Inyo National Forest · CA
Mt Whitney Trail
Extreme · Day hike · Best in Summer
Length
22 mi
Gain
6,600 ft
Scenery
★★★★★
About this trail
The contiguous USA's highest summit at 14,505 ft. A relentless 22-mile out-and-back gaining over 6,000 ft, with 99 switchbacks and altitude that breaks most hikers. Lottery permit required.
Highlights
- Highest peak in lower 48
- Trail Crest pass
- 99 Switchbacks
Get there
Start: Trailhead · 36.5874, -118.2398
Open driving directions in Google Maps →Permit
Inyo National Forest
Lottery opens Feb 1, results mid-March. Permit required for any overnight or summit day.
Apply for permit →Along the way
- Whitney Portal@ mile 0· 8,360 ft
- Lone Pine Lake@ mile 3
- Mirror Lake@ mile 4
- Trail Camp@ mile 6· 12,039 ft
- 99 Switchbacks@ mile 8
- Trail Crest@ mile 8.5· 13,650 ft
- Mt Whitney summit@ mile 11· 14,505 ft
Plan your visit on the interactive map
See Mt Whitney Trail on the live Trailspark map alongside weather averages, gear lists, an elevation profile, and nearby points of interest.
Open Mt Whitney Trail on the map →