Climb Mt. Whitney via the Mountaineer’s Route Summer/Fall, 3 days
The expert guides from SWS will lead you on this truly epic and awesome 3-day climb of Mount Whitney in the summer via the Mountaineer’s Route, a popular and classic trail that takes you through some of the most unique landscapes and terrain in California.
Group
Sierra Nevada (California)
3 Days
Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct
Occasional
Beginner
Highlights
- Scale the summit of Mt. Whitney - the highest mountain in the lower 48 states!
- Indulge in rock scrambling, cross-country hiking and roped climbing
- Learn some of the best mountaineering skills and techniques
- Admire the breathtaking and gorgeous Sierra Nevada around us
Description
Join me on this magnificent climb of Mt. Whitney in California, the highest mountain in the lower 48 states of the USA, as we traipse and travail round the popular Mountaineer’s Route over the course of 3 days, taking in the sublime alpine scenery of the area and learning more about different climbing skills and techniques.
Mount Whitney (4421m) is the highest mountain in the lower 48 states of the USA, and the highest in the world famous Sierra Nevada mountain range. It contains mostly rocky terrain, with little vegetation able to grow, and is an immensely popular and well-known locale to indulge in mountain climbing.
Our adventure begins when we meet in the nearby town of Lone Pine, and from there we hit the Mountaineer’s Route as soon as possible.
Over the course of the 3 days we will be undertaking many varied, interesting and fun activities, including rock scrambling, cross-country hiking and roped climbing, and as mentioned, we will constantly be teaching you about the safest techniques needed to navigate the ascent.
Our high camp base will be established at the North Fork of Lone Pine Creek, and it is from there that we will attack the summit.
Once we reach the summit, we will be exposed to some of the most incredible and gorgeous views in the country, with the East Face and East Buttress standing in all their glory in front of us, and the vast epic valleys of the Californian countryside below.
We finish our journey by heading back down to Lone Pine, positively thrilled, tired and content at the excellent 3 days we have just spent together.
Book now to experience some of the best mountain climbing in the USA!
Price includes
- Guiding fee
- Permit and entrance fees
- Breakfast
- Dinner
- Rope
- Harness
- Helmet
- Crampons
- Ice axe
- Camping equipment tents
- Camping equipment cooking utensils
Price details
Price is per person. Price includes: professional instruction/guide, breakfast(s), dinner(s), helmets, harness, group-climbing equipment including ropes and safety equipment, ice axes and crampons if needed, group camping equipment including tents, stoves, cooking pots, water filters, permits, and permit fees including Mt. Whitney permit reservations fees.
Itinerary
Day 1 to 3: Meet, Climb, Finish
We will meet on day 1 in Lone Pine at 7:00 am, after a full pack check and issuing of gear for the climb, we will head off to the Whitney Portal Trailhead, a short 30-minute drive. Then, we will hike into the backcountry and establish a base camp at 11,000 ft. As we hike, we will be instructing, holding informal lectures, and preparing you for the
next day’s climb.On the second day, we will rise early for an alpine start, (4:00 am) and climb via the mountaineer’s route on Mt. Whitney’s northeast side, returning to our base camp by late in the afternoon.
On day three, we will pack up and head down to the trailhead arriving at our vehicles by 1-2:00 PM.
Details
Accommodation Tent accommodation every night. |
Meeting point Lone Pine, California |
Equipment you will need to bring
Backpack
Other gear: The Basics: q Sleeping Bag (rated 15 - 30 degrees)* q Backpack (55 - 65 liters or more. Internal frame highly recommended)* q 3/4 Sleeping Pad (Closed cell foam or air filled. Full length ok)* q q Good Hiking Boots (designed for hiking rough trails) Personal Tent -- Recommend for Individual Climbers. You will also need adequate clothing and toiletries, we will send you the full list upon request. Also, keep in mind that the proper footwear is essential: Early season trips (April – June) you will typically need a heavier type of backpacking boot that will accept crampons because there will typically be more snow on the route than later in the season. Later in the climbing season (July – September) a mid-height approach shoe/boot might be more approbriate. Crampons and Ice Axes will be provided if needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I join a group?
What is the best time of the year to climb this mountain?
Will I need to bring any technical equipment of my own? Is it possible to rent equipment, and if so, what would be the approximate cost of that?
Are there any other special requirements such as permits/insurance/vaccines that we need to consider before the tour?
What is the guide-to-client ratio to climb this mountain?
What happens in the event of bad weather?
What experience and how fit do I need to be to climb this mountain? Is this program suitable for children or older people?
Is this the Mt Whitney Trail Hike?
What is the Elevation Gain and Loss during the trip?
How far in advance should I start training and what kind of training do you suggest?
How will accommodation and meals be handled on the mountain?
About the guide
Since 1981, we have been California's leader in guided mountaineering. From the Eastern Sierra to Mt. Shasta, we guide all of California 14ners and internationally.
What people are saying about this trip
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