Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Hundreds of movies have been shot in the area, and this museum contains exhibits of
paraphernalia from locally set films. It hosts screenings in its theater twice a month.
HIKING MT WHITNEY
The mystique of Mt Whitney captures the imagination, and conquering its hulking bulk
becomes a sort of obsession for many. The main
Mt Whitney Trail
(the easiest and
busiest one) leaves from Whitney Portal, about 13 miles west of Lone Pine via the Whitney
Portal Rd (closed in winter), and climbs about 6000ft over 11 miles. It's a super strenu-
ous, really, reallylong walk that'll wear out even experienced mountaineers, but doesn't
require technical skills if attempted in summer or early fall. Earlier or later in the season,
you'll likely need an ice axe and crampons, and to overnight.
Many people in good physical condition make it to the top, although only superbly con-
ditioned, previously acclimatized hikers should attempt this as a day hike. Breathing be-
comes difficult at these elevations and altitude sickness is a common problem. Rangers
recommend spending a night camping at the trailhead and another at one of the two
camps along the route:
Outpost Camp
at 3.5 miles or
Trail Camp
at 6 miles up the trail.
When you pick up your permit and pack-out kits (hikers must pack out their poop) at
the
Eastern Sierra Interagency Visitor Center
in Lone Pine, get the latest info on weather
and trail conditions. Near the trailhead, the
Whitney Portal Store
(
www.whitneyportalstore.com
)
sells groceries and snacks. It also has public showers ($5)
and a cafe with enormous burgers and pancakes. Its excellent website is a comprehens-
ive starting point for Whitney research.
The biggest obstacle in getting to the peak may be to obtain a
wilderness permit
(per
group $6 plus per person $15), which is required for all overnight trips and for day hikes
past Lone Pine Lake (about 2.8 miles from the trailhead). A quota system limits daily ac-
cess to 60 overnight and 100 day hikers from May through October. Because of the huge
with applications accepted from February through mid-March.
Want to avoid the hassle of getting a permit for the main Mt Whitney Trail? Consider as-
cending this popular pinnacle from the west, using the backdoor route from Sequoia &
Kings Canyon National Parks. It takes about six days from Crescent Meadow via the High
Sierra Trail to the John Muir Trail - with no Whitney Zone permit required - and wilder-
ness permits are much easier to secure.
