What is the highest mountain in the contiguous United States?

Mount Whitney is the highest mountain in the contiguous United States. Its summit reaches approximately 14,505 feet (4,421 meters) above sea level in California's Sierra Nevada.

The mountain sits near the eastern edge of Sequoia National Park, close to the town of Lone Pine. Its western slope is in Sequoia National Park, while much of its eastern approach lies in the Inyo National Forest. Mount Whitney is also notable for standing roughly 84 miles from Badwater Basin in Death Valley, the lowest point in North America.

The peak was named in 1864 for Josiah Whitney, California's state geologist. The first recorded ascent was made on August 18, 1873, by Charles Begole, Albert Johnson, and John Lucas. The popular Mount Whitney Trail is a demanding hike rather than a technical climb, but permits are required and altitude remains a serious challenge.

The wording “contiguous United States” matters. Alaska's Denali is much higher and is the highest mountain in the entire United States, while Mount Whitney is the highest only in the lower 48 states.