Where is Mount Whitney Trail,Lone Pine, California?

Written by | Last Updated: November 19, 2025, 12:28 PM ET

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

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 NameMount Whitney Trail
LocationLone Pine, Inyo County, California, USA
Latitude & Longitude36.5785° N, 118.2920° W (Whitney Portal Trailhead)
Total Length22 miles round trip (35 km) to the summit
Elevation Gain6,145 ft (1,873 m)
EstablishedEarly 1900s (modern trail improvements throughout 20th century)
FounderU.S. Forest Service & Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC)
Managed ByU.S. Forest Service – Inyo National Forest
RegionSierra Nevada Mountains / John Muir Wilderness
AddressWhitney Portal, Whitney Portal Road, Lone Pine, CA 93545, USA
Zip Code93545
Area Code760 / 442
CurrencyUnited States Dollar (USD, $)
Time ZonePacific Time (PT) – UTC−8 Standard / UTC−7 Daylight Saving
Theme / ConceptHigh-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 AttractionsSummit 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 TypePermit Required (Day Use & Overnight Backpacking)
Ticket Price Range$6 reservation fee + $15 per person (permit fee)
Ticket OptionsDay Use Permit - Overnight Backpacking Permit - JMT Exit Permits
Best Time to VisitJuly–September (snow-free season and safest trail conditions)
Nearby AirportMammoth Yosemite Airport (MMH) – approx. 84 miles
TransportationCar access to Whitney Portal - Limited local shuttle options - Hiking only beyond trailhead
Official Websitehttps://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)