What Do I Need To Know About Climbing The Highest Peak In The Continental U.S., Mount Whitney?
As the highest peak in the Lower 48 U.S. states, Mount Whitney may be the most frequently climbed peak in the Sierra Nevada mountains of Central California. In the summer, as many as 300 people attempt to summit every day. The summit can be most directly reached via an 11-mile trail from Whitney Portal, 13 miles west of Lone Pine, off of Highway 395. The trail head is at 8,361 feet and the summit at 14,495 feet. Ice axes and crampons are needed in spring and early summer, but not usually necessary between mid-July and early October. During the summer, individuals in excellent physical condition can do the route as a very long dayhike. There are two camping areas, at 10,000 and 12,000 feet, respectively. The peak hiking months are July and August, when the camp grounds are likely to be crowded. The weather is unpredictable during all seasons, and summer thunderstorms are common. The day before I summit in mid-June, there had been a white-out, obliterating the trail with snow, and we did
