Mount Whitney Summit Guided 6-7 Day Backpacking Trip

Mount Whitney Summit Guided Backpacking Trip

Rising to 14,505 feet, Mount Whitney is the highest point in the lower 48, and this route offers a longer, more gradual approach to the summit. Beginning at Horseshoe Meadows, the trek follows the Cottonwood Pass corridor into classic Eastern Sierra terrain. The route moves through open alpine basins, passes a chain of clear high-elevation lakes beneath peaks like Mount Langley, and continues toward the Whitney zone via Rock Creek and Crabtree Meadows. The final push begins at Guitar Lake, leading to the summit ridge and ultimately the top of Mount Whitney. This itinerary highlights a broad range of High Sierra landscapes while giving you time to adjust to elevation and enjoy the area’s standout features. Because it offers a more gradual acclimatization curve than the standard Whitney Portal route, it’s a strong option for high-pointers traveling from lower-elevation states.

Trip Highlights

• Horseshoe Meadows
• Cottonwood Lakes
• New Army Pass
• Rock Creek Meadow
• Crabtree Meadows
• Guitar Lake
• Mount Whitney Summit (14,505ft)

Difficulty Rating (1-5): 5

This trek follows well-maintained trails and has a challenging hiking distance of 10-13 miles per day, depending on the length of trip chosen. There will be days of higher elevation gain than others and rocky sections of the trail with bigger step-ups and step-downs. Due to the length and elevation gain of this trek, it is considered a challenging Level 5 hike. Weight carried will be between 35-40lbs. A resupply drop-off is available for an additional charge to make this more manageable!

Duration

• 6 or 7-Day Option
• 61mi
• +13,500ft
• Time: 8:00 AM

Location / Where to Meet

Mount Whitney Summit

Lone Pine, CA 93545, United States

Ages & Requirements

• Previous backpacking experience is required. The ability to carry an overnight backpack for up to 12 miles a day with 2000-3000 feet of elevation gain for multiple days in a row (based on 5 day trek).
• You must be in excellent to very good physical condition.

What's Included

• Top-of-the-line tent, backcountry sleeping pad and multi-day backpack, headlamps, utensils, and poles.
• High-quality, synthetic sleeping bag (Laundered after every use- $15 cleaning fee) – or bring your own!
• Breakfast, lunch, and 4-course dinner prepared by your guide while in the field.
• Professional local mountain guide certified as Wilderness First Responder, Food Handling & Leave No Trace Principles with years of professional and personal wilderness experience and a passion for leading others.
• Wilderness and National Park backcountry camping permits.
• Bear canisters for food storage.
• Water Filtration systems- all water is filtered by your guide!
• Emergency equipment including an extensive first-aid kit and satellite communication device (InReach Explorer).
• For Yosemite National Park Treks: Mandatory 5% national park fee that passes through directly to Yosemite.
• A discount of 10% off any TrekSierra trip after your first!

What to Bring / Wear

• Comfortable & moisture-wicking clothing - we recommend layering your clothing and opt for ones made with nylon or polyester (nylon shirt, yoga pants or active shorts, etc.)
• Extra/Weather-dependent clothing (insulated pullover, fleece sweater, waterproof jacket, etc.)
• Sturdy Hiking Shoes - Broken in/Used before with traction!
• Hiking Socks - Warm and comfortable to prevent blisters!
• Brimmed Hat, Sunglasses
• Bandana & Gloves (optional)
• Sunblock & Insect Repellent
• Camera & Binoculars
• Trekking Poles
• Snacks & Insulated Flask
• Backpack (hygiene kit, medicine kit, cash, phone, and other personal essentials)

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