Mt. Whitney

Mount Whitney is the highest peak in the lower 48 states at ~14,500 ft. If you can get a permit, the hike itself is relatively easy for a such a big mountain, with the only real challenge for someone coming from sea level being altitude. I have hiked to the summit probably around ten times over the past fifteen years, mostly doing 12-hour round trips in a day. I recently climbed the East Buttress (right-hand skyline, above) with a couple friends, Tony and Adam.

A couple pitches up on the East Buttress.

Higher, looking down past Tony.

Unroped 3rd/4th class scrambling near the top.

With my partners Adam and Tony on the summit.

Summit plaque