Mountains in California, Mount Shasta California, The USS Mount Whitney Universal Studios Share The mountains in California are in plain sight from every part of the state. Wherever you go, these majestic mountains glorify each and every landscape as they entice you to climb their peaks and experience all of the hidden wonders of nature. The mountains in California played a significant role in the state's history. In addition to isolating California's various Native American cultures, they served as barriers during the early days of European and American exploration and settlement. There are two major ranges of mountains in California: The Sierra Nevada and the Coast Ranges. The Coast Ranges of California average less than 4,000 feet in height. They follow an 800-mile course which begins in the northwest corner of Del Norte County and continues south to the Mexican border. This mountainous area has a strong influence on California's climate. The storms that originate over the Pacific Ocean bring significant amounts of rainfall to the western slopes. In the mean time, the eastern slopes remain relatively dry. Some of California's major industries benefit from the climatic conditions created by the coastal mountains. The evergreen trees that the north coast timber industry relies on thrive are nourished by the increased rainfall.

The coastal fog cools hot inland valleys that are located east of the coastal mountains. This benefits the cultivation of wine grapes and fruit and nut trees. The impressive Sierra Nevada is about 500 miles long, 70 miles wide, and between 7000 and 15,000 feet high. Occupying one fifth of the state, the Sierra Nevada is the largest mountain range in California. In late October or early November, the first snowfall whitens the peaks of the Sierra Nevada. Snow then continues to fall heavily throughout the winter. In between storms, the bright California sunshine prevails. The visual image of the snowy-white mountains glistening in the sunshine is positively magnificent! California Map The famous Mammoth Mountain is bounded on the west by Sierra Nevada crest. While the town of Mammoth Lakes is situated at 7,800 feet, Mammoth Mountain rises dramatically to elevations that exceed 12,000 feet. This makes Mammoth Mountain a popular destination for skiers, hikers and mountain bikers. Mt Shasta Mt Shasta The Mount Shasta Volcano is situated at the northern extremity of the Sierra Nevada.

In his book the mountains of California, the naturalist John Muir has written extensively on this impressive mountain. Indeed, he had good reason to do so. Rising from its bed of lava, the Mount Shasta Volcano is a unique and spectacular sight. The highest point of the Mount Shasta Volcano stands at approximately 14,440 feet above mean tide. Mount Whitney is also located in the Sierra Nevada. At 14, 491 feet, it is the highest point in the lower continental United States. This mountain was the inspiration for the construction of the USS Mount Whitney which serves as the Flagship for Commander Second Fleet/Commander Striking Fleet Atlantic. The USS Mount Whitney is the most sophisticated Computer, and Intelligence (C4I) ship that has ever been commissioned. The USS Mount Whitney is capable of receiving and transmitting significant amounts of secure data from any point on earth through various communications paths, thereby allowing the Joint Intelligence Center and Joint Operations Center to provide the timeliest intelligence available in the Navy. Related Articles California Mountains, Mountain Ranges, Vacations California Mountains Shopping California Mountains The highest peak in the contiguous U.S.

is Mount Whitney at 14,505 feet, located within the Sierra Nevada in California. California mountain regions were formed millions of years ago during major geologic movements, though the earth continues to move even inches per day in some parts of California as new mountains slowly form. The major mountain range in the state of California is the Sierra Nevada mountain range. The foothills area of this mountain comprises much of California's Gold Rush trail. The same foothills now turn over a new leaf with a different type of gold--winery grapes. Wine country regions in California include several Sierra foothill destinations. For the real mountain action look to Lake Tahoe and Mammoth Mountain for ski opportunities not to be missed. In addition, mountain biking, cross-country skiing, hiking and camping are all extremely popular activities in California. Other mountain ranges include the California coastal range, San Bernardino mountains in Los Angeles, Cascade mountains of Northern California, and many more. Several of California's mountain ranges are known for their excellent skiing, but many of the mountains also include summer time water sports such as lake fishing, waterskiing, and boating. National parks in California in the mountains are some of the most unforgettable, must-see places in the entire state.

Yosemite National Park, Sequoia National Park and Kings Canyon, plus Lassen National Park, all provide wonderful vacations you will never forget. Basin and Range Mono Lake To the east of the Sierra is the Basin and Range geological province, which extends into Nevada. Waterfalls in Yosemite National Park California Here are the primary mountain ranges in California: Basin and Range is a series of mountains and valleys that include the oldest lake in North America, Mono Lake. The deepest valley in North America is Owens Valley, is more than 10,000 feet deep measured from the mountain peak at Mt. Whitney. At the base of the Sierra Nevada mountains are the desert dry lake beds where the largest borax mine can be found in the Mojave Desert. The White Mountains of the basin & range, contain the oldest living thing in the world, the bristlecone pine. Cascade Range - The Cascade Range is a mountainous region stretching from British Columbia in Canada down to the northern part of California... read more > Coast Ranges - To the west of the Central Valley lies the Coast Ranges, including the Diablo Range, just east of San Francisco, and the Santa Cruz Mountains, to the south of San Francisco.

These mountains are noted for their coast redwoods, which live within the range of the coastal fog, the tallest trees on Earth. You'll also find the Big Sur Coast is part of the Coastal Range, spanning Carmel to a few miles north of San Simeon, California. Klamath Mountains The Klamath Mountains are a mountain range in northwest California and southwest Oregon, the highest peak being Thompson Peak, 9,002 ft., in Trinity County, California. They have a very varied geology, with substantial areas of serpentine and marble, and a climate summers with limited rainfall. As a consequence of the geology, they have a unique flora. Peninsular Ranges - The southernmost mountains of California are the Peninsular Ranges, which are East of San Diego and continue into Baja California (Mexico) in the Sierra San Pedro Martir. The Peninsular Ranges contain the Laguna Mountains, the San Jacinto Mountains, the Santa Rosa Mountains, the Santa Ana Mountains and the Palomar Mountain Range, notable for its famous Palomar observatory.

San Jacinto Peak's eastern shoulder has a cable tram that runs from the desert floor to nearly the top of the mountain where riders can set off hiking or go cross-country skiing. Sierra Nevada - In the east of the state lies the Sierra Nevada, which runs northsouth for 400 miles. The highest peak in the contiguous United States, Mount Whitney at 14,505 feet, lies within the Sierra Nevada. One of the most prominent and most visited attractions in the Sierra Nevada is Yosemite National Park with unique Half Dome, and the nation's tallest waterfalls . Read more ...> Tranverse Ranges - Southern California is separated from the rest of the state by the east-west trending Transverse Ranges, including the Tehachapi, which separate the Central Valley from the Mojave Desert. Within this range is Santa Ynez Mountains .... ...read more > Climbing Mount Whitney: Highest Mountain in California Elevation: 14,505 feet (4,421 meters) Prominence: 10,071 feet (3,070 meters) Location: Sierra Nevada, California.

Coordinates: 36.578581 N / -118.291995 W Map: USGS 7.5 minute toporgraphic map Mount Whitney First Ascent: First ascent by Charles Begole, A. H. Johnson, and John Luca on August 18, 1873. Highest Mountain in Lower 48 States Mount Whitney is the highest mountain in the contiguous United States or the lower 48 states. The only American mountains higher than Whitney are in Alaska , which has seven higher peaks including Denali , the highest peak in North America. Mount Whitney is the second highest ultra-prominent peak in the Lower 48 U.S. states with 10,071 feet of prominence and is the 81st most prominent peak in the world. Mount Whitney Facts and Statistics Mount Whitney, because of its height, has many unique attributes: Highest mountain in California. 81st most prominent mountain in the world. 24th highest mountain in North America. continue reading below our video LeBron vs. Michael: Who's Better? High point of Sequoia National Park . High point of Inyo and Tulare Counties in California.

Summit is the southern end point of the 211-mile John Muir Trail. Near Lowest Point in North America Mount Whitney ironically lies only 76 miles from Badwater, the lowest point in North America at 282 feet (86 meters) below sea level in Death Valley National Park . Vertical Rise of East Side of Mt. Whitney Mount Whitney has a huge vertical rise, towering 10,778 feet (3,285 meters) above the town of Lone Pine in the Owens Valley to the east. Whitney is in Sierra Nevada Mount Whitney is on the Sierra Crest, a long row of high peaks in the north-south trending Sierra Nevada mountain range. Whitney and the Sierra Nevada are a fault block range with its steep fault scarp on the east and a long gradual incline on the west. Mount Whitney is Growing The exact elevation of Mount Whitney has risen over the years as technology has improved. A brass USGS benchmark on the summit lists the elevation as 14,494 feet (4,418 meters), while a National Park Service summit plaque gives it as 14,494.811 feet.

Today Whitney’s elevation is considered to be 14,505 feet (4,421 meters) by the National Geodetic Survey. Stay tuned, it might still be growing! High Point of Sequoia National Park Mount Whitney’s east side is in Inyo National Forest , while its west side lies in Sequoia National Park . It is also in John Muir Wilderness Area and Sequoia National Park Wilderness Area, making it subject to wilderness regulations. Named for Geologist Josiah Whitney The California Geological Survey named the peak for Josiah Whitney, California’s State Geologist and survey chief, in July, 1864. A glacier on Mount Shasta was also named for him. 1864: Clarence King Attempts Mt. Whitney On the geological expedition that named the mountain in 1864, geologist and climber Clarence King attempted its first ascent but failed. In 1871 King returned to climb Mount Whitney but mistakenly climbed Mount Langley instead, which was six miles away. He returned in 1873 to rectify his error and climbed his mountain nemesis, unfortunately three other parties had already climbed Whitney, including the first ascent a scant month previously.

Clarence King later wrote about the peak: “For years our chief, Professor Whitney has made brave campaigns into the unknown realm of Nature. Against low prejudice & dull indifference he has led the survey of California onward to success. There stand for him two monuments, one a great report made by his own hand; another the loftiest peak in the Union, begun for him in the planet’s youth & sculptured of enduring granite by the slow hand of Time.” 1873: First Ascent of Mount Whitney Charles Begole, A. H. Johnson, and John Luca, fishermen from Lone Pine, made the first known ascent of Mount Whitney on August 18, 1873. They renamed it Fisherman’s Peak. The United States Geological Survey, however, decided in 1891 that the peak would remain as Mount Whitney. After World War II there was a movement to rename it for Winston Churchill but it failed.

Newpaper Article about First Ascent After Whitney’s first ascent, the September 20, 1873 issue of the Inyo Independent newspaper wrote: “Charley Begole, Johnny Lucas & Al Johnson took a trip to the summit of the highest mountain in the range, & christened it ‘Fisherman’s Peak.’ Ain’t it as romantic as ‘Whitney?’ The fishermen who found it looked mighty romantic on their return to Soda Springs. Wonder who that old earthquake sharp thinks is running this country, anyhow?” Most Climbed Mountain in the Sierra Nevada Mount Whitney is the most climbed high peak in the Sierra Nevada and one of the most climbed mountains in the United States, although no exact statistics are available. The Mount Whitney Trail The 10.7-mile Mount Whitney Trail, 22 miles round-trip, is the most popular route to the summit. It gains 6,100 feet (1,900 meters) up the east side of Mount Whitney from the trailhead at Whitney Portal (8,361 feet) 13 miles west of the town of Lone Pine. Permits Required to Climb Mount Whitney Permits from the U.S.

Forest Service and National Park Service are required year-round to climb the mountain to save it from being loved to death by the tramping impact of hundreds of hikers a day. Read Leave No Trace Climbing Ethic for info on lessening your environment impact while climbing and hiking. Permits are scarce because more people want to climb Whitney than what is considered the daily carrying capacity of the trail. Permits are allocated in summer by lottery. Peak climbing season is July and August when the weather is generally warm and sunny. 1873: John Muir Climbs the Mountaineer's Route While the Mount Whitney Trail is the “cattle route” to the summit, some climbers opt for more adventure. One of the best and most popular climbs is The Mountaineeer’s Route ( Class 3 scramble ), first climbed by none other than the great naturalist and climber John Muir in 1873. Muir, like Clarence King, mistakenly climbed Mount Langley first and then, after realizing his error, moved his camp south to the mountain base.

A couple days later, John Muir “set out afoot for the summit by direct course up the east side.” At eight o’clock on the morning of October 21, he stood alone atop the summit. Muir later wrote of his route, “Well-seasoned limbs will enjoy the climb of 9,000 feet required for this direct route, but soft, succulent people should go the mule way." There is still a lot of truth in that statement. For More Information Mt. Whitney Ranger District Inyo National Forest 640 S. Main Street, P.O. Box 8 Lone Pine, CA 93545 Permit Area Facility Details - Mt. WHITNEY, CA - Recreation.gov Photos Overview Mount Whitney can be summited as a day hike or multi-day backpack trip on the classic Mt. Whitney Trail. Located on the eastside of California's beautiful Sierra Nevada Mountains, the trail starts in Inyo National Forest and enters Sequoia National Park, with spectacular views and access to trails that continue deep into the park wilderness. The summit of Mt. Whitney is the southern end of the John Muir Trail.

Named for the naturalist, author and early wilderness preservation advocate for preservation of wilderness, the John Muir trail extends more than 200 miles north to reach Happy Isles in Yosemite Valley. Whether you are seeking a one day hiking challenge, an overnight ascent, or beginning the trek of your dreams, climbing Mt. Whitney is sure to be a memorable experience. Starting at 8,300 feet above sea level at Whitney Portal, the Mt. Whitney Trail gains over 6,200 feet of elevation. The trail is usually snow free from July to late September. Specialized equipment and training may be necessary to safely climb when snow or ice is on the trail. Most day hikers choose the classic Mt. Whitney Trail. The 22-mile round-trip hike will challenge even very fit hikers. Expect to hike 12 to 14 hours to the summit and back. Consider starting before sunrise. Be prepared to hike in the dark. For the backpacker starting up the Mt. Whitney Trail, some popular camp locations are Lone Pine Lake, Outpost Camp, Consultation Lake and Trail Camp. If you are approaching Mt.

Whitney from a different route, you need a different permit. For more about other permits to Mt. Whitney click here . Anyone considering other climbing routes should research the difficulty. The approach to the Mountaineers Route is steep, rugged and hard to follow. This route crosses the Ebersbacher Ledges to reach Boy Scout Lakes. Above Iceberg Lake there are several routes of varying technical difficulty. There is not a trail to the summit from this isolated canyon. The Mt. Whitney Trail overnight permit does not give access to the North Fork area. Mountaineers who wish to base camp near Iceberg or Boy Scout Lakes need an overnight permit specifically for the North Fork of Lone Pine Creek Trail. Visitors to the Mt. Whitney Zone are expected to pack out their solid human waste. Mt. Whitney Zone Map, click here A lottery is held February 1 to March 15, followed by open reservations for the remainder of the season. You apply for dates, group size and your preference of day hike or overnight permit. List up to 3 alternate leaders and up to 15 alternate trip choices on one application.

Applications are entered on-line, February 1 through March 15, until midnight Eastern Time. After March 15, all the applications are processed in one lottery. April 1 all remaining space opens for web reservations. April 1- April 30: Accept or decline dates won in the lottery. Complete trip information and pay the $15 per person reservation fee to claim your reservation. April 30: Deadline to accept and pay reservation fee is midnight Eastern Time, or the reservation will be canceled. May 1, all remaining unclaimed dates are canceled and released for web reservations. For more about the lottery, click here . Cancellations return to the reservation calendar within 24 hours at random times. Space is not saved for walk-in permits. There is no wait list. Reservations can be made until two days before a trip entry date, if space is available. Trips sponsored by organizations or commercial groups must contact the wilderness permit office before applying for a Mt. Whitney permit. Know Before You Go You are limited to one trip from the lottery. Do not submit multiple applications for the same dates/ group. The lottery is followed by open reservations for the remainder of the season.

If you wish to reserve multiple trips in the same year, additional reservations can be made starting April 1. Seasonal Information Choose your dates wisely. The Mt. Whitney Trail is a non-technical, but strenuous, route to the summit of Mt. Whitney when it is free of snow. Winter mountaineering skills and equipment are necessary for safe travel when snow is on the mountain. May-June: The winter snowpack slowly recedes. Expect snow on the ground above Lone Pine Lake through Memorial Day weekend, and snow on the switchbacks above Trail Camp through June. Nights are usually still below freezing. Winter-like storms are still possible. There was snow on the trail until after July 4th in 2011. July-early September: The trail is usually snow free and the weather can be fair and pleasant. At elevations above Trail Camp, it is often cold and windy. Thunderstorms and lightning are a significant hazard. If thunderstorms are forecast, plan to leave the summit by noon. Be aware thunderstorms sometimes will occur early in the day. At the first sign of lightning, leave the summit area or exposed ridge tops.

Late September-October: Short days and cold temperatures make day hikes to the summit difficult. Storms may bring severe cold with high winds and snow deposits from a few inches to several feet. Thin snow may melt quickly, but deeper drifts may linger for the winter. Winter mountaineering equipment and skills are necessary for safe travel when snow is on the mountain. November-April: Winter prevails, with deep snow and very cold temperatures. Winter storms may drop several feet of snow and have winds over 100 mph. The road to Whitney Portal is usually closed 8.3 miles from Lone Pine (at elevation 6,400 ft., about 3 miles from the trailhead) from mid-November to late April. Experienced winter mountaineers should be suitably equipped for extreme conditions and check avalanche conditions and weather forecasts. This is an Active Bear Area! Be alert when arriving at night. DO NOT leave food or refuse in your car. Do not leave food or your pack unattended. At Whitney Portal: All food and scented items must be removed from vehicles and stored in the bear proof lockers located in parking areas. Dispose of trash in bear resistant trash cans.

On the trail: Day hikers, keep your pack with you at all times. Overnight hikers, bear resistant containers are required for storage of all food and trash. Important Details All visitors are expected to pack out their solid human waste. Only the group leader or listed alternate can use the permit; reservations cannot be transferred. Whitney Portal Campground is not in the wilderness area and is a separate reservation. Entry date is the date your group must start on the trail. Day Use can be by any route in the Mt .Whitney Zone, for one day only- Midnight to midnight. Mt. Whitney Trail Overnight is backpacking one or more nights, starting on the Mt. Whitney Trail. The Mountaineers route is NOT included. PERMIT TYPES: Day Use of Mt. Whitney Zone: If the entire trip will be on one calendar date the trip is day use; if you will enter the Mt. Whitney Zone, a Mt. Whitney Zone Day Use permit is required. This permit allows your choice of routes, including the Mt. Whitney trail and North Fork of Lone Pine Creek trail (access to climbing routes like Mountaineers Route, East Face and East Buttress and Mt Russell).

Consecutive day use permits are not allowed. If a trip is more than one calendar date an Overnight permit is required. A day use permit cannot be used as part of an overnight trip to pass through the Mt Whitney Zone. Mt Whitney Trail Overnight: Trips lasting one or more nights require an Overnight permit. This is for the regular trail that goes to the top of Mt. Whitney and includes trips that continue into Sequoia National Park (i.e., Pacific Crest and John Muir trails). This permit does NOT include the North Fork of Lone Pine Creek trail (access to the Mountaineer's Route, East Face / Buttress, Mt. Russell) Changes to Reservations: There are NO refunds for Mt. Whitney permits. Be sure your dates and permit type are correct. Day use and overnight permits are not interchangeable. (link to FEES here) Reservations cannot be sold or transferred; only the group leader or listed alternate can use the permit. Changes to group size can be made on line. To change the entry date, trail or permit type, cancel and re-book for the desired trip. Corrections to itinerary or exit date for overnight trips can be done when the permit is issued.

Permit Pick Up: Confirm your group size online 2 to 14 days before your trip, or your reservation will be canceled. Pick up the actual permit at the Eastern Sierra InterAgency Visitor Center, near Lone Pine, CA.93545. Only the group leader or alternate leader that is listed on the application can pick up or use the permit. (Show photo id when requested). Leader must carry the permit while on the trip. A reservation receipt is not proof of having a valid permit. Instructions for permit pick up and group size confirmation, ( Click Here ). Overnight trips that start on other trails in Inyo National Forest can be reserved ( Click Here ) up to 6 months in advance. This includes the North Fork of Lone Pine Creek trail to the Mountaineer's Route, East Face / Buttress, Mt. Russell and other climbs in this isolated canyon. Trips that will exit the Mt Whitney trail (Trail Crest to Whitney Portal) have an exit quota that will apply to the date you finish at the Portal. These dates fill quickly. Reserve the entry trail with permit type "Exit Mt. Whitney".

Be sure your dates are what you want; exit date can not be saved if you change the entry date. Commercial Services: Book the trip directly with the commercial guide or pack station. Schools and other organizations may need a special use permit. Making your own non-commercial reservation does not guarantee approval for your trip. Trips starting in Yosemite, Sequoia or Kings Canyon National Parks, contact the park where you will start the trip for information. Refer to the Rules and Regulations for information about permit terms, entry quotas, group size limits, food storage and other wilderness regulations. Climbing Mt. Whitney (DesertUSA) Climbing Mt. Whitney Tallest Mountain in the Lower 48 States Text and Photos by A.R. Royo Mt. Whitney, the tallest mountain in the lower 48 states, rises like the phoenix from the western rim of the Great Basin Desert of California. At an elevation of 14, 495 feet, Whitney looms high above Death Valley, the lowest point in North America at 262 feet below sea level, less than 100 miles to the east. Located within the Sierra Nevada Mountain Range of Sequoia National Park, Mt.

Whitney is situated on the east side of the Great Western Divide, a chain of mountains that runs north/south through the center of the park, and is therefore not visible from any of the roads to the west. But Mt. Whitney can easily be viewed from nearby Lone Pine, California (hotels) on U.S. Highway 395, which runs north/south along the eastern foot of the Sierras. Highway 395 can be reached via Interstate 15 near Victorville, California, over Tioga Pass in Yosemite National Park (summer only) or by coming south from Reno, Nevada. There are no roads across the Sierras in Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks. Mt. Whitney is the most frequently climbed peak in the Sierra Nevada, and perhaps the entire U.S. The summit can be reached most directly via a 10.7-mile trail from Whitney Portal, 13 miles west of of Lone Pine. Ice axes and crampons are needed in spring and early summer, but technical climbing equipment is not usually necessary between mid-July and early October. During snow-free summer months, some individuals in excellent physical condition can climb to the summit and return the same day.

There are other routes besides Whitney Portal which can be taken to reach Mt. Whitney. These routes start from less heavily-used trailheads, but require a longer hike to reach the summit. The High Sierra Trail begins in Giant Forest on the west side of Sequoia National Park, and takes a minimum of 10 days (round trip) to complete. John Muir Trail, which runs south from Yosemite National Park, and the Pacific Crest Trail, also provide access to the summit. The peak hiking seasons are July and August, at which time all the campgrounds are likely to be crowded. The weather is unpredictable during all seasons, and summer thunderstorms are common. Summer days can be quite hot at lower elevations while nighttime temperatures can drop below freezing throughout the year. Ice can be encountered on the trail year round. Some days are extremely crowded with 500 or more hikers on the trail. To minimize the impact of day-hikers on the Mt. Whitney backcountry, the National Park Service and the U.S. Forest Service, who manage the Whitney Portal trailhead, have required permits since summer 1996.

Now, everyone entering the Whitney Zone between May 22 and October 15, including day-hikers, are required to obtain a permit. Rules, Regulations, Recommendations Be prepared for rapid weather changes Be prepared for water purification Making Preparations Permits for day users and backpackers entering from the east are issued from the USFS office in Lone Pine. Everybody throughout the Mt. Whitney Zone must possess a valid wilderness permit year-round. Permits are issued only at the InterAgency Visitor Center, one mile south of Lone Pine, CA. From May 1 to November 1, all use is regulated by limited entry quotas. There is a lottery for permits. ( Find out more about all permit types on the USDA Forest Service site here .) All Mt. Whitney visitors must pack-out their solid human waste. Pack-out kits are distributed with wilderness permits. For additional information about Whitney Portal trailhead, contact: Mt. Whitney Ranger District Hours: Monday - Friday 8:00am to 4:30pm Closed Holidays Whitney Portal offers the easiest and most direct approach to the summit of Mt. Whitney. Portal Road is paved and leads from a traffic light at U.S.

395 in Lone Pine, due west 3 miles to the portal. It has many switchbacks and is quite steep and is usually open May through early November. The last six miles are not plowed during the winter. Lodging in Lone Pine There are motels in Lone Pine, with something for every taste and price range. For more information and a complete list click here. (Rates, availability and reservations online) Camping Lone Pine Campground , 7 miles west of of town on Whitney Portal Road. Fee required. Whitney Portal Campground is one mile east of Whitney Portal proper. Fee required. At Whitney Portal, all food, trash, toiletries and coolers must be removed from your vehicle and stored in bear-proof lockers. Failure to comply may result in extensive damage to your vehicle. The Whitney Portal Trailhead Campground - Fee required. Trailside Backcountry Camping is available Outpost Camp (3.8 miles), Trail Camp (6.3 miles) and at the Whitney Summit (11 miles). There is a general store and restaurant at Whitney Portal, open from Mid-May to mid-September, groceries, camping gear, food and drinks are available, as well as hot showers for a fee.

A small picnic area is located nearby a fishing pond at the bottom of the trailhead with grills and tables. From May 25 to October 31, all food, trash, toiletries and scented items must be stored approved bear-resistant containers. Hanging food is unacceptable and ineffective. Water Even if you intend to ascend Mt. Whitney and return the same day, carrying the necessary amount of water -- 1 gallon per day -- can make for a very heavy load. Should you be making the hike in 2 or 3 days, 24 pounds of water, in addition to necessary clothing, camping, cooking and food, is obviously way too heavy. There is plenty of water available, below 13,000 feet on the Whitney Portal Trail. Unfortunately, it must be purified before consumption to avoid disease. This can be accomplished by either boiling, filtration or iodination. Allowing water to boil 5 minutes should ensure safe drinking water at Whitney. Outdoor stores sell water filters, which can purify water of everything except viruses (i.e. hepatitis). These purifying filters can cost up to $100. The cheapest and most common means of water purification is chemical.

It is well established that iodine is effective in sterilizing drinking water, and iodine tablets for such purpose are sold in most outdoor stores for under $10.00. The unpleasant aftertaste can be improved by adding flavoring, AFTER the iodine tablet dissolves. Warning: Individuals with thyroid problems or iodine allergies should not use this method. Altitude Sickness Everyone is affected by the reduced amount of oxygen at the elevation of Mt. Whitney. Some people with pre-existing medical conditions -- chronic heart condition, chronic lung conditions, previous stroke, chronic high blood pressure, sickle cell anemia -- should not attempt to climb Whitney without a physician's approval. Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) Most individuals will experience some form of Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) above 10,000 feet. Children are more susceptible than adults. Symptoms of AMS, will vary greatly by individual and will not necessarily be related to age or physical condition. they include. Aspirin or similar analgesics are often taken for symptoms.

Headache Irregular breathing or shortness of breath Loss of appetite Cyanosis (blue-tinged lips and tongues) High Altitude Pulmonary Edema (HAPES) This is a form of altitude sickness in which the lungs fill with fluid. HAPES is a dangerous condition that can result in death if not treated promptly. Individuals with severe AMS symptoms above should be monitored for signs of HAPES. Distinctive symptoms are: Severe, persistent cough Rapid pulse (over 110 per minute) Rapid breathing (over 20 per minute) Confusion, delirium, irrational behavior Gurgling chest sounds High Altitude Cerebal Edema (HACES) This much less common, but much more dangerous form of altitude sickness involves a swelling of the brain. It usually only occurs when someone has spent a number of days spent above 12,000 feet. In addition to all other symptoms of AMS and HAPES above, HACES sufferers exhibit a loss of coordination (ataxia). The drunk driving test of walking a straight line toe-to-heel is the best way to diagnose HACES. The only affective treatment for both HAPES and HACES is descent to a lower altitude.

A difference of only 2,000 or 3,000 feet elevation can provide great improvement. These conditions worsen during the night, so once diagnosed, waiting till morning is unwise. It is never a good idea to continue a climb once the individual improves. Severe cases should seek medical attention to avoid complications. Ways to Minimize Altitude Sickness Adhering to the mountaineering adage of ascending no more than 1,000 feet per day. But this is usually impractical, so: Arrive at Whitney Portal the day or evening before the ascent Schedule at least one night on the trail Maintain adequate fluid intake (1 gallon per day) Maintain low-fat, low-protein, high carbohydrate diet The Trail to the Mt. Whitney Summit 0.0 miles: Trailhead (8,360 feet) 0.85 miles: Enter John Muir Wilderness (permit required beyond) 2.7 miles: Cross Lone Pine Creek. Shortly after crossing, trail forks to Lone Pine Lake on left, right continues towards summit. (9,980 feet) 3.8 miles: Outpost Camp with Thor Peak dominating the view.

(10,360 feet) 4.3 miles: Mirror Lake (10,640 feet) 4.9 miles: 50 yards past Whitebark Stump, a dwarf whitebark pine is the last tree on trail 5.3 miles: Trailside Meadow (11,395 feet) 6.3 miles: Trail Camp, a good place to rest before the grueling 96 switchbacks to Trail Crest. (12,039 feet) 8.5 miles: Cross Trail Crest and enter Sequoia National Park. (13,777 feet) 9.0 miles: John Muir Trail joins from the west. Altitude sickness common. (13,480 feet ) 9.3 miles: Cutoff to Mount Muir. 10.5 miles: Keeler Needle, just a short climb to the summit from here. (14,003 feet) 11.0 miles: Mt. Whitney summit. No water. Camping permitted. (14, 495 feet) Making the Climb If you're interested in climbing Mt.

Whitney, be aware that for most people, 2 to 3 days are required. This means backpacking in with sleeping bag, tent, food, stove, water and most of the time, ice axes and crampons. Be prepared to get wet. Be aware also, that weather can quickly change without warning, and that near the summit, lightning can be an extreme danger. Plan in advance to acquire permits for the 2- or 3-day trek, if you'd like to climb during July and August, the only time of the year when the trail may be free enough of snow and ice to climb without ice axes and crampons. Whitney Portal Hostel And Hotel - Lone Pine, CA Whitney Portal Hostel And Hotel 238 S. Main 238 S. Main, Lone Pine, California, United States (760) 876-0030 238 S.

Main Street Lone Pine, CA 93545 Main Office Number: (760) 876-0030 Email: wphostel@gmail.com Elevation: 3777 ft Whitney Portal Store Location Alabama Hills Alabama Hills, California, USA Alabama Hills are a "range of hills" and rock formations near the eastern slope of the Sierra Nevada Mountains in the Owens Valley, west of Lone Pine in Inyo County, California. Movie Flat Rd, California, United States The Mobius Arch Loop Trail was created in partnership with the Eastern Sierra Interpretive Association and the Alabama Hills Stewardship Group. Death Valley Death Valley, CA, USA Death Valley is a desert valley located in Eastern California. It is the lowest, driest, and hottest area in North America. Keough Hot Springs Keough Hot Springs, CA 93514, USA Keough's Hot Springs was established in 1919 and is still used today by locals and visitors alike. We invite you to come and partake in the splendor and relaxation of this one of a kind experience. Lone Pine | Eastern Sierra Maps & Information Lone Pine is the landscape, and the landscape is Lone Pine.

The people in this small town have shaped the landscape and in return the land has shaped their lives and history. The visitor has the opportunity to experience this distinct landscape as history, nature, habitat, recreation and beauty, depending on why they have come.By reading Lone Pine landscape, tourists can learn much, have fun and find their stay greatly enriched. The mountains to the west and to the east of Lone Pine are most prominent.Mt. Whitney, is the tallest peak at 14,496 feet, is the tallest peak in the lower 48 states. It has always been a bit of a mystery, originally climbed by three local men and named Fisherman’s Peak after being mistakenly identified by early explorers. The Whitney Portal Road, a turn west at Lone Pine’s only stop light, will take you up to 8300 feet to the Portal where there is a store and restaurant, a pond and a magnificent waterfall tumbling out of the Sierra Nevada Mountains. To the east of Lone Pine are the Inyo Mountains, almost as tall, but quite different in look.

Cerro Gordo, the larg – est silver bullion mining area in California, can be reached by a mountain road that begins just east of the town of Keeler. Call ahead to Mike Patterson, the owner at 760-264-3273. The wealth of Cerro Gordo is credited with kick-starting the city of Los Angeles. Lone Pine is the site of four cemeteries. The Pioneer Cemetery on Inyo Street has many of the early citizens including the grave of Charles Begole, the founder of Lone Pine. The Earthquake Cemetery is located just north of town on the west side and contains the graves of the victims of the 1872 earthquake. A third cemetery lies hidden in the desert on Narrow Gauge Road just south of the “big turn.” Finally there is the Mt. Whitney Cemetery across from the Earthquake memorial, still in use today. Mining history is visible in the Narrow Gauge bed that ran from Nevada down to Keeler. Traveling out Narrow Gauge Road just to the north of town, takes you past the Southern Pacific Depot to Owenyo Road.

Traveling north on this road will take you to the ruins of Owenyo, a town abandoned when the railroad was shut down. The old depot building can still be seen in Keeler. The Southern Inyo Museum, open seasonally, has much on display from the Darwin mining era. It is located on Bush Street. Search for:

Question: In what mountain range is California's Mt. Whitney located?
Answer: Sierra Nevada