Pets allowed
Allowed with Restrictions
Elevation Gain
3,730.00 ft (1,136.90 m)
Trail type
There-and-back
Distance
15.50 mi (24.94 km)
Please respect the outdoors by practicing Leave No Trace. Learn more about how to apply the principles of Leave No Trace on your next outdoor adventure here.

The White Mountain Peak Trail is a 15.5-mile out-and-back to the third highest peak in the White Mountain mountain range. Located northeast of Bishop, California, this challenging trek takes you into a high desert mountain range which is home to some of the world's oldest living trees. Although the trail is exposed and water is scarce, the relatively accessible summit offers incredible panoramic views. The majority of the trail is a wide dirt road that is open to hikers, backpackers, trail runners, and mountain bikers. 

There are no special skills or gear required to reach the top of the third highest mountain in California, but that doesn't mean it is an easy trek. The trail begins at over 11,000 feet above sea level, then climbs 3,400 feet in 7.5 miles to reach the summit.

To reach the trailhead, one must travel a long, winding dirt road. Located along the dirt road up to the trailhead, the Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest is a worthy side trip for anyone interested in visiting the oldest living trees in the world. 

White Mountain, California's third highest peak, rises to 14,252 feet above sea level and is one of only two 14ers outside the Sierra Nevada mountains. From the top, views of the Sierra Nevada in the west and Nevada desert in the east are incredible.

WATER

The trail to the peak is fully exposed and has no water. Visitors must plan accordingly and plan to carry enough water for the journey. 

TRAILHEAD

The trail begins at the Barcroft Gate located along White Mountain Road. 

PERMITS

There are no permits required to hike up to White Mountain. 

MORE INFORMATION

White Mountain Ranger Station Visitor Center:  https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/inyo/recreation/recarea/?recid=40292 

Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest Visitor Center: https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/inyo/recarea/?recid=20272&actid=50

White Mountain Weather: https://www.mountain-forecast.com/peaks/White-Mountain-Peak/forecasts/4342

Logistics + Planning

Preferable season(s)

Spring
Fall

Congestion

Low

Parking Pass

None

Open Year-round

Yes

Pros

Panoramic Views. Ancient Bristlecone Pine Trees. Summit one of California's 14'ers.

Cons

No Water. Fully Exposed. Dirt Road.

Trailhead Elevation

11,700.00 ft (3,566.16 m)

Highest point

14,252.00 ft (4,344.01 m)

Features

Backcountry camping
Big vistas

Typically multi-day

No

Permit required

No

Location

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