Mount Whitney

Here is some basic information on Mount Whitney, to replace the story that used to be here.

Mount Whitney, at 14,496 feet elevation, is the highest peak in the lower 48 states. It lies within the John Muir and Sequoia National Park Wilderness Areas. It is an extremely popular wilderness destination. As many as 200 individuals visit the summit on some days.

Visitors should always practice Leave-No-Trace policies and always pack-out their solid human waste. In 2006, visitors packed out almost 4,000 pounds of human waste! You can pick up a free pack-out kit when you obtain your wilderness permit at the InterAgency Visitors Center, south of Lone Pine.

People become sick or injured while climbing Mt. Whitney every year, but most of these incidents are totally avoidable. Get the latest weather forecast before climbing, and be prepared for poor weather. The best weather is usually in September.

Permits and Permit Reservations

To be in the Mt. Whitney Zone you must possess a valid wilderness permit. From May 1 to November 1, entry and exit quotas limit the number of permits available. From November 2 to April 30, there are an unlimited number of permits available. They are issued at the InterAgency Visitor Center, 1 mile south of Lone Pine, CA, and may be reserved in advance, or obtained on a "walk-in" basis.

Most permits for the Mt. Whitney Trail (the primary route up the mountain) are reserved during the Mt. Whitney Lottery in February. The lottery is for Mt. Whitney Trail permits only. Use the following link for more information about Inyo National Forest Wilderness Permits.

Plan Ahead and Prepare

Planning is essential for a safe trip to Mt. Whitney. Preparation should begin at home, not when you arrive at the trailhead. Mt. Whitney climbers should prepare themselves physically and mentally for the challenges of the trail, and have the proper equipment. Learn about mountain safety, including mountain weather, so that you can recognize hazardous situations. In winter, safe travel requires special skills and equipment.

Bears and Food

From May through October approved bear-resistant food canisters are REQUIRED on the Mt. Whitney Trail Food, trash, toiletries and scented items must be stored inside the canister - hanging food from trees is unacceptable and ineffective. Bear-resistant food canisters are strongly recommended in other areas as well.

Day-hikers don't need a bear-proof canister, but must remain in possession of their food at all times. At Whitney Portal (the trailhead), food, trash, toiletries and coolers must be removed from your vehicle and stored in the bear-proof lockers. Otherwise, bears can cause extensive damage to your vehicle.

My own trip up Mount Whitney is covered on the page, "California Hiking."

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