The lowest point on the trail is the northern terminus at Happy Isles in Yosemite Valley, at . The highest point on the trail is the southern terminus, Mount Whitney, at , which is also the highest point in the contiguous United States. The trail stays at high elevations, mostly above and with the exception of the first 7 miles directly south of the trail's northern terminus, it never drops below . A large portion of the trail is more than high, including the entirety of the last . The trail crosses six mountain passes over ; from north to south, Donohue Pass, Muir Pass, Mather Pass, Pinchot Pass, Glen Pass, and Forester Pass. At , Forester Pass is also the highest point along the Pacific Crest Trail.