Lone Pine Lake Trail
Lone Pine Lake
A classic day hike from Whitney Portal to a high-mountain lake that requires no permit. It is the best way to experience the Whitney Trail.
Lone Pine Lake sits about 4.5 km along the Mount Whitney Trail, at an elevation of roughly 3,040 m, with a climb of about 490 m from the trailhead. The round trip takes around 4 to 5 hours. The trail passes through pine forest, streams and switchbacks, and the lake is clear, with granite cliffs rising behind it. Lone Pine Lake is the furthest point reachable without a Whitney Zone permit; going further requires one. At high altitude, protect yourself from the sun and stay hydrated, and start early, as thunderstorms often roll in during the afternoon.
Opening hours
All day while the road is open
Nearby sights
- Whitney Portal
- Mount Whitney
- Mobius Arch
- Movie Road & Film Locations
- Horseshoe Meadows Road
- Alabama Hills
- Manzanar National Historic Site
- Museum of Western Film History