Hey Hiker Babes!
Five years ago today, I stood on top of Mount Whitney… the highest peak in the contiguous United States. Clocking in at 14,505 feet, it was one of the most unforgettable moments of my hiking life!
Whether you’re dreaming of bagging Whitney yourself or just love a good trail story, I’m sharing the real, raw, hilarious, and hard-earned experience of how it all went down, including the training, the gear, the altitude struggle, and yes… a life-saving chipmunk 🐿️.
🗳️ Winning the Mt. Whitney Lottery
It all started with an email.
Back in February 2020, my hiking partner Rob and I entered the Mt. Whitney permit lottery… and guess what? We won! 🎉
Cue the celebrations… and then the realization: “We actually have to do this.” Time to start training… big time!
Pro Tip: If you’re planning your own Whitney summit, you’ll need a permit. The trail is so popular that entry is granted via a lottery system every February.
🏋️♀️ Training: Pandemic Edition
In 2020, I was living in Los Angeles, and luckily surrounded by many peaks over 10,000 feet. Every weekend, Rob and I hit the trails, tackling high-altitude hikes like Mount Baldy, San Jacinto, and San Gorgonio.
We trained during the early months of the pandemic, so not only were we getting into peak shape (literally), we were also finding solace outdoors during uncertain times. I can honestly say I was in the best shape of my life.
Recommended Gear: If you’re training for Whitney, high-quality trekking poles, supportive trail runners or hiking boots, and a hydration reservoir are non-negotiables.
What to pack for Mt Whitney: My Recommended Gear List
Packing smart can make or break this hike. Whitney isn’t just long… it’s high, exposed, and unpredictable.
Here’s what I brought:
- Clothing layers (base, mid, and outer — temps swing wildly)
- Rain gear (afternoon thunderstorms are no joke)
- Backpack
- Hiking boots
- Hiking socks
- Salty snacks + protein + healthy fats + carbs (fuel = survival)
- Electrolytes are trail essentials!
- Headlamp (you will start in the dark)
- Trekking poles
- Gloves + beanie (even in summer)
🕒 Itinerary: The 1-Day Whitney Trek
Instead of backpacking and camping along the trail (common for many hikers), we chose to day hike the entire route… about 22 miles round-trip with over 6,000 feet of elevation gain.
We booked a hotel in Lone Pine for two nights, hit the hay early, and woke up at 2am. By 3am, we were stepping onto the trail at Whitney Portal, headlamps blazing.
🌲 The Trail: Forests, Lakes, and 99 Switchbacks
The trail starts at 8,360 ft and climbs steadily through pine forests and crystal alpine lakes. We paused at a serene lake for breakfast and even witnessed a deer… peeing.
Around 10,000 feet, the trees vanish and it’s all rock. There’s a backpackers’ campground at Trail Camp, and soon after, you hit the legendary 99 switchbacks… which I swear nearly broke me.
By the time we reached the ridge (~13,600 ft), the view stole my breath, and so did the altitude.
🧠 Mind Over Mountain: Altitude and the Mental Game
At around 13,000 feet, the lack of oxygen kicked in. I felt wrecked. Every step felt like a mile, and I was so winded I could barely speak.
I wanted to quit. But I knew if I sat down, I wouldn’t get back up. So I repeated two mantras:
- “Just keep swimming…” – Dory, Finding Nemo
- “Put one foot in front of the other…” – from Santa Claus Is Coming to Town
My friend Rob, a total badass and Type 1 diabetic, powered ahead with unstoppable energy. Seriously, he’s a superhuman… his positive attitude, strength and endurance inspires me so much.
🏔️ The Summit: We Made It!
When I saw the tiny stone cabin that marks the summit, I knew I had made it. I could barely move, let alone celebrate. I collapsed onto a rock and just… breathed.
Then, out of nowhere, a little chipmunk scurried up and started pawing at my pack for food. That tiny trail angel snapped me out of my daze and reminded me to eat and drink. The chipmunk literally saved my summit experience.
Pro tip: Keep up with your calories and hydration. You need them, even if you don’t feel hungry!
After resting, I finally found the strength to explore the summit with Rob and snap a few iconic photos with the Mt. Whitney sign. But dark clouds were rolling in, and we knew it was time to go.
⛰️ The Descent: Flying Down the Trail
Going down felt like flying compared to the climb. We zipped down the switchbacks, stopped at Trail Camp for a snack, and cruised through the alpine lakes and forests. We reached Whitney Portal by 9pm… 18 hours after we started.
💬 Final Thoughts: You Can Do Hard Things
Summiting Mount Whitney changed me. Not just because of the view or the elevation gain, but because it reminded me that I’m capable of more than I think. That I can push through discomfort. That rest, hydration, food, and positive mindset matter.
If you’re dreaming of hiking Mount Whitney one day… you can do it too! With smart prep, proper gear, and the right mindset, you can summit the highest peak in the contiguous United States.
Any questions? I love chatting all things hiking! DM me on Instagram @The.Hiker.Babe
Stay wild, hike safe
Affiliate Disclosure
Some of the links on this blog are affiliate links. This means that if you click on a link and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. I only recommend products and gear that I personally use, trust, or believe will add value to fellow hikers and outdoor enthusiasts. Thank you for supporting the blog… it helps me keep creating helpful content for the trail!
