How to Climb Mount Whitney in the Winter

Located in the Inyo National Forest at 14,505 feet, Mount Whitney elicits many superlatives: highest summit in the contiguous United States; tallest mountain in the Sierra range; and the highest point in the State of California. Notwithstanding its formidable stature, Whitney is also a popular recreational mountain. While busiest in the peak season between May and November, Mount Whitney offers year-round recreational opportunities. Though less harsh than those of other peaks in the lower 48 states, winters on Mount Whitney require a degree of preparedness.

Things You'll Need

  • Permit
  • Four wheel drive vehicle
  • Crampons
  • Snow shoes
  • Climbing axe
  • Other mountaineering gear
  • Winter camping gear
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Instructions

    • 1

      Obtain a permit. Climbing permits are required year-round. If you climb between November and April, you will have considerably less difficulty getting a permit. Between, May and November, however, the USDA Forest Service limits the number of people on the mountain through a lottery system. Under the lottery system, permit applications can be obtained from the Mount Whitney Wilderness Permit Office and must be mailed with the appropriate application fee. The Wilderness Permit Office does not accept email, fax, phone and online permit applications.

    • 2

      Prepare your equipment. Mount Whitney is the highest mountain in the contiguous U.S., and it is a serious climb. Beyond the requisite warm hiking clothes and sleeping gear, you should bring appropriate climbing gear (e.g. ice axe, mountaineering boots, crampons for boots, harnesses, helmets, etc), snowshoes, internal frame pack, ski poles, headlamps, sunscreen, sunglasses and first aid kit.

    • 3

      Choose an appropriate winter route. Due to heavy snow accumulation, Whitney Portal is closed in the winter and the road is unplowed above 6,600 feet. Rangers do not recommend going beyond the plowed road, even in a four-wheel drive vehicle. Rock slides and snow storms may cause your vehicle to become stuck. Many climbers park where the unplowed portion of the road begins and make their first camp at Whitney Portal.

    • 4

      Prepare for extreme cold. Winter climbers on Mount Whitney should be prepared for temperatures as low as -20 degrees Fahrenheit. Such temperatures mean that no skin can be exposed and all gear, such as sleeping bags, climbing boots and coats, must be designed to withstand Mount Whitney's winter extremes.