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This trip includes information about a one day hike to the summit of Mt. Whitney, the highest mountain in the lower 48 states.

MT. WHITNEY, CA

Dave
2004-02-21 15:17:05

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This trip includes information about a one day hike to the summit of Mt. Whitney, the highest mountain in the lower 48 states. Its peak elevation is 14,496.811 feet. This article also 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.

This part of California is located along US 395 in the south eastern part of California. Los Angeles is about 200 miles from Lone Pine and San Diego is about 330 miles. Driving time from Los Angeles is between 3 and 4 hours depending on how fast you like to drive. From the Bay Area to Lone Pine driving time is about 7 to 8 hours depending on the season. San Francisco is about 400 miles from Lone Pine during the summer months and about 440 miles during the winter. This is because Highway 120 is closed over Tioga Pass during the winter months and you have to take the great Interstate 80 to Reno before heading down US 395. Tioga Pass is a good road during the summer months when the weather is cooperating. It is a bit narrow in places but is a surprisingly ...