July 17-23Our Women’s Mt. Whitney climb is a thrilling seven-day, six-night journey into the High Sierra. We will summit Mt. Whitney, the highest peak in the continental United States, with an elevation of 14,505 feet. This mule-supported trip begins at Cottonwood Pass before traveling 32 miles to the summit of Mt. Whitney. From there, we retrace our steps to the Cottonwood Pass trailhead. We have six long days of high mileage at high elevation, but the mules carry most of our gear. Mule support also means we get to bring extra luxury items such as fresh, healthy meals, prepared by your guide. You will hike with only a daypack weighing hopefully no more than 15 pounds.

We begin our women’s Mt. Whitney Climb at the Cottonwood Pass Trailhead. We crosses over the Sierra Crest at Cottonwood Pass, eventually dropping west to the Kern River. Eventually we loop east to Guitar Lake below the western slopes of the peak. This route includes beautiful high alpine lakes and expansive views. The entire route is a wonderful backpacking trip, helping you to acclimatize as you approach Mt. Whitney. This trail also sees far fewer people than the regular Whitney Trail, allowing for a serene wilderness experience.

Inclusions

We provide delicious healthy meals, our guides are great backcountry chefs! No pre-packaged dehydrated meals, we promise! Price also includes guiding, mule support, permits, group gear, tents, and kitchen gear.

Prerequisites

You should be able to hike, with a day pack, up to thirteen miles a day with 3,000 feet or more in elevation gain. While we use mules to carry the loads, the distances to be covered each day are significant. Review our Fitness, Training, and Acclimatization Tips in the “Resources” tab. Here you will find great training tips to follow before your Women’s Mt. Whitney Climb!

Distances

Day Out Destination Mileage Elevation Gain
Day 1 Chicken Springs Lake 5.3 miles 1405
Day 2 Rock Creek Crossing 10.5 miles 620
Day 3 Guitar Lake 10.3 miles 2985
Day 4 Mount Whitney then back to Crabtree Meadows 14.4 miles 3405
Day 5 Rock Creek Lake 11.3 miles 2020
Day 6 back to pack station 11.4 miles 1435

Getting to the top of Whitney: 32.2 miles

Total 63.2 miles Total Elevation Gain 11,870


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