Mount Whitney Trail to Lone Pine Lake Hike - Conquered!!

We didn’t make it the first time we attempted to find the lake and we wanted a redo. We can say we achieved redemption on our second go! 

The roads are closed in the winter so we could only go up where we could park at the nearest closed gate as we could.  It is a good 1.5 miles away from the actual trail head.  We kept saying we heard the hike was only 5.2 miles round trip but they didn't account for the extra 3 we'd have to do going and coming back to the car.   I think they pain on the road at the start and end for about 1.5 miles each way was worse than the hike.  My back was screaming in pain from that.  

We took this Boomerang while we took a break halfway up. We weren’t all sure if we would make it this time before the sun set and it was well worth all the pain in hips and back to get there. We were all super stoked. 

Mind you, there was some whining and tears and fear we wouldn’t make it. After 8 hours and about 8 or 9 miles round trip, I’d say the boys did amazing.  I am super grateful for all the support as I trudged up in pain and walked very slowly and stopped to stretch my hip pretty much every 10 minutes.  It was cold and beautiful the whole way.  As we got about 1/3 to the top, it was cold with deep snow and we were falling into the snow was we walked.   By the time we got to the lake we were so happy that we made it.  As soon as the boys saw the lake in the distance they started running towards it.  It was frozen and beautiful.  Peaceful with no one around.  At 10000 feet elevation, it was difficult but worth every ounce of energy spent.

Everyone was excited and proud of themselves and we decided we would make a goal to hike to the summit of Mount Whitney next time.  We'd bring out camping gear and stay the night and make it a few day backpacking trip.  Goals!!!