Hiking up Mount Whitney,California

The Possibility of Climbing California's Highest Peak in One Day

Jun 14, 2008 James Barnett

Mount Whitney, at 14,496 feet, is not only California's highest but also the highest peak of the lower 48 states. A one day ascent and descent requires careful planning.

Mt. Whitney in a Day

Climbing Mount Whitney in a day requires strength and stamina, and necessary precautions are needed. The hiker will be expected to gain over 6000 feet in elevation, from 8300 feet to 14,500, and walk 22 miles round trip, all in roughly 15 hours of daylight. The trail traverses three pristine alpine lakes; Lone Pine, Mirror, and Consultation. Between Lone Pine and Mirror Lake, the traveler negotiates the marshy meadow which ends at the first camp. Two camps on the trail allow the backpacker three days to make the trip.

Fish jump at Mirror Lake, seemingly welcoming the visitor to this point. Above Mirror, the day hiker maneuvers through cairns established on slick rock, and directing one upward toward Consultation. Above the second camp at Consultation, 99 switchbacks, deemed monotonous by some but extremely challenging by others, climb toward the Saddle; the backbone of the eastern Sierra, where a panoramic view of countless summits appear in three directions, while the Owens valley and Panamint appear in the east. Several lakes of cold blue are cradled throughout. At this elevation, with over 1000 feet to go, the trekker may experience altitude sickness. The trail winds through alien rock formations and across jumbles where dangerous scree shift underfoot. Patches of melting snow lay across the path and each step through creates a slippery slush, yet another obstacle that challenges the footing and the already sore muscles. Soon the lone stone rectangular ranger building comes into view and steps beyond, the official U.S. Geological marker, in white and green lettering that reads 14,494, and finally the trekker has reached the highest point in the contiguous United States. Proceed with caution toward the edge of the summit, beware of wind gusts, and quickly prepare for the trip down.

Directions and Precautions

The directions to the Mt. Whitney portal are easy, precautions however are limitless. Before going over the precautions it is strongly advised that the day hiker be in good physical shape, and that extensive research is done, making the U.S. Forest Service a major resource. While overnight backpackers play a lottery, day hikers can simply request a permit. Note that there is only a certain allotment of permits distributed each day. Since peak season is late July, August and early September, the permits go fast. The Forest Service provides a reservation calendar online. Nights when the trail is well lit by a full moon can book fast. Also, trekkers should realize that inclement weather can close the mountain anytime.

Necessities include walking sticks, first aid kit, hydration pack, purification pills, sun screen, and a headlamp; needed for a 4 a.m. start and an after dusk return. Steady pacing is a must. Overexertion creates burn-out. The return trip is somewhat faster, but has its own dangers. Legs tire and muscles cramp and each slippage on the scree can be jarring. Ankles can twist stopping the adventure to a halt. Dropping altitude quickly, especially down the switchbacks, can affect the body’s metabolism, vomiting and diarrhea can occur. Toilets have recently been removed so waste must be carried out. The general rule is to make Mirror Lake by dark, below the slick rock and the cairns, utilizing the lamp.

The Whitney Portal is just over 200 miles from Los Angeles. From Los Angeles, take Highway 14 north through the Antelope Valley where it joins U.S. 395 to Lone Pine, California. The portal road cuts west from Main Street and ends at the parking lot.

Accommodations

Several camping facilities are in the area. Reserve a site at the Whitney Portal campground, the closest camp to the parking lot; being close to the trailhead makes for an early start. The Forest Service link above takes erservations. When returning from the peak, the body may be too sore and exhausted to crawl into a tent and a bag. Know that Lone Pine offers many affordable rooms, the perfect reward being a hot shower and clean sheets. Down home restaurants are abundant along Lone Pine's South Main Street/Highway 395. Mount Whitney Restaurant, the closest at 227 South Main and Portal Road, and Season's at 206 South Main, come to mind. Local fare includes a mountain of mashed potatoes smothered in sausage gravy and buried under a chicken-fried steak. A hearty cheeseburger with greasy fries and a beer of choice may also suffice. Well deserved for a definitive accomplishment in life.

The copyright of the article Hiking up Mount Whitney,California in SW U.S./Hawaii Travel is owned by James Barnett. Permission to republish Hiking up Mount Whitney,California in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.