Mount Whitney Trail, Hiking trail in Sierra Nevada Mountains, California, United States.
The Mount Whitney Trail is a long-distance hiking trail in the Sierra Nevada Mountains of California that climbs to the highest summit in the contiguous United States. The route crosses several elevation zones, passing through open granite slopes and high alpine lake basins.
The hiking route was established in the early 20th century and became part of a protected wilderness area in 1964. A permit system now regulates access during the main season to preserve the natural environment.
The trail draws mountaineers and hikers from across the globe who seek to reach the 14,505-foot summit through a challenging high-altitude trek.
Hikers need a permit that is issued through a lottery system from May to October and must be requested in advance. Weather-resistant gear is necessary due to rapid temperature changes at elevation, and good physical preparation makes the ascent much easier.
The climb gains over 6000 feet (1800 meters) in elevation from the Whitney Portal trailhead to the summit. Along this distance, vegetation and climate shift several times, from conifer forest to treeless high mountain zones.
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