Mt. Whitney Trail

Mt. Whitney Trail climbs over 6,000 feet in 11 miles. When free of snow, it provides a strenuous, non-technical route to the summit of Mt. Whitney. Additional skills and equipment are necessary for safe travel when snow and ice are present. The trail is usually relatively snow-free from late June to mid-October.

Area Map
Mt. Whitney Trail Recreation Guide (pdf)
To purchase maps or guidebooks, visit sierraforever.org

Specific Trail Information

Trail Type

Standard/Terra Trail — A trail that has a surface consisting predominantly of the ground and that is designed and managed to accommodate use on that surface.

General Information

Wilderness permits are required year-round for:

ALL overnight visitors
Day-visitors in the Mt. Whitney Zone.

Water from creeks, lakes and springs should be treated before drinking.

Pack out all human waste
No Campfires, all elevations.
Bear resistant containers required
Camping prohibited at Mirror Lake and Trailside Meadow.
No camping within 25’ of the trail and within 100’ of water.
Wilderness regulations
Sequoia National Park regulations

Address: Highway 395 and SR 136 Lone Pine, CA 93545
Phone: (760) 876-6200
Hours: Open daily, 8:30am-4:30pm (entrance gate closed at 4:15pm)

Getting There

Directions

From Highway 395 in Lone Pine, CA, travel west on Whitney Portal Road. The Mt. Whitney trailhead is located approximately 13 miles from Lone Pine on the north side of the road.

Limited parking is available at the trailhead. Please carpool.

There is a high level of bear activity at the trailhead. Remove all food and trash from vehicles and place in bear-proof lockers and trash receptacles.