Is there a road up Mt. Whitney?
Usa, north-america
19.31 km
2,557 m
hard
Year-round
Whitney Portal Road is a short but spectacular drive that takes you about halfway up Mount Whitney, the highest summit in the contiguous United States, in Inyo County, in the US state of California.
Is there a road up Mt. Whitney?
Tucked away in the eastern central part of California, the road is 19.31km (12 miles) long, starting at Lone Pine. It’s totally paved. The road connects Lone Pine to Whitney Portal (the Whitney Portal Store is at the Portal, and the store is open in the summer).
Is the road to Whitney Portal open?
Set high in the Sierra Nevada mountain range,
Whitney Portal Road usually opens sometime in early May, with the first major winter storm shutting it down sometime in November, meaning it is not maintained or cleared of snow.
However, it is not physically barred, and climbers routinely drive as far as conditions will allow. The road is not gated or otherwise physically blocked; call the Inyo National Forest for information. Weather and road conditions can change in an instant.
Can you see Mount Whitney from the road?
The road ends at 2,557m (8,389ft) above sea level at Whitney Portal, where there is a close view of Mount Whitney.
When was Whitney Portal Road in California built?
The road to the summit was built in 1936 by the Civilian Conservation Corps.
How long does it take to drive Whitney Portal Road in California?
To drive the road without stopping will take most people between 25 and 35 minutes. The drive features sweeping views. It twists and turns through an otherworldly landscape known as the Alabama Hills, a set of bizarrely constructed rock piles, before setting on a fairly straight shot for the foothills of Mount Whitney.
Alabama Hills are the scene of literally hundreds of cowboy films, but the road has a film history, too. The steep, sharp switchbacks along the Whitney Portal Road were prominent in scenes in the Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz film "The Long, Long Trailer," in which Lucy surreptitiously fills a travel trailer with her rock collection until it’s too heavy to ascend the grade. The road is also featured in the 1941 classic, "High Sierra," starring Humphrey Bogart.
The vistas change dramatically as you draw closer to the mountains, seeming more and more massive until suddenly they overwhelm you, and you're a part of them, looking back down on the road, the hills, and the Owens Valley. In other words, there's plenty of time to think about what you're getting yourself into.
Is Whitney Portal Road in California challenging?
This route is paved but narrow, steep, and winding with dramatic switchbacks. There is a risk of rock slides on the way up. It’s very steep, with some 14% gradients. It is a great and difficult climb out of the high desert up towards Mount Whitney, the highest mountain in the lower 48.
The road has some narrow parts and blind corners. Like most eastern Sierra ascents, this one starts out tame and ends up tough. The grade generally increases as you climb so that a five-mile stretch in the 2nd half averages 9%. The hill lets up just before the finish at Whitney Portal and a parking/hiking area (trailhead to Mt. Whitney). Whitney Portal is also very similar to the famed French climb of
The narrow road to Schofield Pass in Colorado is for experienced drivers only
The creepy story of Sensabaugh Tunnel in Tennessee
Embark on a journey like never before! Navigate through our
to discover the most spectacular roads of the world
Drive Us to Your Road!
With over 13,000 roads cataloged, we're always on the lookout for unique routes. Know of a road that deserves to be featured? Click
to share your suggestion, and we may add it to dangerousroads.org.
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 19.31 km
- Max Elevation
- 2,557 m
- Difficulty
- hard
Related Roads in north-america
hardDe Moisy Peak
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventure seekers, let's talk about De Moisy Peak in Utah's Weber County! This bad boy sits way up high at 9,235 feet, perched on the southern end of Mt. Ogden's ridge. Now, getting to the top isn't exactly a Sunday drive. We're talking a rocky, gravelly path, basically a service road for the ski lift. Think steep – some sections clock in at a hefty 30% grade! You'll need to be ready for a climb. The window to tackle this one is tight – late August is your best bet. The slope is super steep with loose rocks, getting even more gnarly as you gain elevation. Be prepared for some serious wind; it's almost always howling up there. Even in summer, snow's a possibility, and winter temps? Brutal! Keep your eyes peeled for rattlesnakes, too – they love to hang out near the rocks. But if you're up for the challenge, the views from the top are totally worth it!
extremeFawn Creek Pass
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventurers, listen up! If you're looking for a serious off-road thrill in Colorado's Grand County, Fawn Creek Pass needs to be on your radar. We're talking about topping out at a cool 10,186 feet! You'll find this gem nestled in the Arapaho National Forest, accessible via Forest Road 149, also known as Rollins Pass Road. Now, this isn't your Sunday drive kind of road – it's a gravel 4x4 track, so come prepared. Expect a bit of rockiness, some mud, and absolutely NO messing around when the weather turns nasty. This area is prone to avalanches, heavy snowfall, and landslides. Patches of ice can also make things extra dicey, so be smart about when you go. But if you time it right, you'll be rewarded with some truly unforgettable scenery.
hardWhere is Napoleon Pass?
🇺🇸 Usa
Napoleon Pass? Oh, you *need* to add this to your Colorado bucket list! This beast of a pass climbs to a whopping 12,034 feet in the heart of Gunnison County, smack-dab in the Gunnison National Forest. Forget pavement – we're talking serious off-road adventure on FR 953, also known as Napoleon Pass Road. You *absolutely* need a 4x4; this isn't a Sunday drive! You'll be splashing through multiple creek crossings as you follow Middle Willow Creek. Prepare for mud, gorgeous scenery, and an unforgettable ride along the west face of the Continental Divide! The whole shebang stretches for about 12.4 miles, winding its way between the quirky little towns of Tincup and Pitkin. Originally, it was a vital route for hauling ore back in the day. Fair warning: this one's a summer-only kinda deal. The Sawatch Range throws down some serious weather, so accessibility is limited and closures can happen out of the blue. But trust me, if you get the chance, the views are worth it!
moderateWhere is Tehachapi Pass?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, so you're heading through Southern California and want a cool drive? Check out Tehachapi Pass! This beauty winds through the Tehachapi Mountains, connecting Mojave on the east with Bakersfield to the west. The road, also known as Blue Star Memorial Highway, is totally paved, though the asphalt is a little rough in places. Just a heads-up: this isn't a deserted back road. Expect plenty of other cars and trucks, especially during peak hours. The whole shebang stretches for about 58 miles, climbing to a summit of around 4,071 feet. You'll find the town of Tehachapi right at the top, and some pretty steep grades along the way. Keep your eyes peeled near the top for one of California's biggest wind farms – it’s quite a sight! Normally, you can cruise this pass year-round, but remember, this is a mountain road. Winter can throw curveballs, so check conditions before you go. Chains might be required between Bakersfield and Mojave when the snow flies.