Mt. Whitney

Mt. Whitney is the highest peak in the lower 48 states. Soaring 14,497 feet into the sky, it is the most climbed peak in the United States. This page provides information about permits, camping, bears and other tips to make hiking Mt. Whitney more enjoyable.

 Mountaineer's Route

 Fast Facts:

Location: Eastern, CA (165 miles from Las Vegas)
Entrance Fee: None
Time Zone: Pacific Time
Managed by: BLM
Best Season: Late summer
Visitor Center: None
Ranger Station: Lone Pine, CA
Closest Town: Lone Pine, CA
Campgrounds: See beloe 
Permits: Yes, see below
Pets: No
Bears: Yes
Special Attractions: Highest peak in US (outside of Alaska)

Permits:

You need a permit for both hikes to Mt. Whitney summit: the regular trail or the Mountaineers route, even if you do the hikes in a day.
More information about permits and to apply: Mt. Whitney Permits
Additional questions: Call the ranger station: (760) 876-6200
Mt. Whitney Message Board - very active

 Camping:

Lone Pine:  $17 per night, vault toilets and water. 40% walk in.
Location: 7 miles west of Lone Pine on Whitney Portal Road. 6 miles to the trailhead.
Elevation: 6,200 feet  
Open:  April through October
 
Whitney Portal: $19 per night, vault toilets and water.
Location: 13 miles west on Lone Pine on Whitney Portal Rd. Near the trailhead.
Elevation: 8,300 feet
Open: May 22, to Oct 02, 1999 and May 24, 2000 to Oct 13, 2000
 
Horseshoe Meadow: $12 per night, walk in only, vault toilets and water.
Location: 3 miles on Whitney Portal Road, left on Horse Meadows for 21 miles to the end of the road. It's about 31 miles to Mt. Whitney trailhead.
Elevation: 10,000 feet 
Open: June through Sept.
All campgrounds provide metal containers for food storage. This is to protect your food from bears. To make camping reservations online for Lone Pine or Whitney Portal campgrounds, click here or call 1-800-280-2267.

Bears and Marmots:

Bears can be a problem while hiking and camping  around Mt. Whitney. The rule is to store all food in metal storage lockers. They are provided at campsites and at the Mt. Whitney trailhead. Do not leave any food, food wrappers, toothpaste, or anything a bear might eat in your car. If camping on the route, buy or rent a bear box. There's a set-up for hanging food at Iceberg Lake. This is favorite spot to camp along the Mountaineers Route.
 
 Marmots are little animals resembling fat squirrels. They can be a nuisance. Luckily they are not good climbers. Do not feed them as this only encourages them to ransack your backpack when you set it down. Marmots are at the summit.

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