Pets allowed
Allowed with Restrictions
Elevation Gain
1,900.00 ft (579.12 m)
Trail type
There-and-back
Distance
6.50 mi (10.46 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.

Lone Pine Lake is a beautiful alpine lake located within the Eastern Sierras. Surrounded by breathing taking views Lone Pine Lake is the farthest point on the Mount Whitney Trail that can be reached without a permit. Begin your hike at Whitney Portal where you can find seasonal parking, pit-toilets and bear boxes. Complimentary wag bags are also provided at the trailhead.

Weigh your pack if you wish and begin hiking via the Mount Whitney Trail. The trail begins relatively shaded. After two small stream crossings the trail becomes sun exposed as you ascend steeply via two sets of multiple switchbacks. Enjoy incredible contrasting views of the snow covered Sierras and the orange dusty desert below. Although there is not a marked trail to the lake, there is a obvious sign that notes the beginning of an unmarked spur trail. In moderate conditions without deep snow a path is present just after crossing the log bridges. 

Logistics + Planning

Preferable season(s)

Spring
Summer
Fall

Congestion

Moderate

Parking Pass

None

Open Year-round

Yes

Pros

Beautiful. Marked Trail. Family-friendly. Easy access to water.

Cons

Exposed to sun.

Trailhead Elevation

8,350.00 ft (2,545.08 m)

Highest point

10,050.00 ft (3,063.24 m)

Features

Near lake or river
Family friendly
Bird watching
Geologically significant
Big vistas

Typically multi-day

No

Suitable for

Horseback

Permit required

No

Location

Nearby Adventures

Nearby Lodging + Camping

Eastern Sierra + White Mountains Area, California
Eastern Sierra + White Mountains Area, California

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