Welcome to the 13th Edition of the Mt. Whitney Day Hike and Backpacking Page

Mt. Whitney is about choices. When to go, what route take, where to camp, what time do you want to be on the summit, what gear and clothing to take. The more you know the more choices you have and the decisions become easier to make. If you are a day hiker, there are far fewer decisions. It's either the Main Mt. Whitney Trail or the Mountaineering Route...it is the same permit, and when. The when should be determined by your skill level. If you have ungodly skills you can do this almost any time on either route. However, if you are a snowphobic 3-season hiker you are limited to mid to late July through mid-October most years...depending on your level of snow or packweight-phobics...winter gear she is heavy.

Backpackers have a lot more choices, a lot of which we have not yet explored. On the eastside, there there are three main trailhead areas, Horseshoe Meadow to south, Onion Valley to the north and Whitney Portal. Most of the trail walking trips can be completed in 4 days or less...if, I repeat if, you are in very good shape and keep your pack weight reasonable. However, if you want a week in the woods trip from north or south they are a lot easier than starting and finishing at Whitney Portal in two days. We highly recommend you explore all your options before making your final decision.

We feel every potential Mt. Whitney hiker should read the missions of the Inyo County Search and Rescue Team before taking one step on the trail and learn what can go very wrong on a trail that is benign most of time during the summer months.