It starts at Whitney Portal, 13 miles (21 km) west of the town of Lone Pine, California.

It is a very popular trail during Summer and Fall when ice and snow are not present, and therefore its access is restricted by quotas from May to October.

[3] The original pack trail from Lone Pine to the summit of Mount Whitney was designed by local engineer Gustave Marsh.

[5] The 11-mile (18 km) long trail is non-technical when free of snow and ice, usually from July to late September, but is a strenuous hike that requires good physical fitness.

Due to the high volume of trail users, the Forest Service enforces special regulations here to preserve Whitney's wild character.

Human waste management was a major problem at Mount Whitney, and in 2006 the Inyo National Forest instituted a mandatory "pack it out" program.

From May 25 to October 31, backpackers are required to carry a bear-resistant canister;[2] these can be rented at the Interagency Visitor Center south of Lone Pine or the Whitney Portal Store for a nominal fee.

When traveling at night, hikers are advised to wield a bright headlight and a shrill whistle; making many strange, loud noises will alert the bears to human presence.