Mount Whitney, standing at 14,505ft (4,421m), is the highest peak in the contiguous United States. Located in Californias’s Sierra Nevada, it marks the endpoint of the famous John Muir Trail and sits near the boundary of Sequoia National Park.
Hikers from around the world attempt to summit Whitney, drawn by its challenging terrain. The Mount Whitney Trail gains over 6,100ft (1,860m) in elevation, making it a grueling climb. Due to the high altitude, many experience altitude sickness, and unpredictable weather can turn the journey treacherous. Surrounding the mountain are a number of alpine lakes, like Guitar Lake, known for its distinct shape, and Consultation Lake, a perfect camping and fishing getaway.
Whitney’s
granite cliffs, jagged ridges, and sheer rock faces result from millions of
years of tectonic uplift, glacial carving, and erosion. The landscape is a striking mix of steep
talus slopes, fractured stone, and towering summits, shaped by the relentless
forces of nature.
With its alpine climate, very few plants grow near the summit except for the colourful sky pilot, a perennial plant with blue or pink flowers and the cushion plant that grows low to the ground.
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