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Whitney Portal

Lone Pine, CA

Nature

The trailhead for Mount Whitney, at 8,300 feet at the end of a steep 13-mile road from Lone Pine. A waterfall and pond are next to the parking area; the road is closed by snow in winter.

Nearest town
Lone Pine, CA
Category
Nature & parks
GPS
36.5872, -118.2403

Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.

Good to know

Best time to go

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

The most pleasant months are usually May and September–October. Still fine, with some compromises, in April, June, August and November. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)

Featured in these trip guides

Nearby

Campsites nearby

  • Mount Whitney Trailhead CampgroundCampsite
    0 mi from Whitney Portal · 25 pitches
    TentsDrinking water
  • Ravine CampgroundCampsite
    0 mi from Whitney Portal
    TentsDrinking water
  • Lone Pine CampgroundCampsite
    3 mi from Whitney Portal
    TentsCaravansDrinking water
  • Portuguese Joe CampgroundCampsite
    9 mi from Whitney Portal · 22 pitches
    TentsCaravansDrinking waterToilets
  • Boulder Creek RV ResortMotorhome stopover
    11 mi from Whitney Portal
    TentsMotorhomesElectricityToiletsWi-Fi
  • Independence Creek CampgroundCampsite
    15 mi from Whitney Portal · 29 pitches
    TentsCaravansDrinking waterToilets

All campsites in California · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026

FAQs

Where is Whitney Portal?

Whitney Portal is in Lone Pine, CA, at GPS 36.5872, -118.2403. It is about 11 mi from Manzanar.

Can you camp near Whitney Portal?

Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Mount Whitney Trailhead Campground, about 0 mi away; within 25 mi there are 20 campsites and motorhome stopovers.

Which road trips pass Whitney Portal?

Whitney Portal is a stop on these CampingSpirit trip guides: US-395: Alabama Hills, Manzanar and the bristlecones.

What is there to see near Whitney Portal?

Places worth a stop nearby: Alabama Hills (7 mi), Manzanar National Historic Site (11 mi), Zumwalt Meadow (24 mi) and General Sherman Tree (28 mi).

When is the best time to visit Whitney Portal?

The most pleasant months are usually May and September–October. Still fine, with some compromises, in April, June, August and November. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)

Part of these destinations