How to Hike Mt. Whitney

Mt. Whitney has the highest peaks in the lower 48 states.

According to the U.S. Forest Service, Mt. Whitney is the highest peak in the lower 48 states. Mt. Whitney is in the John Muir Wilderness and the Sequoia National Park Wilderness. Its trailhead elevation is approximately 8,365 feet with a summit of 14,497.61 feet. Hiking Mt. Whitney is a definite adventure, with preparation, practice and safety precautions essential to successfully completing your journey.

Things You'll Need

• Wilderness permit
• Hiking clothing
• Hiking equipment and accessories
• Water
• Food

Instructions

1. Visit the White Mountain Ranger Station or the Mono Basin Scenic Area Visitor Center to reserve a Wilderness permit. Give the date you are planning to hike and the number of people accompanying you. Pick up the permit one to two days before your hike date.

2. Practice hiking. Train three to six months. Hike four to five times a week with your boots and equipment to get your body accustomed to trekking.

3. Gradually add more miles every week and increase elevation. Commit to intense aerobic workouts four to five times a week. Jogging, running, biking and swimming can develop regulated breathing necessary for hiking Mt. Whitney.

4. Invest in appropriate attire and equipment. Buy sturdy well-fitted boots that can withstand hours of trekking and synthetic or wool socks. Wear light, loose fitting clothing during summer and thick, layered apparel during winter. Avoid cotton clothes that can stimulate sweat and can contribute to hypothermia (even in summer). Avoid denim clothing that can chafe skin.

5. Pack light but carry food, drinking water, human waste sacks, headlamps, first aid kit, maps and compass, flashlights, tents/sleeping bags, matches and fire starters. Bring sunscreen/lotion, lip balm, hats, gloves, protective eye-wear and waterproof jackets or hefty fleece coats.

6. Minimize high altitude illness. Arrive at Mt. Whitney the day before you begin you ascent and spend at least one night familiarizing yourself with its trails.

7. Drink adequate water. According to Desert Today "carrying the necessary amount of water-- one gallon per day--can make for a very heavy load." Utilize the river water. Purify it by boiling it at least five minutes before consuming. Dissolve iodine tablets to sterilize water. Sip water every 15 to 20 minutes to prevent dehydration.

Tips & Warnings

• Map out your hike. Stick to your designated path. Travel in groups.

• Eat foods high in protein to help sustain you during long hours of hiking.

• Check the weather forecast and avalanche report before beginning.

• Plan for sudden weather changes. Even during summer, extreme weather conditions can exist. Note that the higher the elevation, the lower the temperatures.

• Prepare for no warning weather conditions by stopping the hike at signs of lightning or heavy rain.

• Never leave food unattended. Invest in bear canisters for deterring pests/animals.

• Pack out all your garbage.

References

• Desert Usa: Climbing Mt. Whitney
• Timberlain Trails: Mt. Whitney Climbing, Hiking and Backpacking
• Lone Pine Chamber of Commerce: Hiking in the Lone Pine Area
• US Forest Service: Recreational Activities - Mt. Whitney

Resources

• National Weather Service
• Avalanche Report Center