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 Are you ready for a challenge?
Imagine starting your hike in the high desert scrub of the Owens Valley and climbing on a trail that leads you to a spectacular alpine lake surrounded by snow fields, Foxtail pines and towering granite walls.

These are the dramatic life zone changes you’ll experience on the hike from the Lone Pine campground. The trail begins in the otherworldly Alabama Hills along Lone Pine creek and climbs steeply to the high-country gem that is Lone Pine lake. The lake is perched in a granite bowl at the foot of the tallest mountain in the lower 48, 14,496-foot Mount Whitney.

Granted, this hike has incredible diversity but remember it is very strenuous, so be in excellent physical condition before you attempt this stunning trek. Along the way your toil will be rewarded with numerous scenic delights. The thunder and the power of the spring run-off on Lone Pine creek. Breathtaking views of the Alabama Hills, the Owens Valley, Lone Pine peak, Mount Whitney and the jagged Sierra crest. In addition you’ll pass by some lovely historic cabins, built in the 1920’s, as you near the halfway point of your hike in the Whitney Portal area. This hike perfectly introduces the newcomer to the region the dramatic terrain of the Owens Valley and the world-class mountains of the Eastern Sierra Nevada, but be ready for one hell of a workout!