Lone Pine Lake – Whitney Portal loop from Whitney Portal National Recreation Trail Lower Trailhead

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Inyo County

Lone Pine Lake – Whitney Portal loop from Whitney Portal National Recreation Trail Lower Trailhead

Hard

4.0

(1)

hikers

Lone Pine Lake – Whitney Portal loop from Whitney Portal National Recreation Trail Lower Trailhead

07:58

23.0km

1,290m

Hiking

Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels. The starting point of the route is right next to a parking lot.

Last updated: August 1, 2026

Tips

Your route passes through protected areas

Please check local regulations for:

John Muir Wilderness

Inyo National Forest

Waypoints

Start point

Parking

Get Directions

8.01 km

Mountaineers Route Junction, North Fork Lone Pine Creek

Highlight • Trail

While the main Mt Whitney Trail climbs gradually southwest, the most direct trail up to Mt Whitney summit continues here straight west, along the north fork of Lone Pine Creek, …

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11.5 km

Lone Pine Lake

Highlight • Lake

Lone Pine Lake is a beautiful alpine lake. The path up to the lake is an incline, but it is mostly well graded. The effort to get to the lake is well worth the beautiful and peaceful surroundings.

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11.8 km

Lone Pine Creek Bridge

Highlight • Bridge

Lone Pine creek here crosses the trail, again with good access to drinking water (but requiring treatment).

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12.2 km

Whitney Portal switchbacks and view

Highlight (Segment) • Trail

Right off the bat, the Mount Whitney trail begins with two sets of switchbacks to climb out of the valley, essentially along Lone Pine Creek. The switchbacks are well-built and …

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16.3 km

Whitney Portal

Highlight • Rest Area

Whitney Portal is located at an elevation of 8,374 feet (2,552 meters) at the end of the Whitney Portal road. It is the gateway to Mount Whitney, the highest mountain …

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