Mount Whitney Portal to Lone Pine Lake Trail
![Mount Whitney Portal to Lone Pine Lake Trail](https://d3owbckoeihl9o.cloudfront.net/images/10adv/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/US-CA-Inyo-National-Forest-Mount-Whitney-Portal-to-Lone-Pine-Lake-Trail-1709-633.jpg)
Table of contents
Considered to be a more challenging route, the Mount Whitney Portal to Lone Pine Lake Trail is ideal for more experienced hikers. Traversing beautiful terrain with gorgeous views, many do the Mount Whitney Portal to Lone Pine Lake Trail as a warm up route before attempting to summit Mount Whitney itself.
Route Description for Mount Whitney Portal to Lone Pine Lake Trail
A fairly long route with a notable amount of elevation gain, the Mount Whitney Portal to Lone Pine Lake Trail is likely not appropriate for beginner hikers or families with children. We recommend bringing extra layers of clothing with you, as the higher elevations can get rather cold and uncomfortable if you are not prepared. Likewise, make sure you bring plenty of water, and wear both sunscreen and a hat.
Having arrived at the trailhead, follow the Mount Whitney Trail north. After a few hundred feet, the trail will veer sharply to the west, and begin to incline in elevation. The Mount Whitney Trail will cross the North Fork Lone Pine Creek before heading to the south. Here, the elevation begins to incline more severely, making the route more physically demanding.
Continuing on along the Mount Whitney Trail, the path will then turn into a series of switchbacks. Having inclined the majority of the elevation along the route, the switchbacks will end, and the path will cross one last creek before reaching a plateau. At the plateau, beautiful Lone Pine Lake will be visible. After taking the opportunity to enjoy the incredible sightlines, backtrack your steps towards the trailhead, and your waiting vehicle.
Getting to the Mount Whitney Portal to Lone Pine Lake Trail Trailhead
The trailhead for Mount Whitney Portal to Lone Pine Lake Trail is located at a parking lot off of Whitney Portal Road.
Route Information
Backcountry Campground:
When to do:
June-October
Pets allowed:
Yes - On Leash
Family friendly:
No
Route Signage:
Average
Crowd Levels:
High
Route Type:
Out and back
Mount Whitney Portal to Lone Pine Lake Trail Elevation Graph
Weather Forecast
Check Area WeatherReviews
WE ARE HERE TO HELP
Let someone else do the hard work, book a custom tour in over 85 countries.
Chat with us on our contact page or fill out the form below!
Nearby Trails
![Pinto Lake Trail](https://d3owbckoeihl9o.cloudfront.net/images/10adv/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Dummy-1-2560x633-1.jpg)
Pinto Lake Trail
Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks
![Timber Gap Trail](https://d3owbckoeihl9o.cloudfront.net/images/10adv/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Dummy-2-2560x633-1.jpg)
Timber Gap Trail
Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks
![Columbine Lake via Sawtooth Pass Trail](https://d3owbckoeihl9o.cloudfront.net/images/10adv/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Dummy-1-2560x633-1.jpg)
Columbine Lake via Sawtooth Pass Trail
Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks
![Crystal Lake via Sawtooth Pass Trail](https://d3owbckoeihl9o.cloudfront.net/images/10adv/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Dummy-3-2560x633-1.jpg)
Crystal Lake via Sawtooth Pass Trail
Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks
![Franklin Lakes Trail](https://d3owbckoeihl9o.cloudfront.net/images/10adv/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Dummy-2-2560x633-1.jpg)
Franklin Lakes Trail
Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks
![Mount Gould Trail](https://d3owbckoeihl9o.cloudfront.net/images/10adv/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Dummy-2-2560x633-1.jpg)
Mount Gould Trail
Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks
![Bullfrog Lake Hike](https://d3owbckoeihl9o.cloudfront.net/images/10adv/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Dummy-1-2560x633-1.jpg)
Bullfrog Lake Hike
Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks
![Cottonwood Lakes and Army Pass Trail](https://d3owbckoeihl9o.cloudfront.net/images/10adv/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Dummy-4-2560x633-1.jpg)
Cottonwood Lakes and Army Pass Trail
Inyo National Forest
![Cottonwood Lakes Trail](https://d3owbckoeihl9o.cloudfront.net/images/10adv/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Dummy-3-2560x633-1.jpg)
Cottonwood Lakes Trail
Inyo National Forest
![Lone Pine Campground to Whitney Portal Trail](https://d3owbckoeihl9o.cloudfront.net/images/10adv/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Dummy-3-2560x633-1.jpg)
Lone Pine Campground to Whitney Portal Trail
Inyo National Forest
![Cirque Lake via Cottonwood Lakes Trail](https://d3owbckoeihl9o.cloudfront.net/images/10adv/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Dummy-1-2560x633-1.jpg)
Cirque Lake via Cottonwood Lakes Trail
Inyo National Forest
![Mount Whitney Trail](https://d3owbckoeihl9o.cloudfront.net/images/10adv/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/US-CA-Inyo-National-Forest-Mount-Whitney-Trail-1709-633.jpg)
Mount Whitney Trail
Inyo National Forest