Turn up canyon toward mount whitney, passing out of the trees at timberline lake and finally stopping at our camp above guitar lake. Muir and i didnt know whether to laugh, cry or vomit. The trail is primarily used for hiking, camping, ice climbing, and backpacking and is best used from april until october. And now, in my final john muir trail trip report, we reach the grand finalesummiting mt. At 14,505 feet, its the highest point in the lower 48 and is one of those rare high peaks that you can hike to without any mountaineering skills. Whitney, highest point in the contiguous united states. You can also check the whitney portal store message board for people who have extra openings on their permits. The district extends from the crest of the sierra nevada to the inyo mountains. Mt whitney in the california sierra nevada is the highest peak in the contiguous united states. Whitney trailhead campgrounds 25 walkin campsites are within walking distance of the main trails. The whitney portal store, located miles west of lone pine, lies next to the mount whitney trail head and has operated by permit from the inyo national forest since 1987. Dogs are actually allowed on this trail up to trail crest,777, but. It both fascinates and astonishes people that there could be such a bizarre requirement as to have to carry your own poop out with you and that you get provided with wag ba. Preparing, training, learning or just working for mt whitney can be daunting.
White mountain ranger station and visitor center in bishop, ca located at. Whitney ranger district us forest service lone pine. Box 749 lone pine, california 93545 760 8764444 eastern sierra interagency visitors center 760 8766222. Inyo national forest wilderness permits recreation. Main street po box 8, lone pine, ca 93545 7608766200.
As well as standard practices for leaving no trace, you must take even more heroic measures. For additional information about whitney portal trailhead, contact. Too many inexperienced people are climbing whitney outside. The road is closed to vehicles beyond the entrance.
Beyond the physical superlatives, hiking the mount whitney trail is a beautiful experience in and of itself, and its very doable for southern californians. Whitney trail is a strenuous, but nontechnical, route to the summit of mt. No other topic of conversation regarding my recent mt whitney trip has elicited more interest than having to poop in a wag bag. The carbon river ranger station is located on the carbon river road 5. Reaching an elevation of 14,508 feet, it towers more than 10,000 vertical feet above the owens valley, and because of its lofty position, it is the most sought after peak in all of north america. The eastern sierra interagency visitor center has lightshelves, sun shades, a ground source heat pump, a cool roof, and windows that minimize heat. At the store, we keep last minute supplies for hiking, camping, fishing, and related items for the portal visitors. Information officers with the forest service, bureau of land management blm and national park service are here to answer your questions and issue campfire and wilderness permits. The mt whitney hike is on every hikers bucket list.
The primary coordinates for mount whitney ranger station places it within the ca 93545 zip code delivery area. Wilderness permits bishop visitor information center. Even if you decide not to summit, enjoy camping in this highalpine cirque jmt9 location. Mount whitney ranger station cultural feature building in inyo county. Bicycle and pedestrian traffic is permitted beyond the entrance. During other times, a selfissued wilderness permit is required which can be made at the mount whitney ranger station in lone pine, not at whitney portal see mountain conditions section below for the ranger station address. Whitney had raised a big stink pack it out program. If not, proceed to the ranger station in upper crabtree meadows to get one.
Group size limits ensure people spread out to prevent impacts. Alternatively, try the daily lottery at the lone pine ranger station for last minute openings. Too many inexperienced people are climbing whitney. Located on the eastside of californias beautiful sierra nevada mountains, the mt whitney trail starts in inyo national forest at whitney portal, 8,300 feet above. These trips allow guests the opportunity to climb mt. Inyo national forest districts usda forest service. This trip is operated by rock creek pack station dba as mt. Turn onto the trail to whitney, following whitney creek and passing the ranger station before joining the john muir trail in 1. Whitney ranger district, po box 8, lone pine, ca 93545, 7608766200, for additional information about this trailhead. Mount whitney ranger station is a cultural feature building in inyo county. Russelll that offer decent camping, including arctic, tulainyo, and upper boy scout lakes the later being quite popular for an east side entry. Whitney hut or the muir pass shelter lightning can be conducted to individuals inside. Whitney portal message board hiking conditions, reports.
Jun 29, 2017 mt whitney day, aka the trail made me cry day 64. During other times, a selfissued wilderness permit is required which can be made at the mount whitney ranger station in lone pine, not at whitney portal see. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Whitney on day 3 and gives them some time to acclimate. Lone pine eastern sierra the other side of california. Whitney below for more details and links to forest service information. At an elevation of 14,501 feet, mount whitney is the tallest mountain in california and the tallest peak in the lower 48. Bishop ca 93514 760873 2500 mammoth ranger station p. Whitney the john muir trail is 212 mile of pure sierra goodness.
Cottonwood pack station hiking with pack stock, mt. Nancy muleadymecham for a once in a lifetime chance to learn all about these mountains and the nature within them. Whitney trail after beginning a trip elsewhere in inyo national forest. Immerse yourself in the natural history of the sierra nevada. Mt whitney trail camp is the most popular campsite along the mt whitney trail.
Whitney ranger district, po box 8, lone pine, ca 93545, 760 8766200, for additional information about this trailhead. Mount whitney is the tallest mountain in the contiguous united states and the sierra nevada, with an elevation of 14,505 feet 4,421 m. Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. Whitney pack trains, offers riding and hiking trips originating at cottonwood pack station. Box 429 lee vining, ca 93541 7606473044 sierra national forest pine ridge ranger station. Whitney trail is by lottery during the month of february. Join fulbright scholar and retired national park ranger dr. Mostly drytemperatures will be well below freezing max 6c on wed afternoon, min 15c on mon nightwinds decreasing strong winds from the nw on mon morning, light winds from the nw by wed afternoon. Crabtree is a popular spot for jmt, pct, and hst hikers looking to rest up and acclimate before the high elevation climb up mount whitney. Mt whitney trail condition reports from the folks who live and work on the mountain. If you dont have mountains or hills in you area, increase your hike distances beyond 22 miles. Lone pine is the landscape, and the landscape is lone pine.
Lone pine, ca 93545 7608766200 white mountain ranger station 798 n. White mountain ranger station public lands information open all year. It is located in eastcentral california, on the boundary between californias inyo and tulare counties, 84. Eastern sierra interagency visitor center sierra nevada.
Use the stairs at local stadiums or highrise building to simulate vertical gain. Permits can be obtained in advance or at the whitney ranger station in lone pine when you arrive. This video is our best advice and recommendations for having a successful summit. Ranger stations, inyo national forest, sierra national forest. Forest service rangers will issue citations to hikers. The people in this small town have shaped the landscape and in return the land has shaped their lives and history. Box 429 lee vining, ca 93541 7606473044 sierra national forest. Whitney, the highest peak in california, requires a permit and careful preparation. Mar 01, 2018 preparing, training, learning or just working for mt whitney can be daunting. Beyond wallace creek the jmt climbs gradually and passes sandy meadow on its way toward crabtree ranger station. As mtr is the first ontrail resupply point, many nobo hikers opt to camp at locations with bear boxes the first few nights until all of their food fits in their bear can. Whitney from the west side and explore the sequoiakings canyon national parks and the golden trout wilderness.
Lone pine is the landscape, and the landscape is lone. Try stairsteppers, elliptical trainers and climbing machines. Trail crest exit quota applies to visitors who descend the mt. Inyo forest wilderness permits reservations are accepted up to six months in advance of the date of entry for all trails except the main mt.
We got to the trail crossing between discovery pinnacle and mt. Along with your permits, you are issued a wag bag a system for packing out your waste. If you begin in sequoia national park and approach mt. The eastern sierra interagency visitor center has lightshelves, sun shades, a ground source heat pump, a cool roof, and windows that minimize heat transfer and maximize views of mt whitney.
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