the highest peak in the contiguous United States, the tallest of the 72 Lower 48 14ers.
How hard is it to hike Mount Whitney?
The Mount Whitney Trail is Class 1, which means hiking on a trail. Yak rates the overall effort very hard: 21 miles with 6,663 feet of elevation gain.
How long does it take to hike Mount Whitney?
Most people take 12 – 18 hours round trip on the Mount Whitney Trail, covering 21 miles with 6,663 feet of elevation gain. That is a long day, so start before dawn and set a turnaround time.
Do you need a permit to climb Mount Whitney?
Yes. Day hikes and overnight trips into the Mount Whitney Zone need a permit from Inyo National Forest, issued through a lottery on Recreation.gov each spring. Unclaimed and cancelled permits are released later on the same site. Permit rules change, so check with Inyo National Forest before you go.
Can a beginner hike Mount Whitney?
The Mount Whitney Trail needs no climbing skills, but it is a very hard day: 21 miles with 6,663 feet of elevation gain. Build up on shorter hikes first, start early and carry plenty of water and layers.
Will you get altitude sickness on Mount Whitney?
You might. Most people feel the altitude above 8,000 feet, and Mount Whitney reaches 14,505 feet. Spend a night or two at elevation first, drink plenty of water and turn back if a headache, nausea or dizziness gets worse.
What time should you start hiking Mount Whitney?
Early. Afternoon thunderstorms are common in summer, so aim to be off the summit and the exposed upper mountain by early afternoon. At 12 – 18 hours round trip, many parties start in the dark.
When is the best time to hike Mount Whitney?
The usual hiking window is June to September. Outside it, expect snow, storms or closed access, and check the summit forecast before you go.
What is the trailhead elevation for Mount Whitney?
The Mount Whitney Trail starts at about 8,330 feet, roughly 6,175 feet below the summit.
Climb Mount Whitney with Yak
Plan your route on a topo map, check the summit forecast, then log your climb and see what is left on your list