Climb Mt. Whitney, the highest peak in the lower 48 states, via the mountaineer’s route with the professionals at International Alpine Guides. A challenging 3rd class mountaineering route to the summit of Mt. Whitney that sometimes requires crampons and ice axe, the mountaineer’s route is suitable for beginner mountaineers with no previous climbing experience. It affords a less crowded and a more challenging ascent of Mount Whitney as opposed to the regular trail route. First climbed by John Muir in the 1860s, the mountaineer’s route is a fantastic adventure for anyone seeking to climb Mt. Whitney. 

We take three days to summit Mt. Whitney which allows for proper acclimating and instruction in mountaineering techniques. On day one we establish a base camp partway up Mt. Whitney along a beautiful alpine lake. The next day, it’s an early “alpine start” so we can summit Mt. Whitney in the morning hours. The route is mostly steep off-trail hiking with some steeper sections of scrambling near the top. Ropes are used for your protection in this section. On the summit of Mt. Whitney, fantastic views of the Great Western Divide and the Owens Valley, 10,000 feet below, are enjoyed. Then it’s back down the mountaineer’s route back to camp for a great dinner and good night’s rest. On the last day, we have a relaxed morning and hike back out to the trailhead at Whitney Portal arriving in the early afternoon. 

A great way to climb to the top of the highest peak in the continental United States. Come climb the mountaineer’s route on Mt Whitney in style with our AMGA trained and/or certified mountain guides this season.