Mount Whitney Trail is located in California, USA. It lies between Lone Pine and the Sierra Nevada mountains and is situated in the Inyo National Forest area. It is famous for leading hikers to the top of Mount Whitney, the highest peak in the lower 48 states.
Mount Whitney Trail Location Map,Lone Pine, California

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Top Attractions Inside Mount Whitney Trail
- Whitney Portal – Trailhead featuring a scenic forested setting, waterfalls, and amenities.
- Lone Pine Lake – Beautiful alpine lake offering a rewarding stop early along the trail.
- Outpost Camp – Rest area with access to streams and shaded camping spots.
- Mirror Lake – Reflective alpine lake surrounded by rugged granite scenery.
- Trail Camp – High-elevation base area before the switchbacks, popular for overnight stays.
- 99 Switchbacks – Iconic and challenging ascent section leading toward the crest.
- Trail Crest – Dramatic saddle offering sweeping views of Sequoia National Park and the Sierra.
- Summit Push – Final stretch along the west side ridge leading to Mount Whitney’s summit.
Mount Whitney Trail Facts
| Official Name | Mount Whitney Trail |
| Location | Lone Pine, Inyo County, California, USA |
| Latitude & Longitude | 36.5785° N, 118.2920° W (Whitney Portal Trailhead) |
| Total Length | 22 miles round trip (35 km) to the summit |
| Elevation Gain | 6,145 ft (1,873 m) |
| Established | Early 1900s (modern trail improvements throughout 20th century) |
| Founder | U.S. Forest Service & Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) |
| Managed By | U.S. Forest Service – Inyo National Forest |
| Region | Sierra Nevada Mountains / John Muir Wilderness |
| Address | Whitney Portal, Whitney Portal Road, Lone Pine, CA 93545, USA |
| Zip Code | 93545 |
| Area Code | 760 / 442 |
| Currency | United States Dollar (USD, $) |
| Time Zone | Pacific Time (PT) – UTC−8 Standard / UTC−7 Daylight Saving |
| Theme / Concept | High-Altitude Hiking, Mountaineering, Alpine Wilderness Adventure |
| Sections (Areas) | Whitney Portal - Lone Pine Lake - Outpost Camp - Mirror Lake - Trail Camp - 99 Switchbacks - Trail Crest - Summit |
| Famous Attractions | Summit of Mount Whitney - 99 Switchbacks - Trail Camp - Lone Pine Lake - Panoramic Sierra Views |
| Annual Visitors | 19,000 permitted hikers (summit attempts per year) |
| Entry Fee Type | Permit Required (Day Use & Overnight Backpacking) |
| Ticket Price Range | $6 reservation fee + $15 per person (permit fee) |
| Ticket Options | Day Use Permit - Overnight Backpacking Permit - JMT Exit Permits |
| Best Time to Visit | July–September (snow-free season and safest trail conditions) |
| Nearby Airport | Mammoth Yosemite Airport (MMH) – approx. 84 miles |
| Transportation | Car access to Whitney Portal - Limited local shuttle options - Hiking only beyond trailhead |
| Official Website | https://www.fs.usda.gov/inyo |
Distances from Mount Whitney Trail to Nearby Landmarks
- Whitney Portal – 0.3 km (0.2 mi)
- Outpost Camp – 3.9 km (2.4 mi)
- Mirror Lake – 2.6 km (1.6 mi)
- Trail Camp – 6.7 km (4.2 mi)
- Guitar Lake – 13 km (8.1 mi)
- Mt. Whitney Summit – 17 km (10.6 mi)
- Lone Pine – 19 km (11.8 mi)
- Alabama Hills Recreation Area – 21 km (13.0 mi)
- Manzanar National Historic Site – 38 km (23.6 mi)
- Independence, CA – 38 km (23.6 mi)
- Bishop, CA – 86 km (53.4 mi)
- Mammoth Lakes – 126 km (78.3 mi)
- Mt. Whitney Fish Hatchery – 39 km (24.2 mi)
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