How to Climb Mount Whitney
Mount Whitney rises out of the Great Basin Desert in California, part of the Sierra Nevada range, At 14,495 feet, this is the tallest mountain in the 48 contiguous states. Mount Whitney is one of the most popular hiking destinations in the U.S., but there are many rules for hiking in this wilderness area and some special preparation to remember before embarking on this climb.
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Instructions
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Obtain a wilderness permit from Inyo National Forest to enter the Mount Whitney Zone. This is a specially designated wilderness area within the national park that requires a separate permit.
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Apply for a permit to climb Mount Whitney during the regulated period from May 1 to November 1, when there are quotas for the number of people who enter the Mount Whitney Zone daily and overnight. Plan well in advance if you intend to climb between May 1 and November 1. Most permits are assigned by a lottery in February, and you must submit your application by the February deadline.
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Get a weather forecast prior to beginning your hike. Many accidents and illnesses involve improper planning for inclement weather. Bring ice axes and crampons in the spring and early summer. Be prepared for snowy and icy conditions year-round.
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Take the most direct route to the summit, a 10.7 mile trail from Whitney Portal. This is the most heavily-used trailhead, and fit hikers can often summit and return in a single day during the summer months.
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Make campsite or motel reservations in Lone Pine if you intend to take the Whitney Portal route. Mount Whitney is a popular hike, so make reservations.
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Use a different route for a longer overnight or multi-day trip. You can also access Mount Whitney from the High Sierra Trail, which is a 10-day hike, or the John Muir Trail, which can be a 2- to 3-week trek from Yosemite.
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Bring plenty of water or bring water purification devices. There is good access to water up to 13,000 feet on Mount Whitney so packing a purifier or iodine tablets can save some weight.
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Be prepared to experience some form of altitude sickness, including lightheadedness or other, more severe symptoms. Altitude sickness is unrelated to physical condition, so carry some aspirin or diamox no matter how fit you are.
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Pack all waste (including human waste) and leave no trace. Mount Whitney wilderness area requires an extremely high-hiking ethic.
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Bring approved bear-safe containers if you are staying overnight on the trail. Remove food, toiletries and trash from your car and store them in bear lockers at the Whitney portal.
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Tips & Warnings
Learn about altitude sickness before beginning your trip. Learn to identify high altitude pulmonary and cerebral edema, dangerous conditions that can result in death and require removal from high altitude immediately. Ask your doctor before climbing Mount Whitney if you have any health conditions that might complicate your climb.
Avoid hypothermia by dressing in layers and bringing enough warm clothing even if you are only going on a day hike. Weather conditions can change quickly, and you must be prepared.
