Highest Point in California (Mt Whitney)
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Rumpled
N 36° 34.712 W 118° 17.537
11S E 384383 N 4048896
Mt Whitney at 14,505 feet is the highest point in California, as well as the lower 48 states and both Tulare and Inyo counties.
Waymark Code: WM4V7M
Location: California, United States
Date Posted: 09/30/2008
Views: 44
Mt Whitney, named for California state geologist Josiah Whitney is reached by a number of different hiking or climbing routes. The most common is the Main Mt Whitney Trail (MMWT) This trail is 11 miles one way and is done as a very difficult and long dayhike, or as a multiple day backpack trip. With an elevation gain of over 6000 feet on the trail; it is quite a hike. Other trails and climbs reach the summit as well.
Permits are required to enter the Whitney wilderness zone and can be obtained from the Inyo National Forest. The permit process can be quite difficult to negotiate; there is a lottery for the entire season held in February, though you can often just walk up to the permit office and get one as well. The permits are free, but reserving one costs money.
Weather can be a challenge at any time of the year. Most winters, Mt Whitney will be covered with many feet of snow; and it may snow any day of the year. Be prepared for any conditions and high altitude hiking if you attempt this hike.
First climbed in 1873; it is now climbed by thousands of people per year.
Though there are various elevations that have been reported for Mt Whitney; from 14494 to 14505 - 14505 is the most recent by USGS using the current geoid.
Some links to more info about Mt Whitney
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At the summit, and along the hike; you may also find other waymarks, numerous benchmarks and a couple of geocaches.