Confront the crown jewel of California’s Sierra Nevada—the 14,505-foot peak of Mt Whitney. Putting aside the superlatives associated with the highest mountain of the contiguous US, reaching its summit is a beautiful experience that will test your determination and valiance. Starting in the Inyo National Forest, gain 6,200 feet while getting awe-struck by legendary granite ridges, and, finally, reach the summit in the Sequoia National Park. There are three different ways to tackle the climb: crossing an alpine route, finishing a technical climb, or, if you’re a seasoned mountaineer ready to enter the daunting world of alpine climbing, doing a winter ascent.
Reach the highest peak in the Lower 48, standing at 14,505 ft
Daring experience of unspoiled wilderness in two protected areas
Crowdless ascent granted by the restrictive permit system
What you get on this adventure:
What’s not included:
For all three adventures listed above, you need to be in excellent physical shape.
For the Technical Alpine Climb, you need to have previous mountaineering experience and experience of multi-pitch rock climbing and climbing at high altitudes.
For the Summer Climb, you need to have strong previous hiking and backpacking experience, but no mountaineering experience is necessary.
For the Winter Alpine Climb, you need to be a seasoned mountaineer with previous ice axe, crampon, and rope handling skills.
For the Technical Alpine Climb, you need to have some alpine climbing experience—more precisely, you need to have previous multi-pitch climbing experience and experience of rock climbing at high altitudes.
For the Summer Climb via Mountaineer’s Route, you need to be an avid hiker/backpacker, but no mountaineering experience is required.
For the Winter Alpine Climb via Mountaineer’s Route, you need to be a seasoned mountaineer ready for the challenges of alpine climbing. You also need to have basic ice axe, crampon, and rope-handling skills.
Here’s a list of equipment that you will need for the Technical Climb:
Technical climbing equipment:
Camping equipment:
Clothing:
Dress comfortably and for the weather in clothes you can move in. We suggest bringing clothing appropriate for the season.
Here’s a list of the equipment you will need for the Mt Whitney Summer Ascent:
Camping equipment:
Clothing:
Dress comfortably and for the weather in clothes you can move in. We suggest bringing clothing appropriate for the season.
Here’s a list of the equipment equipment you will need for the Winter Ascent:
Technical climbing equipment:
Camping equipment:
Clothing:
Dress comfortably and for the weather in clothes you can move in. We suggest bringing clothing appropriate for the season.
Yes! Porters are available per request, but you need to let us know in advance.
Group sizes and prices:
Alpine climbing on Mt Whitney can be arranged for larger groups. Contact us to make arrangements.
Min. age requirements:
If your group has climbers under the age of 18, contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.
To get to Lone Pine,where your adventure starts, most people fly into Los Angeles International Airport, just over 3 hours away. From there, you can rent a car or take a shuttle service.
Once you and your guide agree on the details of your itinerary, your guide will suggest the best place to meet, usually at the guide shop in Lone Pine, CA. Once you meet, you can discuss transportation to the trailhead. The guide will choose the appropriate terrain dependent on conditions and the ability of the group.
57hours is committed to providing safe outdoor adventure experiences. We require all guides using our platform to have a COVID-19 safety plan and to make the details of that plan accessible to travelers. In most cases, group sizes will be reduced, guides will avoid overcrowded locations, and other safety measures will be met depending on the location and activity.
We also expect clients to respect local regulations and take measures to protect themselves, guides and the communities they’re traveling to. For more information on COVID-19 measures in the Sierra Nevada Mountains, please refer to the official website of the Government of California.
Please contact us if you have any questions or require further information. We are happy to provide you with the most up-to-date information!
For 2024 dates, a 50% deposit to secure your place is due upon booking. The remaining amount is paid 3 months (90 days) prior to departure.
Once the trip is confirmed by the guide, the cancellation policy stated below applies.
