Whitney Portal, California facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Whitney Portal
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Whitney Portal Road approaches Whitney Portal
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 Whitney Portal
Location in California
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| Country | United States |
| State | California |
| County | Inyo County |
| Elevation | 8,374 ft (2,552 m) |
Whitney Portal is a special place in Inyo County, California. It's located about 13.7 miles (22 km) west of Lone Pine. This spot sits high up at 8,374 feet (2,552 meters) above sea level. Whitney Portal is famous because it's the main starting point for adventures to Mount Whitney. Mount Whitney is the tallest mountain in the mainland United States. Many people begin their climb to the top from here. They use trails like the Mount Whitney Trail. It's also where climbers start more challenging routes. These include the East Face and the Mountaineer's Route. John Muir first climbed the Mountaineer's Route way back in 1873.
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Exploring Whitney Portal
Whitney Portal is a popular spot for visitors. It offers many things for people heading into the mountains. You can find places to camp here. There are also large parking lots for cars. Special bear-proof containers keep food safe from animals. A small store sells supplies you might need. There is also a restaurant where you can grab a meal.
What You'll Find There
The restaurant at Whitney Portal is quite famous. It's known for serving very large pancakes. These pancakes are about one inch thick. They are big enough to be like a hubcap on a tractor! The restaurant also offers different kinds of burgers, fries, and drinks. It's a great place to refuel after a long hike.
A Look Back in Time
Before the road was built, Whitney Portal was known by other names. It was once called Hunter Flat. This name honored William L. Hunter. He was an early pioneer in the Owens Valley area. A road finally reached Whitney Portal in 1936. This made it much easier for people to visit this beautiful mountain gateway.
Whitney Portal in Movies
The road leading to Whitney Portal has appeared in movies. It was used in scenes for at least two American films:
- High Sierra (1941) starring Humphrey Bogart and Ida Lupino
- The Long, Long Trailer (1954) with Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz
