Mount Whitney is the crown jewel of Sierra Nevada highpointing — a 22-mile round trip to the highest point in the lower 48, passing through some of the most dramatic high alpine terrain in North America.
The Main Trail gains 6,100 feet from Whitney Portal, weaving through boulder fields, past Mirror Lake, over Trail Crest at 13,650 feet, and finally along the exposed Whitney Crest to a broad, rock-strewn summit plateau.
The views from the top stretch from the White Mountains to the west and the Inyo Mountains to the east. On the clearest days you can see Death Valley, the lowest point in North America, from the highest.
Permits are required and competitive — the lottery opens in February. Altitude sickness is a real concern; acclimatizing at Portal for a night before the climb makes a significant difference.
Main Trail from Whitney Portal
The standard 11-mile route from Whitney Portal at 8,360 feet. Passes Lower Whitney Portal to Mirror Lake, then a long traverse to Trail Camp before the 99 switchbacks to Trail Crest and the final ridge walk.
“Permit day hike — started at midnight, headlamp through the forest, hit Trail Camp as the sky turned violet. The 99 switchbacks are demoralizing until they aren't. Trail Crest at 13,650 feet hit me hard; first time I've ever felt genuinely altitude-impaired. Descended the opposite side just to touch the John Muir Trail. The view east from the summit is pure vertical — the Owens Valley 10,000 feet below.”
Perfect September bluebird. 65°F at summit. No wind.
Hiking boots, poles, micro-spikes (small patch of ice on switchbacks), headlamp essential for overnight start.