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A fun, but technical approach to the summit of Mt. Whitney.


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Map Key

0.7

Miles

1.1

KM

32%

Runnable

14,303' 4,359 m

High

12,680' 3,865 m

Low

1,622' 494 m

Up

40' 12 m

Down

46%

Avg Grade (25°)

78%

Max Grade (38°)

Dogs No Dogs

Features Lake · River/Creek · Views · Wildflowers · Wildlife

Description

As a note, this route is less of a run, and more of a technical, rocky, ascent. From Upper Boy Scout Lake, you'll see the obvious chute. Stay on the left side of this chute for as long as you can to avoid falling rock and then ascend the upper portion of the chute. Once you top out at the shoulder, you'll either head up a class three section for the final 400 ft, or continue along the trail that wraps around the back side to where it joins the John Muir Trail. Choose your route wisely based on your experience, as the summit can be reached both ways. You'll top out on the summit plateau, and you have made it! Enjoy the view, you earned it!

Reaching the top of this route is only the halfway mark, and you'll have to get back down. You can either retrace your steps, or descend via the John Muir Trail.

For more detailed information on this route, be sure to checkout the Mountaineer's Route listing on Mountain Project.

Contacts

Shared By:

Daniel Birdwell

Trail Ratings

  3.0 from 3 votes

#4

in Mt. Whitney

#27411

Overall
  3.0 from 3 votes
5 Star
33%
4 Star
0%
3 Star
33%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
33%
Trail Rankings

#4

in Mt. Whitney

#2,905

in California

#27,411

Overall
4 Views Last Month
2,116 Since Apr 14, 2016
Very Difficult Very Difficult

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33%
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Photos

Gorgeous views and a welcome break await you on the summit of Mount Whitney.
Jan 9, 2017 near Lone Pine, CA
Mt Whitney from Iceberg Lake.
Apr 7, 2016 near Lone Pine, CA
Sunset on the top of Mt Whitney.
Dec 27, 2016 near Lone Pine, CA
Summit views!
Apr 19, 2016 near Lone Pine, CA
An iconic USGS marker awaits those who summit Mt. Whitney
Apr 19, 2016 near Lone Pine, CA
Tired and happy to be on the summit of Mt. Whitney, a pair of hikers enjoys their accomplishment.
Feb 28, 2017 near Lone Pine, CA
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