Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
to honor Josiah Whitney, founder of the California Geological Survey and the author
of a travel guide on Yosemite published in 1869. Despite the usual first-ascent nam-
ing rights, Mount Whitney remained the official moniker to honor this influential
conservationist.
There's a palpable sense of victorious accomplishment in the air from all who
reach the summit. Sign the guest book, housed in a steel box outside the shelter, that
reveals the broad spectrum of ages and ethnicities that travel to Whitney's top. There
is also a USGS survey marker to the east of the shelter among the big boulders.
Older guidebooks mention a pit toilet at the top of the summit, but human waste has
become a problem, and this is no longer encouraged.
Flanked by neighboring 14,000 footers Mounts Muir and Russell, Mount Whit-
ney is a benign ruler towering above the Owens Valley. To the east, enjoy views of
the Inyo Mountains and the Alabama Hills. To the south, Mount Hitchcock and
Mount Langley greet the eye. To the west, admire the Sawtooth Peak, Kaweah
Peaks, and the Great Western Divide. To the north lie Junction Peak, Mount Tyndall,
and Mount Williamson, which just barely missed being the highest peak in the lower
48.
Keep your celebration in check, however, because it's important to conserve
some energy for the descent. It's recommended that you leave the summit no later
than 3 p.m., as it's still a more than 6,000-foot descent, and you want to have your
wits (and humor) still about you when you return to civilization at Whitney Portal.
Public restrooms are directly across from the trailhead, while food, showers (fee), a
pay phone, and the general store are found to the right. The burger and fries combin-
ation is a treat! The general store is open daily (May and October, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.;
June and September, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.; July and August, 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.).
Inspired? Next time you could choose to participate in the Badwater Ultramara-
thon race, a 135-mile nonstop journey every July from Death Valley, the lowest elev-
ation in the Western Hemisphere at 280 feet below sea level, to the top of Mount
Whitney. Those who manage to complete the journey in less than 48 hours are awar-
ded a sought-after belt buckle celebrating their accomplishments.
P
ERMIT INFORMATION:
Because of the high demand to climb Mount Whitney, a quota
system is in place from May 1 to November 1 for the Whitney Zone (the area stretch-
ing from Lone Pine Lake to Crabtree Meadow). During this time, 60 backpackers
and 100 day hikers are allowed on the trail each day, and hikers must apply for a
$15-per-person permit by entering the Mount Whitney Lottery. Lottery applications
are accepted only during the month of February and must be mailed to the Wilder-
ness Permit Office (351 Pacu Lane, Suite 200, Bishop, CA 93514). Applications
must
be postmarked in February and cannot be faxed to be eligible. Applications are
