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Mount Whitney: The Complete Trailhead to Summit Guide
"The most comprehensive guide to Mount Whitney, now completely revised and updated! Are you up to the challenge of ascending Mount Whitney? This guidebook contains everything you need to summit the highest point in the contiguous United States. This new edition includes a thorough examination of the planning, preparation, and physical training/conditioning necessary for a safe and successful climb, as well as an updated discussion of wilderness permit requirements of both the National Park Service and the US Forest Service. With the increasing popularity of winter ascents on Mount Whitney, a new snow and ice chapter has been added. Richins identifies the best places to camp on multi-day backpacking routes, and the most interesting exploratory side trips to take, as well as presents route variations that either reduce the length of a given route, avoid difficult terrain, or add additional ""must-see"" areas. Complete descriptions of 17 routes to the summit of Mount Whitney . Three new hiking routes: Bishop Pass Trail, Taboose Pass Trail, and Avalanche Pass Trail . A Trip Planning Guide that ranks the routes by difficulty, elevation gain, and total mileage "
332 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 9, 2001
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25 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
November 9, 2024
We Summited Mount Whitney!
Climbing Mount Whitney was an unforgettable adventure, and the book we relied on was an invaluable guide that made our experience all the richer. The author’s writing is both eloquent and detailed, capturing the essence of Mount Whitney from every angle. From the history of its discovery to the diverse ecosystems that surround it, the book provides a comprehensive understanding that truly enhances the journey. It even explains the curious variations in elevation numbers found on summit signs, adding yet another layer of intrigue to the climb.
Here are some of my favorite quotes from the book that also provide a brief history of the mountain:
“Sierra Nevada is Spanish for ‘snowy mountain range.’”
“On seeing Mount Whitney from Mount Tyndall, Clarence King wrote, ‘Mt. Whitney, as we afterwards called it in honor of our chief, is probably the highest land within the United States. Its summit looked glorious, but inaccessible.’ (Their boss, Josiah Dwight Whitney, was a professor of geology at Harvard and chief of the California State Geological Survey from 1860 to 1874.)”
“In 1904, the people of Lone Pine raised the necessary funds to build a horse trail to the summit of Mount Whitney, which they rebuilt and repaired in 1909. This trail allowed the Smithsonian Institution to erect a stone shelter near the top for use by their astronomers and other scientists. Mount Whitney became the site of many scientific experiments in the late 1800s and early 1900s. The U.S. Weather Service conducted experiments and observations on the summit for twenty years. The hut is still used today as an emergency shelter but was the site of at least one lightning strike death of a hiker who took refuge there during a thunderstorm. The shelter has since been grounded but is not considered safe during a thunder and lightning storm.”
“With the aid of a large compressor, an excellent trail with ninety-seven switchbacks was blasted from the rocky buttress between Trail Camp and Trail Crest. This new trail, the one used today, bypassed dangerous rock slides and snowfields.”
“The Sierra Nevada is a unique and unforgettable region of extremes—a land of perpetual sunshine and semi-perpetual snow. It is home to the deepest canyon in North America (Kings River Canyon), the largest living thing on earth (the giant sequoia), and of course, the highest peak in the Lower 48 (Mount Whitney). Just across the Owens Valley in the White Mountains is the world’s oldest living thing (the bristlecone pine), and not far away is Death Valley, the hottest, driest, and lowest spot in North America.”
The table of contents in this book is an absolute treasure trove. I found myself constantly flipping back to it, especially when I needed quick references on topics like cuisine ideas, water safety, mountain medicine, lightning, and wildlife safety. It’s a resource that deepened my understanding and prepared me for various aspects of the climb.
One of the most reassuring insights was about the availability of water sources on the trail. Initially, I was unsure whether to climb in July or September, but after reading, I felt confident in choosing July, knowing that water would be more accessible. The book also provided a fascinating comparison between Single-day and Moonlight Ascents, offering tips and preparations unique to each approach.
I was surprised to discover that there are 15 different routes to reach Mount Whitney, starting from both the east and west sides of the mountain. The author meticulously details each route, including mileage, difficulty, and itinerary recommendations. Thanks to this guide, I quickly realized we were taking the second shortest route.
The Appendix is not to be missed. It’s packed with detailed maps leading to Mount Whitney and a comprehensive packing list that ensured we were fully prepared for the journey.
After reading this book and undergoing outdoor altitude training for three months, I felt incredibly prepared for our hike. Nothing was overlooked, and the book was instrumental in making our adventure a success.
Top Recommendations
We hiked the Mount Whitney Trail (Route 8 in the book), starting from and ending at Whitney Portal on the east side of the mountain. Our total mileage for the trip was 22 miles.
How Many Days Do You Need?
1-Day: We saw many hikers attempting the trek in a single day. Their journey starts at midnight, with the first few hours in complete darkness and cold weather (even in summer). Shorts are essential to reduce weight and prevent overheating later in the day. It’s an exhausting endeavor, and we noticed several people starting late and running out of water. The tight timetable also reduces opportunities to stop and refill water.
2-Day: Day one can be started at any time, but it’s wise to arrive before dark. The hike takes about 7.5 hours. Day two begins at 4 a.m. for the ascent, allowing time to summit, return to camp, pack up, and head back to Whitney Portal by about 6 p.m. An early start is crucial to avoid the relentless sun, which can cause sunburn even at this elevation, though it’s cold in the mornings.
3-Day: Taking three days allows for a more leisurely pace, with time to decide when to start each day (though we still recommend a 4 a.m. start on day two to avoid the sun). This approach offers ample time for water breaks, wildlife watching (we saw pikas and marmots), and enjoying the scenery. You’ll also have more time at the summit and extra flexibility in case of delays or issues. This is the best option for beginners, especially those new to long-distance hikes, high altitude, or backpacking with heavy loads.
Water
Since we had only a few backpacking trips under our belts, we hadn’t upgraded our gear and ended up bringing a Sawyer water filter, which turned out to be slow and time-consuming. The full hike requires about six liters of water, meaning several stops to refill, including water for cooking dehydrated meals. If we were to do it again, we’d opt for a faster Platypus filter or a filtered water bottle, which also makes it easier to melt snow.
Wag Bags
Using a wag bag for waste is mandatory on the trail. Fortunately, I didn’t need to use it, but my husband did, and it wasn’t the most comfortable experience. He described it as holding a heavy-duty grocery bag under yourself and squatting just right to poop—a tricky and awkward task. Carrying the bag afterward is also less than ideal. However, it’s essential to use the provided wag bags to protect the fragile environment, so be sure to pack them out with you.
Unnecessary Gear
We saw several hikers carrying unnecessary gear like microspikes and helmets. To avoid overpacking, I called the visitor center in Lone Pine three days before our trip and asked for advice on what gear we’d need. This allowed us to keep our packs ultralight, making the trek much easier.
Mount Whitney Sign
At the summit, there was a metal sign anyone could use to commemorate their climb, as well as a sign with the Native American name for the peak. We brought our own sign, which made for more personal and memorable photos. We even left it behind for others to use if they wanted more options, but recommend bringing your own.
Music
Bringing headphones and a playlist of hiking songs was a game-changer. It boosted our mood and helped take our minds off our aching bodies during the toughest sections of the climb.
Hikers
The hikers we encountered on this trail were a cut above what we’re used to seeing. Everyone understood trail etiquette, moving aside for uphill or passing hikers, and we were all cheering each other on to make the summit. It was a great community experience, and I was glad that the permit system limited the number of hikers per day, preserving the trail’s serenity.
In summary, this book was the perfect companion for our Mount Whitney adventure, providing us with all the information we needed to summit successfully and enjoy every moment of the journey. If you’re planning a hike up Mount Whitney, this guide is a must-read.
Climbing Mount Whitney was an unforgettable adventure, and the book we relied on was an invaluable guide that made our experience all the richer. The author’s writing is both eloquent and detailed, capturing the essence of Mount Whitney from every angle. From the history of its discovery to the diverse ecosystems that surround it, the book provides a comprehensive understanding that truly enhances the journey. It even explains the curious variations in elevation numbers found on summit signs, adding yet another layer of intrigue to the climb.
Here are some of my favorite quotes from the book that also provide a brief history of the mountain:
“Sierra Nevada is Spanish for ‘snowy mountain range.’”
“On seeing Mount Whitney from Mount Tyndall, Clarence King wrote, ‘Mt. Whitney, as we afterwards called it in honor of our chief, is probably the highest land within the United States. Its summit looked glorious, but inaccessible.’ (Their boss, Josiah Dwight Whitney, was a professor of geology at Harvard and chief of the California State Geological Survey from 1860 to 1874.)”
“In 1904, the people of Lone Pine raised the necessary funds to build a horse trail to the summit of Mount Whitney, which they rebuilt and repaired in 1909. This trail allowed the Smithsonian Institution to erect a stone shelter near the top for use by their astronomers and other scientists. Mount Whitney became the site of many scientific experiments in the late 1800s and early 1900s. The U.S. Weather Service conducted experiments and observations on the summit for twenty years. The hut is still used today as an emergency shelter but was the site of at least one lightning strike death of a hiker who took refuge there during a thunderstorm. The shelter has since been grounded but is not considered safe during a thunder and lightning storm.”
“With the aid of a large compressor, an excellent trail with ninety-seven switchbacks was blasted from the rocky buttress between Trail Camp and Trail Crest. This new trail, the one used today, bypassed dangerous rock slides and snowfields.”
“The Sierra Nevada is a unique and unforgettable region of extremes—a land of perpetual sunshine and semi-perpetual snow. It is home to the deepest canyon in North America (Kings River Canyon), the largest living thing on earth (the giant sequoia), and of course, the highest peak in the Lower 48 (Mount Whitney). Just across the Owens Valley in the White Mountains is the world’s oldest living thing (the bristlecone pine), and not far away is Death Valley, the hottest, driest, and lowest spot in North America.”
The table of contents in this book is an absolute treasure trove. I found myself constantly flipping back to it, especially when I needed quick references on topics like cuisine ideas, water safety, mountain medicine, lightning, and wildlife safety. It’s a resource that deepened my understanding and prepared me for various aspects of the climb.
One of the most reassuring insights was about the availability of water sources on the trail. Initially, I was unsure whether to climb in July or September, but after reading, I felt confident in choosing July, knowing that water would be more accessible. The book also provided a fascinating comparison between Single-day and Moonlight Ascents, offering tips and preparations unique to each approach.
I was surprised to discover that there are 15 different routes to reach Mount Whitney, starting from both the east and west sides of the mountain. The author meticulously details each route, including mileage, difficulty, and itinerary recommendations. Thanks to this guide, I quickly realized we were taking the second shortest route.
The Appendix is not to be missed. It’s packed with detailed maps leading to Mount Whitney and a comprehensive packing list that ensured we were fully prepared for the journey.
After reading this book and undergoing outdoor altitude training for three months, I felt incredibly prepared for our hike. Nothing was overlooked, and the book was instrumental in making our adventure a success.
Top Recommendations
We hiked the Mount Whitney Trail (Route 8 in the book), starting from and ending at Whitney Portal on the east side of the mountain. Our total mileage for the trip was 22 miles.
How Many Days Do You Need?
1-Day: We saw many hikers attempting the trek in a single day. Their journey starts at midnight, with the first few hours in complete darkness and cold weather (even in summer). Shorts are essential to reduce weight and prevent overheating later in the day. It’s an exhausting endeavor, and we noticed several people starting late and running out of water. The tight timetable also reduces opportunities to stop and refill water.
2-Day: Day one can be started at any time, but it’s wise to arrive before dark. The hike takes about 7.5 hours. Day two begins at 4 a.m. for the ascent, allowing time to summit, return to camp, pack up, and head back to Whitney Portal by about 6 p.m. An early start is crucial to avoid the relentless sun, which can cause sunburn even at this elevation, though it’s cold in the mornings.
3-Day: Taking three days allows for a more leisurely pace, with time to decide when to start each day (though we still recommend a 4 a.m. start on day two to avoid the sun). This approach offers ample time for water breaks, wildlife watching (we saw pikas and marmots), and enjoying the scenery. You’ll also have more time at the summit and extra flexibility in case of delays or issues. This is the best option for beginners, especially those new to long-distance hikes, high altitude, or backpacking with heavy loads.
Water
Since we had only a few backpacking trips under our belts, we hadn’t upgraded our gear and ended up bringing a Sawyer water filter, which turned out to be slow and time-consuming. The full hike requires about six liters of water, meaning several stops to refill, including water for cooking dehydrated meals. If we were to do it again, we’d opt for a faster Platypus filter or a filtered water bottle, which also makes it easier to melt snow.
Wag Bags
Using a wag bag for waste is mandatory on the trail. Fortunately, I didn’t need to use it, but my husband did, and it wasn’t the most comfortable experience. He described it as holding a heavy-duty grocery bag under yourself and squatting just right to poop—a tricky and awkward task. Carrying the bag afterward is also less than ideal. However, it’s essential to use the provided wag bags to protect the fragile environment, so be sure to pack them out with you.
Unnecessary Gear
We saw several hikers carrying unnecessary gear like microspikes and helmets. To avoid overpacking, I called the visitor center in Lone Pine three days before our trip and asked for advice on what gear we’d need. This allowed us to keep our packs ultralight, making the trek much easier.
Mount Whitney Sign
At the summit, there was a metal sign anyone could use to commemorate their climb, as well as a sign with the Native American name for the peak. We brought our own sign, which made for more personal and memorable photos. We even left it behind for others to use if they wanted more options, but recommend bringing your own.
Music
Bringing headphones and a playlist of hiking songs was a game-changer. It boosted our mood and helped take our minds off our aching bodies during the toughest sections of the climb.
Hikers
The hikers we encountered on this trail were a cut above what we’re used to seeing. Everyone understood trail etiquette, moving aside for uphill or passing hikers, and we were all cheering each other on to make the summit. It was a great community experience, and I was glad that the permit system limited the number of hikers per day, preserving the trail’s serenity.
In summary, this book was the perfect companion for our Mount Whitney adventure, providing us with all the information we needed to summit successfully and enjoy every moment of the journey. If you’re planning a hike up Mount Whitney, this guide is a must-read.
September 24, 2016
I credit this book with my successful summit of Whitney this year. Detailed routes are listed and the author has done them all. A section on the lottery process for the Whitney zone would have been helpful as that is the hardest part of the process.
January 4, 2011
This book is has detailed route descriptions for climbing mount Whitney. It does a good job of describing the difficulty of reaching the summit of a 14k+ foot mountain.
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews