California's White Mountain Peak Climb: Challenging but Worth It
Ascending the Great White Mountain Peak
Venture into California's high-altitude wilderness and tackle the third tallest peak in the state, just a few hundred feet shy of Mt Whitney, and the highest summit outside the Sierra Nevada range. The hike is no walk in the park, but it's definitely doable, leading you through the rugged and beautiful White Mountains Wilderness located within Inyo National Forest: a mountain desert hidden in the rain shadow of the Sierra Nevada. Upon summiting, marvel at breathtaking panoramic views stretching as far as the Eastern Sierras and Nevada.
Some hikers consider this as the "easiest 14,000 foot peak" - don't be fooled! Climbing White Mountain Peak comes with the same challenges you'd encounter in the high Sierras, such as extreme weather and altitude sickness. The peak serves as an excellent alpine prep for aspiring Mt Whitney hikers.
Navigating Your Way to White Mountain Peak Trailhead
Beware of mixed-up geographical locations, as the White Mountains Wilderness doesn't lie in New England like White Mountain National Forest does. Instead, it lies within Inyo National Forest, which also encompasses Mt Whitney. Getting this wrong will add thousands of miles to your journey.
The trailhead address is: White Mountain Rd, Bishop, CA, 93514, USA.
The Captivating Drive to White Mountain Peak
The journey to the trailhead is half the adventure, with the final 16 miles on the Bristlecone Pine Forest Scenic Byway, considered a road to remember. While it's passable in a car, a vehicle with high clearance will undoubtedly take your breath away. Be wary of sharp stones and possible flats, as roadside assistance can be far away. It's wise to stop at a gas station and grab a couple of cans of fix-a-flat just in case.
The scenery along the route is jaw-dropping; dedicate approximately 60-90 minutes (one-way) for the dirt road adventure. The best route to this scenic area is via Rt 168 to White Mountain Road.
Prepare for a wilderness expedition, as facilities are scarce within hundreds of miles of the trailhead. Fill your tank and gather essential supplies on Rt 395, as there are no services close by. The visitors center sometimes offers water for purchase, but it does not have running water.
No permit is required for hiking White Mountain Peak or parking at the trailhead (according to a call to the ranger office; National Parks Pass can be left on the dash for precaution). In the winter, the road is not plowed and may be gated. If in doubt, contact the ranger station for the latest information.
Don't forget to check out this map for an overview of the area, including the ancient bristlecone pine groves and campsites, courtesy of website friend Ben W.
White Mountain Area Map
The Friendly Dodgers at the Trailhead
Word on the streets is that marmots can feast on car cables and hoses at the trailhead; here's the lowdown. According to the rangers, marmot demolitions have been uncommon recently (let me know if you hear otherwise). The problem usually happens in the spring, up until mid-July.
The National Park Service (NPS) recommends wrapping a tarp around the bottom of your vehicle to deter these furry toes. I've never wrapped my car in a tarp and haven't faced any issues. Additionally, marmot damage is more common in the Mineral King area, Kings Canyon and Sequoia National Parks, and not in the White Mountain region. If you're unsure, contact the ranger station and get their professional advice.
Osprey Hikelite 26 - My go-to daypack. Light, tough, and keeps my back dry with the trampoline mesh.
Camping at the Trailhead
Camping at the trailhead is available on a first-come, first-served basis and is free of charge. The site is exposed, with gusts of wind being a common bedtime companion; however, there are rocks and a gully to take shelter from the wind. The primitive campsite comes equipped with bathroom facilities and fire pits. Grab a campfire permit in Bishop or Lone Pine and enjoy a starry night beneath the mountain peaks.
If you're after a less basic camping experience, consider Grandview campground, located on the road to White Mountain Peak.
The Centuries-Old Giants
As you journey on the Bristlecone Pine Forest Scenic Byway, the road to the trailhead, you'll pass some ancient bristlecone pine groves, the oldest living trees on the planet. The trees, aged between 4,000 to 5,000 years old and shaped by the forces of wind and arid desert conditions, create a unique and awe-inspiring landscape.
Here's a suggested itinerary for visiting the tree groves:
Norda 001 - Like a monster truck and a comfy pillow had a featherweight baby, for your feet.
- Begin your hike at sunrise and conquer White Mountain Peak.
- If you have energy left, trek back and complete the 4.4-mile hike at Schulman's Grove.
- With limited energy, simply stop by one of the smaller groves along the route and enjoy a relaxing nature walk.
I usually start with White Mountain Peak in the early hours, have a quick power nap, and then venture to Schulman's Grove for a second trek. It's a long day, but I can't get enough of this captivating region.
Gearing Up for the Hike
The hike isn't technical, but you should prepare for a backcountry expedition, as you'll be miles from convenience stores and modern facilities.
The climate on White Mountain Peak is that of a mountain desert. Prepare for high winds that can reach over 160 mph, no natural shelter, and the possibility of lightning during storms. Bring more water than you think you'll need, as the lowest recorded air humidity ever recorded on Earth occurred in the White Mountains, with minimal moisture in the air.
Check the weather station at the summit for real-time conditions and snow reports.
Garmin inReach Mini 2 - When I need 100% reliable SOS coverage, this is what I take in the backountry.
Gear Highlights
- Osprey Hikelite 26 - My versatile daypack, perfect for storing gear and keeping my back dry.
- Norda 001 - A featherweight yet comfy boot, ideal for hiking on various terrains.
- Garmin inReach Mini 2 - My reliable SOS device, offering 100% safety coverage in the backcountry.
- AllTrails Plus - (30% off link) - Up-to-date trip reports and offline maps for navigating the trail with ease.
- Garmin Fenix 8 - My go-to device for tracking, mapping, and routing in the wild.
View the gear list and learn more about each item on my "Top Gear Picks" page.
White Mountain Peak Trail Maps
This guide follows the South Face route, a dusty/rocky road rather than a pristine single-track. Despite the appearance, the hike is still stunning, offering a Mars-like atmosphere, even with a few miles to the Eastern Sierras.
Two other trail options include:
AllTrails Plus - (30% off link) Up-to-date trip reports. Plus adds offline maps, off-trail alerts, and Garmin sync.
- The 20-mile, 8,000-foot Class 2 West Ridge route, best tackled by experienced mountaineers.
- The Cornice trail, an alternative route that offers a lower summit elevation gain and a more scenic ascent.
This trail also takes you past the highest research facility in North America: Barcroft Station, managed by the University of California.
*View Hike on CalTopo*Download the GPX File**## White Mountain Peak Hike Directions
Remember that you're hiking at high altitude, and altitude sickness can be deadly. If you're unfamiliar with handling altitude sickness, read about it on my Mt Whitney hike post.
Conquer the peak by turning back the way you came after the hike. Got it?
With your newfound information and a spirit for the great outdoors, get ready to embark on an unforgettable journey to conquer White Mountain Peak! Happy adventures!
Garmin Fenix 8 - Took a few updates to get right, but now it's rock solid for me. I use it for maps, tracking, and routing.
1.Ascending the Great White Mountain Peak, venture into California's high-altitude wilderness, tackling the third tallest peak in the state, just a few hundred feet shy of Mt Whitney.2. Navigating your way to White Mountain Peak Trailhead, ensure you're headed to Bishop, CA, 93514, USA; White Mountain Rd, inside Inyo National Forest.3. The captivating drive to White Mountain Peak, encompasses the Bristlecone Pine Forest Scenic Byway, offering breathtaking views, but requiring a vehicle with high clearance.4. Prepare for a wilderness expedition, as facilities are scarce within hundreds of miles of the trailhead; fill your tank and gather essential supplies on Rt 395.5. No permit is required for hiking White Mountain Peak or parking at the trailhead, though a National Parks Pass can be left on the dash for precaution.6. Camping at the trailhead is available on a first-come, first-served basis, and is free of charge, featuring a primitive campsite with bathroom facilities and fire pits.7. The hike isn't technical, but you should prepare for a backcountry expedition, as you'll be miles from convenience stores and modern facilities, with high winds and minimal moisture in the air.
