Whitney Portal to Lone Pine Lake

Lone Pine Lake is a stunning alpine lake that is reached via a 7-mile out-and-back trail from Whitney Portal. Whitney Portal is located approximately 13 miles west of Lone Pine, California, at the end of Whitney Portal Road, just a few hours away from Los Angeles. A beautiful pine forest surrounds the area, which lies at the base of Mount Whitney, the highest point in the contiguous United States. Located among granite cliffs and jagged peaks, the area features campgrounds, picnic tables, a small general store/café, as well as trail access to the John Muir Wilderness and Sequoia National Park. This is a popular area for trail running, hiking, backpacking, horseback riding, camping, and mountain climbing.

Lone Pine Lake is accessible by a well-maintained singletrack trail. Within the first 3.5 miles, the route gains more than 2,000 feet in elevation before reaching Lone Pine Lake. The scenery at Lone Pine Lake is spectacular and looks as if the water just pours off the edge of the cliff. This trail is challenging but manageable for most people in a day. 

CAMPING AND PERMITS

• Day hikers are not required to obtain a permit since Lone Pine Lake is located just before the official Whitney Zone.

• Day use permits are required for anyone that continues north from Lone Pine Lake. 

• Camping at Lone Pine Lake requires an Overnight Mt Whitney Trail permit.
   

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• Whitney Portal Area Information: https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/inyo/recarea/?recid=21409.

• Whitney Portal Campground Reservations: https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/232123?tab=info. 

• Inyo National Forest Wilderness Permit Rules: https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/inyo/passes-permits/recreation/?cid=fseprd583144.