We offer an opportunity to climb three “14ers” in one itinerary for the ambitious alpinist. All three peaks are in striking distance from our camp at Upper Boyscout Lake.
Overview
Mt. Whitney’s Mountaineer’s Route (14,508’/4422m): The Mountaineer’s Route on Mt. Whitney offers an opportunity for a climb up slopes that range from 25 to 40 degrees. The terrain is over trails and rock with some interspersed 3rd class climbing requiring the use of hands and feet on good quality granite but the terrain is not considered technical in nature. The first ascent of this route is credited to John Muir in 1873.
Mt. Russell’s East Ridge (14,086’/4293m): This beautiful ridge line offers fun 3rd class scrambling in an exhilarating setting. From the plateau below Mt. Carillon we traverse towards the East Ridge with views of Mt. Whitney to our left. While the terrain seemingly narrows a route continues to open up for us on firm white granite with good holds throughout. Lake Tulainyo (the highest lake in the Western Hemisphere) is below and views looking at the north and western range of the Sierra offer striking scenery en route to this classic summit.
Mt. Muir (14,012’/4271m): We access Mt. Muir via the Main Whitney Trail. After reaching the summit of Mt. Whitney we hike down the trail approximately 1.5 miles. A talus slope leads towards the summit. As the summit approaches the terrain gives way to a couple 3rd class blocks that finish at top. We then retrace our steps back to the Whitney summit and descend the Mountaineer’s Route back to our camp.
Elevation:
Mt. Whitney’s Mountaineer’s Route: 14,508 feet, 4422m
Mt. Russell’s East Ridge: 14,086 feet, 4293m
Mt. Muir: 14,012 feet, 4271m
Difficulty: Beginner
Length of Trip: 4 Days
Difficulty Rating: Class 4
Cost
$2080 guided 1:1
$1280 per person guided 2:1
Dates
Any date between May and October. Book using the button below or contact our office.
Itinerary
Day 1: The group meets at the Whitney Portal trailhead. After dividing up group loads we ascend the North Fork of Lone Pine Creek to our camp at Upper Boyscout Lake (11,300’/3444m). There is time in the afternoon to relax and hydrate while enjoying the views of the Owens Valley, the Alabama Hills, Death Valley, and the Inyo Mountains. You may also take a swim in the lake if you want!
Day 2: Climb the East Ridge of Mt. Russell and descend back to camp.
Day 3: Climb Mt Whitney then descend the Main Trail to Mt. Muir. We then retrace our steps back to the summit of Mt. Whitney and descend the Mountaineer’s Route back to camp.
Day 4: Pack up our camp and descend to Whitney Portal.
