Climbing
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It shouldn’t surprise anyone to learn that Mount Whitney is a wonderful place to rock climb. You can climb up the steep East Face of the mountain or head up the Needles. These climbs are not beginners’ journeys, but the East Face isn’t the hardest climb ever either.
First climbed by John Muir himself in 1931, most of the East Face rates at a Class 3, with the worst bits rated 5.4.
The Needles are famed among big-wall climbers who attack the Sierras each year.
If you want to make the climb (or even day-hike), apply for a permit in advance and check reservations (Wilderness Permit Office, 760/873-2483, daily 8 a.m.–4:30 p.m.). Also check the National Forest Service website for information about how to prepare for a Mount Whitney hike.
© Liz Hamill Scott from Moon California, 2nd Edition
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Moon Travel Guides make independent travel and outdoor exploration fun and accessible. With expert and adventurous travel writers delivering a mix of honest insight, first-rate strategic travel advice, insider travel tips and an essential dose of humor, Moon Travel Guides ensure that travelers have an uncommon and entirely satisfying experience. Each travel book is filled with unique trip ideas, easy-to-use maps, and detailed information on sights, restaurants, and accommodations. Moon Travel Guides not only point you in the right direction, they inspire new ideas and adventure. Whether you are seeking a relaxing beach trip to Hawaii, or an adventure travel trip to the rainforests of Costa Rica, Moon guidebooks—and Moon.com—are with you every step of the way. Founded in 1973, the Moon Travel Guides series includes Moon Handbooks, Moon Outdoors, Moon Metro, Moon Living Abroad and Moon Spotlight travel books. Moon is based in Berkeley, California and is a proud member of the Perseus Books Group.