Mt. Whitney CA

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Craig Baker

Mount Whitney is the highest point in the contiguous United States, with an elevation of 14,505 feet. The mountain's west slope is in Sequoia National Park in Tulare County and the eastern slope is in Inyo National Forest in Inyo County. The summit is just 85 miles west of North America's lowest point, Badwater Basin in Death Valley National Park, at 282 ft below sea level. In July 1864, members of the California Geological Survey named the peak after Josiah Whitney, the state geologist of California and sponsor of the survey. On August 18, 1873, Charles Begole, A.H. Johnson, and John Lucas, all of nearby Lone Pine, became the first to reach the summit. They climbed the mountain during a fishing trip to nearby Kern Canyon.

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David Leathem

Long... Hard... Walk... But I am not a super experienced hiker, early 30s with about 30 hikes under my belt (went to Mr Baldy once, a couple night hikes at Lake Tahoe). Took 2 days to summit and back, great feeling of reward. Beginner hikers, train extensively first. Intermediate hikers, make sure you're in good shape. Expert hikers, you can probably knock it out in a day.

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Melissa Flores

Magical after a few months ago when we visited . I still smile when I think of our day use visit to Whitney Portal. Wish we could have stayed longer. Totally worth the drive, maybe on day we can return and also see Alabama hills. Next time we will stay in Lone Pine