Mt. Whitney
Summary:
Mt. Whitney 🏔️. The big one in one day. 22 miles round trip. 6134 elevation gain for a summit at 14,508 ft, the highest point in the contingent usa 🇺🇲. 134 miles from the lowest point in the contingent usa 🇺🇲.
The numbers are kinda mind boggling. Its hard to wrap your head around just how big this place is. This mountain is menicing. The massive giant granite walls engulf you. A constant suffer fest battling conditions of sun ☀️, heat🌡️, elevation 🏔️, lack of oxygen 😨, bears 🐻, storms ⛈️, and cold ❄️. While your mind is inundated with constant decisioning as you ascend and descend with the moving variables of the mountain.
Preparation:
I spent most of my time in the gym since it's summer in Arizona. 1 hour on the stairmaster followed by an hour on the treadmill at an incline(daily) for a month. Summiting mountains at a lower altitude, for example, Mt Humphrey would be great practice.
Items list:
•Lifestraw
•Liquid IV
•Dioxme (aws medication)
•Bivvy
•Headlamp (with extra batteries)
•Jetboil
•UVB protective wick hoodie
•Extra socks
•Hat/ sunglasses
•Windbreaker/ jacket
•Medkit
~Trekking poles and crampons were not necessary due to weather/ season.
•Hoka shoes
One Day Strategy:
You will need to start the hike around 1-2am in the morning. The trail is broken up in 3 sections.
1. High incline and switchbacks facing east(during the day it's the sun, you, and granite. Low protection again sun and this section can be exhausting if it's not done swiftly and in the dark.
2. Lakes and meadows. This area will not have as much incline and plenty of spots to rest, camp, and collect fresh water. You will not want to rely on water collection from the last two lakes.
3. Trail camp, the 97 switchbacks, and summit. Trail camp is a great place to rest and camp before starting the summit. This third section is rigorous, dangerous, low oxygen. You need to take your time, ensure there is enough sun in the day, and no storm clouds approaching summit.
On the way down it good to take inventory of calories and water left in pack and what protective items you have against cold weather, this would also be a good time to break out the headlamps. Watch your foot placement and take care of your ankles. Descending in the dark only adds additional risk.
If you're lucky enough to be back at trailhead before 8pm, stop by the portal store for a cheeseburger 🍔 and french fries 🍟. You deserve it.
Driving Directions:
Drive to Lone Pine, California via US Highway 395.
Turn west onto Whitney Portal Road and continue for 13 miles until you reach Whitney Portal.
Camping:
Whitney Portal Campground is the closest camping area to the trailhead. Book your campsite online through Recreation.gov. Camping is available on a first-come, first-served basis in early and late seasons.
Permits:
Day hiking Mt. Whitney requires a permit from May 1 to November 1. Apply for the permit lottery through Recreation.gov between February 1 and March 15. Walk-up permits are available on a limited basis at the Eastern Sierra Visitor Center in Lone Pine.
Hiking:
Begin at the Whitney Portal Trailhead (8,360 ft elevation).
Follow the Mt. Whitney Trail, a well-maintained, 22-mile round trip hike with an elevation gain of 6,100 feet.
Pass by Lone Pine Lake (2.8 miles), Outpost Camp (3.8 miles), and Trail Camp (6 miles).
Ascend the infamous "99 Switchbacks" section to Trail Crest (8.2 miles, 13,600 ft elevation).
Traverse the final 1.9 miles along the ridge to the Mt. Whitney summit (14,505 ft elevation).
Trails:
The Mt. Whitney Trail is the most popular and direct route to the summit. It's a Class 1 trail, which means it is well-maintained and easy to follow. The trail becomes more challenging above Trail Camp, with steep switchbacks and high elevation.
Tips:
Start your hike early, ideally before sunrise, to ensure enough time to complete the round trip.
Acclimate to the altitude by spending a night at Whitney Portal or nearby Lone Pine before attempting the hike.
Stay hydrated and pack enough food, water, and layers for changing weather conditions.
Always practice Leave No Trace principles.
Note: This guide is for informational purposes only. Hiking Mt. Whitney in one day is a challenging and strenuous endeavor. Be prepared and understand your limits.
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