Mount Whitney, best known as the highest peak in the contiguous U.S., graces the Sierra Nevada mountain range in California with its towering presence at Sequoia National Park and Inyo National Forest at an elevation of 14,505 ft. Serving as the gateway to this colossal summit is Whitney Portal, the mountain’s trailhead, which sees 10,000 people per year apply for permits to hike. Just west of Lone Pine, this trail is accessible to eager hikers through Whitney Portal Road.