This trip includes information about a one day hike to
the summit of Mt. Whitney, the highest mountain in the lower 48 states,
as well as destination information about surrounding towns and
attractions.
Mt. Whitney's peak elevation sits at 14,496.811 feet. This article includes information about a few towns in the
northern Owens Valley and other travel information about this area. Several of the towns
to be covered are Big Pine, Independence and Lone Pine. A future travel article will
discuss the area bounded by Mono Lake in the north to Bishop in the south. Highlights will
include Mammoth Lakes, Mono Lake, Devils Postpile, and Bishop along with information about
several other attractions and towns.
The Owens Valley can be quite hot during the summer months with temperatures easily
exceeding 100 degrees. The winter months can be a bit chilly with snow falling several
thousand feet above the valley, and even falling into the valley in places. The vegetation
in this area is desert like, with lots of sage brush and flat alkaline areas. Owens Valley
is surrounded on the west and the east by tall mountains, especially down by Lone Pine.
The Sierra's to the west of the valley are particularly impressive because they rise so
dramatically from the valley.
Mt. Whitney, Whitney Portal,
Lone Pine
