Lone Pine Campground to Whitney Portal

Lone Pine Campground to Whitney Portal is a beautiful 8.78-mile out-and-back singletrack trail located outside of Lone Pine, CA. This moderately rated trail traverses the base of Mount Whitney, the highest peak in the lower 48! The trail takes you from a scenic campground up to a campground, camp store, and starting point for people attempting to summit Mount Whitney. This trail is a straightforward up and down, out and back with scenic views, flowing water, and amenities at the start and finish. This trail is accessible for hikers, trail runners, and backpackers. 

This trail is generally open year-round, however, parts may receive snow in winter. This trail takes you to Whitney Portal and a permit is not required unless you are planning to extend the route and continue towards Mount Whitney.

The trail begins at the west end of Lone Pine Campground which offers day use and overnight parking. The campground is first come first serve. More information about the campground can be found by visiting https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/inyo/recarea/?recid=20686 .

From the campground, the trail runs parallel to Whitney Portal Road until it meets up with it at Whitney Portal. It is a well-established trail shaded by tall pine trees that offers spectacular views of the Sierra Nevada's granite peaks and slopes.

In the Whitney Portal area, where the climb ends and you turn around, you'll find bathrooms, a small general store, a café, three campgrounds, picnic areas, a fishing pond, and a stream. This area is the gateway to the Mount Whitney Trail, John Muir Wilderness, and Sequoia National Park. 

For more information about summit Mount Whitney and obtaining a Mount Whitney permit please visit https://www.nps.gov/seki/planyourvisit/whitney.htm.