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Climb Mt. Whitney via the Mountaineer’s Route Summer/Fall, 3 days

Mt Whitney
Mt Whitney
Mt Whitney
Mt Whitney
Mt Whitney

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?

Are there any other special requirements such as permits/insurance/vaccines that we need to consider before the tour?

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?

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?

Is the $450 porter fee per day or for all 3 days?

What happens in the event of bad weather?

What is the guide-to-client ratio to climb this mountain?

What is the best time of the year to climb this mountain?

Any suggestions for where to stay the night before and the night after the hike?

Do you usually need an ice ax for an August hike?

Do you have open Group Dates for this program?

Where could we keep our extra luggage while hiking?

How will accommodation and meals be handled on the mountain?

How far in advance should I start training and what kind of training do you suggest?

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.

Languages

English

Certificates

IFMGA | AMGA


What people are saying about this trip

Silvia Alonso

5.00

July, 2023

The traveller did not leave a comment.

Mikael Brandrup

5.00

June, 2023

One of the best experiences we ever had. Amazing trip with lots of excitement, challenges and action - all in the most beautiful scenery. Our guide Matt played a crucial role making this trip a life time experience. Hi-fives to Matt and thanks for being the best guide! Best, Gustav and Mikael

Loren Sweet

4.00

September, 2022

Had an amazing experience! What memories but must be honest, we were in over our head. Feel we were physically up to it but we went from sea level to 10,000 feet in 30 hours and it was a challenge to keep up. Some time to acclimate would have made a big difference. The guides were careful and supportive. We were outside our comfort zone for sure but also realize that made it so memorable! Thanks Loren

Jon Niswander

5.00

July, 2022

Life changing experience!!

Theodora C

5.00

January, 2022

I have summited some amazing peaks, but Mt. Whitney has stolen my heart. From her diverse landscape, to the ever changing appearance of her face each hour of the day; she is a wild beauty not easily put out of your mind. This Jersey girl hiked/climbed/scrambled-up/slid-down the Mountaineer’s Route, which was both physically and mentally challenging but, incredibly fulfilling. My guide, Matt M., was confident, extremely knowledgeable and skilled, and I am pretty sure part mountain goat. Best guide I have ever had, prettiest mountain I have ever been on; if you are considering this hike, I would say DO IT!

Bryan Vidinsky

5.00

January, 2022

Fantastic guide service! I have skied with a number of guides over the years and I have to say that the guide we booked through SWS was one of the most knowledgeable, instructive and fun guides I have spent time with on the mountain. From the pre-trip communication all the way through the climb and ski down, I felt that I was in good hands, which was really important to me as my climb/ski partner was my 17 year old son. Our trip was epic, 4:00AM wakeup to a full moon, beautiful climb and huge ski down, my only complaint is that it was only a two day trip! Highly recommend, great experience!

Barbara J Eikmeier

5.00

January, 2021

Too bad this review does not allow six stars. SWS is professional, client focused, flexible, and has the clients best interests in mind. I can say the personnel and leadership skills of the SWS guides are among the best. You can't go wrong with SWS.

Kendra Grubb

5.00

August, 2021

Excellent experience with my guide Ben and SWS. Was able to summit Mt Whitney via the mountaineer’s route thanks to Ben’s understanding of the mountain and assessment of my capabilities. Great experience that exceeded my expectations.

Andrew Moran

5.00

January, 2018

Just finished my second trip with SWS Mountain guides...summiting Mt. Shasta a few days ago (previously climbed Mt Whitney last summer with SWS as well). This company provides excellent service both on and off the mountain, from addressing all my questions prior to the trip to establishing a well-rounded professional and fun educational experience during the climb itself!!!! Specifically, the guides on my trip were amazing, connecting with me on both a professional and personal level, keeping in tune with all aspects of the climb, emphasizing safety and education while helping me to fine-tune my climbing technique. Having used several different guiding services in the past, I have no hesitation to highly recommend SWS mountain guides!!!!


 

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