Mount Whitney Travel Guide

Trek Zone

Locality

Facts and practical information

Nestled in the breathtaking Sierra Nevada mountain range, Mount Whitney is a majestic peak that stands tall as the highest summit in the contiguous United States. Located within the Inyo National Forest in California, this natural wonder draws adventurers, nature enthusiasts, and avid hikers from all around the world.

Ascending Mount Whitney is a thrilling challenge that offers unparalleled rewards. The most popular route to the top is the Mount Whitney Trail, which spans approximately 22 miles round trip. As you embark on this epic journey, you will find yourself surrounded by awe-inspiring landscapes, including pristine alpine lakes, towering granite peaks, and lush meadows adorned with vibrant wildflowers.

The hike to the summit of Mount Whitney is not for the faint of heart, as it requires physical endurance and careful preparation. However, for those who embrace the challenge, the panoramic views from the top are simply breathtaking. Standing at an elevation of 14,505 feet, the summit offers a sweeping vista that stretches as far as the eye can see, showcasing the dramatic beauty of the Sierra Nevada range.

Aside from its remarkable hiking opportunities, Mount Whitney is also a gateway to a multitude of outdoor adventures. The surrounding area provides ample opportunities for camping, fishing, rock climbing, and horseback riding. Whether you choose to explore the stunning trails of the John Muir Wilderness or try your hand at angling in the pristine waters of the Owens River, there is something for every nature lover to enjoy.

For those seeking a more leisurely experience, the nearby town of Lone Pine offers a charming retreat. Known for its rich history and picturesque setting, this small town provides a perfect basecamp for exploring the region. From visiting the Lone Pine Film History Museum, which showcases the area's Hollywood connections, to strolling along the quaint main street lined with unique shops and restaurants, Lone Pine offers a delightful blend of culture and relaxation.

Alternative names: First ascent: 1873Elevation: 14505 ftProminence: 10075 ftCoordinates: 36°34'20"N, 118°17'28"W

Location

CaliforniaUnited States

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Mount Whitney Top Attractions

Mount Whitney Attractions - What to See and Explore

Mount Whitney offers many attractions and places to visit. Here are the most important ones: East Face, Mount Carillon, Mount Muir, Mount Hitchcock. Below you will find a complete list of places worth visiting.

Hiking trail • Outdoor activities • Park
East Face
The East Face of Mount Whitney is a technical alpine rock climbing route and is featured in Fifty Classic Climbs of North America. Mount Whitney is the highest peak in the contiguous United States.
Mountain
Mount Carillon
Mount Carillon is a 13,553-foot-elevation mountain summit located on the crest of the Sierra Nevada mountain range in California.
Nature • Natural attraction • Mountain
Mount Muir
Mount Muir is a peak in the Sierra Nevada of California, 0.95 miles south of Mount Whitney. This 14,018-foot peak is named in honor of Scottish-born John Muir, a famous geologist, conservationist and founder of the Sierra Club.

Mountain
Mount Hitchcock
Mount Hitchcock is a 13,186-foot-elevation mountain summit located west of the crest of the Sierra Nevada mountain range in Tulare County, California. It is situated in Sequoia National Park, and is two miles south-southwest of Mount Whitney, 1.3 mile southwest of Mount Muir, and 1.1 mile west of Trail Crest.
Mountain
Mount Randy Morgenson
Mount Randy Morgenson is a 13,927-foot-elevation mountain summit located along the crest of the Sierra Nevada mountain range in Tulare County, California. It is situated in Sequoia National Park, one mile north-northwest of Mount Whitney, 0.85 mile east of Mount Hale, and one-half mile west of Mount Russell, the nearest higher neighbor.
Mountain
Mount Pickering
Mount Pickering is a 13,474-foot-elevation mountain summit located just west of the crest of the Sierra Nevada mountain range in Tulare County, California. It is situated in Sequoia National Park, and is 3.1 miles south of Mount Whitney, 1.2 mile southeast of Mount Chamberlin, and one mile south of Mount Newcomb. Mt.
Mountain
Joe Devel Peak
Joe Devel Peak is a 13,327-foot-elevation mountain summit located just west of the crest of the Sierra Nevada mountain range in Tulare County, California. Set in Sequoia National Park, it is situated 4.35 miles south of Mount Whitney, 1.5 miles southeast of Mount Chamberlin, and...
Mountain
Mount Young
Mount Young is a 13,176-foot-elevation mountain summit located west of the crest of the Sierra Nevada mountain range in Tulare County, California. It is situated in Sequoia National Park, and is two miles west of Mount Whitney, one mile northwest of Guitar Lake, and one mile southwest of Mount Hale, the nearest higher neighbor.
Mountain
Mount Versteeg
Mount Versteeg is a 13,471-foot-elevation mountain summit located on the crest of the Sierra Nevada mountain range in California. It is situated on the common border of Tulare County with Inyo County, as well as the shared boundary of Sequoia National Park and John Muir Wilderness.
Mountain
Mount Newcomb
Mount Newcomb is a 13,422-foot-elevation mountain summit located just west of the crest of the Sierra Nevada mountain range in Tulare County, California. It is situated in Sequoia National Park, and is 2.8 miles south of Mount Whitney, 1.1 mile northeast of Mount Chamberlin, and 3.5 miles west of Mount Corcoran. Mt.
36°34'43"N • 118°17'31"W
Smithsonian Institution Shelter
The Smithsonian Institution Shelter, also known as the Mount Whitney Summit Shelter and the Mount Whitney Hut, was built in 1909 on the summit plateau of Mount Whitney, in the Sierra Nevada within Sequoia National Park, in California. It is the highest permanent building in the Contiguous United States.
Nature • Natural attraction • Mountain
Mount Irvine
Mount Irvine is a mountain in the Sierra Nevada of California. The summit is in the Inyo National Forest and the John Muir Wilderness.

Day trips

Mount Whitney – popular in the area (distance from the center)

In the vicinity of Mount Whitney, it's worth seeing attractions such as: General Grant Grove, General Sherman Tree (Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks), Moro Rock (Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks).

40 milesW
Protected area
General Grant Grove
Nestled in the heart of Kings Canyon National Park, General Grant Grove is a majestic testament to the grandeur of nature. This awe-inspiring grove is home to the General Grant Tree, one of the world's largest living trees, and is recognized as the Nation's Christmas...
26 milesW
Sequoia National Park’s main attraction
General Sherman Tree, Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks
The General Sherman Tree is a natural marvel that stands proudly within the Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks in the United States. Known as a giant sequoia, this colossal tree is not just any sequoia—it is renowned for being the largest tree on Earth by volume.
26 milesW
Natural attraction, Geologic formation, Hiking trail
Moro Rock, Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks
Moro Rock, a striking granite dome, stands proudly within the heart of Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks in the United States. This colossal rock formation is not just a geographical wonder but also a popular destination for tourists seeking panoramic views of...
36 milesNW
Nature, Natural attraction, Canyon
Tehipite Valley, Kings Canyon National Park
Tehipite Valley, a glacial valley of the Middle Fork Kings River, is located in Kings Canyon National Park in the Sierra Nevada of California.
27 milesW
Village, Visitor center, Museum
Giant Forest Museum, Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks
The Giant Forest Village–Camp Kaweah Historic District is located in Sequoia National Park. It is notable as one of two registered historic districts in the park that were largely demolished as part of National Park Service efforts to mitigate the impact of park visitor facilities on the park's giant sequoia groves.