Description
- The Mount Whitney Ranger District is a thin finger of land squeezed between the town of Lone Pine to the east and sprawling Sequoia National Park to the west. This district is home to the highest peak in the Sierra Nevadas and in the contiguous US. At 14,495 feet, Mt Whitney soars over the district. The Golden Trout Wilderness covers the southern portion of this district. The area is a great destination for backcountry travel and primitive camping as there are few roads and heavily used areas.
Recreation - This area abounds with backcountry travel and primitive camping opportunities. The Pacific Crest and Mount Whitney Trails can both be accessed from the Mt Whitney Ranger District. Climate - Deep snow often covers the middle elevations from December to May, but subzero temperatures are rare. Precipitation falls mostly between January and mid-May, but thunderstorms, rain and even snow can occur at any time of year. Temperatures vary with elevation. In the summer, daytime temperatures often exceed 100 degrees F in the foothills, but seldom exceed 90 degrees at higher elevations. Even in the summer, backpackers in the high country can encounter nighttime temperatures in the low 30's, and occasionally even in the 20's. In any season, it is wise to bring clothing that can be "layered". Always include some kind of rain gear. Location -
The Mt Whitney Ranger District lies at the southern tip of the Inyo National Forest and includes a portion of the Golden Trout Wilderness Area. Sequoia National Park lies to the west and the town of Lone Pine to the east. The district lies to the west of US Hwy. 394
|
Add your own trip Report!