Mount Whitney Travel Guide — Things to Do, Food & Hotels
highest mountain in California and the contiguous United States
About Mount Whitney
Geologically, the mountain went through the typical phases of evolution for high Sierra peaks: uplift as a fault block mountain, erosion, glaciation, and forestation. Mount Whitney is the highest peak because the block's uplift was not uniform: the block was uplifted the most in the southeast corner, where Whitney lies. There still remain some very small residual glaciers in shaded cirques on Whitney, which look like nothing more than patches of snow from a distance. Mount Whitney is the highest point in the lower 48 states, and hence the Sierra Nevada too. However, it may not appear to be the tallest from the floor of Owens Valley because it is not the closest peak to the valley rim, and has many peaks of comparable height surrounding it. Located on the border between Inyo National Forest
Where to Stay in Mount Whitney
- 🏨Outpost Camp
- 🏨Trail Camp
- 🏨Whitney Portal campground
Mount Whitney Travel Guide Sections
Our comprehensive guide covers 11 sections including: