How to Hike Mt. Whitney in a Day
Traveling from Los Angeles, take State Highway 14, which becomes U.S. Highway 395, north to Lone Pine. Take the Whitney Portal Road west which ends in a parking lot at about 8000 feet. The 22-mile round trip is very strenuous; the toughest hike you may do. Start early, before daylight, bring a hikers lamp, you’ll need it coming back. Most day trekkers have already planned and booked the summer nights with a full moon. The Forest Service has a packout policy and they’ve removed the last of the toilets on the trail.
- Difficulty:
- Challenging
Instructions
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1
Lone Pine Lake
Fish jump early in three pristine alpine lakes. Above Mirror Lake, crags require cairns to navigate. On returning, seasoned hikers say you must reach Mirror Lake by dusk.
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2
Owens Valley to the East
The Saddle is the ridge just 1000 feet shy of Whitney. Here one can view the massive Sierra Nevada range.
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3
Withstanding the Elements
The ranger station at the peak opens during the summer season and is staffed during the day.
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4
Third from the left
Whitney is the highest point in the continental United States at 14,496.811. Appreciate the accomplishment but please make Mirror Lake by nightfall.
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Tips & Warnings
A trekker must call ahead or stop at the local U.S. Forest Service office to get a day hike permit.
Carry plenty of water, packaged hiking foods, sunscreen and a walking stick.
Carry a hiking lamp for the pre-dawn and post-dusk hike.
Be aware and take precautions for altitude sickness.
Do not exit the mountain too quickly, the trail can be treacherous and also side effects from the altitude sickness.
Become an expert on Whitney and the Portal Trail by research and reading, both online and in publications.
Plan ahead for permits.
Pacing is a must. If the challenge is too great, the hike up to the first lake is worth the experience.
