Mount Whitney
The highest peak in the contiguous United States at 4,421 meters. Climbing it requires a permit obtained by lottery, and the town of Lone Pine offers a clear view of its jagged eastern face.
Mount Whitney rises to 4,421 meters, the highest peak in the 48 contiguous states, and sits about 136 km from Death Valley's Badwater Basin, the lowest point in North America. The classic Mount Whitney Trail starts at Whitney Portal. The round trip is about 35 km with roughly 1,900 meters of elevation gain, and most hikers complete it over two days. From May to November, you must obtain a permit through Recreation.gov by lottery, or you may not pass Lone Pine Lake. Visitors who don't climb can enjoy the jagged eastern face from Lone Pine town and the Alabama Hills.
Opening hours
Climbing permit season approx. May 1–Nov 1
Nearby sights
- Lone Pine Lake Trail
- Whitney Portal
- Mobius Arch
- Horseshoe Meadows Road
- Movie Road & Film Locations
- Alabama Hills
- Manzanar National Historic Site
- Museum of Western Film History