This article highlights Mount Whitney, the highest mountain in the contiguous in the United States.
During an Eastern Sierra road trip, we stopped at the small town of Lone Pine.
Road trip stops are supposed to be interesting. Lone Pine is a 2,000 habitants, one traffic light town. Pretty small, right?
Lone Pine
But our attention was not fixed on Lone Pine. We had to pass through town to get where we really wanted to go. We came here just to admire this baby (see below).
Mount Whitney seen in the distance
That my friends is Mount Whitney. And this is not an ordinary peak. At 14,505 feet, it is the highest summit in the contiguous United States (the highest peak in the U.S. is Mount McKinley which is located in Alaska). Now, you can see why I was so excited to reach Lone Pine. It meant I was super close to this mountain!!
Take a close look at the summit. Impressive, right?
Close up of Mount Whitney
The peaks next to Mount Whitney are known as The Needles.
The Needles, the peaks next to Mount Whitney
This was my first trip to the Sierra Nevada area. By the way, I don’t even remember the last time I was able to contemplate a mountain range. Well, all I can say is that the peaks with all their colors, formations, and speckles of snow were absolutely beautiful. It is an epic landscape that continues for 400 miles. That is enough to keep me busy for a lifetime (see why I love to live in California).
Eastern Sierra View from road leading to Whitney Portal
From Lone Pine, we took the road leading to the Whitney Portal. As the name suggests, this is where the trailhead for Mount Whitney is located. A lot of people start from here the ascent to the top of the mountain. But the area is more than just the starting point of a trail. There is much more to do.
Awesome cloud formations in the Eastern Sierra
First, the road which takes you to the Portal is flanked by supreme scenery. For example, you can stop briefly to admire the following:
– Alabama Hills – Rock formations famous for the huge amount of movies filmed among the area characteristic boulders.
– Excellent views of Mount Whitney and The Needles.
– Once you get to higher points on the road, stop to take a look at the Alabama Hills and the Owens Valley from above. This is an impressive view.
– Don’t forget to look up. At one point, you are going to feel like Mount Whitney is directly above you.
Owens Valley seen from the road leading to Whitney Portal
Because my visit took place during the fall, some wildflowers were in full bloom. This just added color to the already stunning panorama. Get informed about road conditions before visiting in winter.
At one point you start to get really high (the Portal is at 8,000 feet above sea level). As I have confessed before, I am terrified of heights. I was looking at the floor of the car most of the time. Just to think about it (or take a look at the photos), I start to get a weird sensation on my legs.
Mount Whitney seen from below
Once you officially enter the Portal, there are a lot of possibilities to have a good time. The area contains trails designed for day hikes. There is a beautiful waterfall begging to be explored. Numerous lakes and creeks provide entertainment to fishing lovers. There are spaces for picnicking (but beware of the bears). If you want to explore the area in more detail, campgrounds are available.
Waterfall in the Whitney Portal Area
Waterfall near the Whitney Portal
Getting close to Mount Whitney was reason enough to make this trip. However, there were many more striking stops. Stay tuned if you want to discover more striking places.
Small lake in the Whitney Portal Area
Location
The Whitney Portal is located 12 miles from Lone Pine. The travel time is about 20 minutes.
However, I recommend allocating enough time to stop for pictures and explore the portal area. In addition, spending some time around the Alabama Hills is a must!
Have you ever get close to a mountain? How did you feel? Let me know in the comments section below.
Mount Whitney, highest point in the lower 48 states
jamie - cloud people adventures says
stunning scenery! love the wildflowers too. can imagine the hikes there are AMAZING.
Ruth says
I didn’t hike but I know there are tons of options. Would like to do this one day. Plus, I took a look at the map and the area is full of lakes. Imagine the views bodies of water surrounded by the mountains. Wow!!
Stephanie - The Travel Chica says
Wow! Very impressive.
Ruth says
Cool, I know. Will be great to wake up every morning to this view.
Steve says
Absolutely beautiful pictures Ruth! I really love the one with the Needles in the background.
Ruth says
The Needles are so cool. They look so beautiful from the road. I will like to take pictures at dawn or sunset.
Scott - Quirky Travel Guy says
Sometimes, I feel like I’ve seen most of California because I’ve been to the Redwoods and all the big cities, but posts like this remind me that there’s so much more to check out!
I drove through the Rockies at 11,000 feet. I guess those would be the highest peaks I’ve seen, but I wasn’t actually hiking at the time.
Ruth says
California is so big. There are many, many places to go. I think I have visited like 10% (or less) of the main attractions. Haven’t been to San Franciso, Central Coast, Napa, Yosemite, Death Valley and more. Well, at least I have enough to explore.
Michael Figueiredo says
Gorgeous photos Ruth! I’ve always wanted to see Mt. Whitney… now I feel almost like I’ve been there. 🙂
Ruth says
Good you got the feeling!! But it is not that far from Los Angeles. Seriously, I didn’t feel the driving time. It is like going to Vegas (you don’t feel the time and the road is really good).
Lisa says
These are such beautiful photos they almost don’t look real. The first three of the mountain are really stunning! I also love the one with you both and the waterfall. What a great place to visit.
Ruth says
I think you have described the pictures perfectly (surreal). I love the description. People who live around the mountains also say they live in a surreal place.