For many a thru-hiker, this is the pivotal moment in a long long walk - at 13,645 feet (4,159 m) it is the highest pass in the United States, and the formal end of the 211 mile John Muir Trail. Still, it is 11 more miles to a roadhead at Whitney Portal. The summit of Mt. Whitney is only two miles away from this spot. This view to the west looks down onto Hitchcock Lakes and Hitchcock Ridge.