What is the best way to get from Santa Maria, California to Whitney Portal?|175832

East on 166 to Bakersfield, across to Tehachapis to Mojave and 14 North. Or south through Ventura and across to 14 North.

You are much better off crossing on the 166 to Bakersfield, but from there you should take the 58 to Mojave and then up the 14. That will be a lot faster than crossing the 178 to the 14.

Hope you have a reservation if you plan to climb Mt Whitney.