High Sierra Trail Permit: Route
High Sierra Trail permits are booked by advance reservation in Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks. The route covers 72.2 miles.
This guide covers the High Sierra Trail permit.
$15 + $5/person
Permit Cost
6-8 days
Duration
72.2 miles
Distance
strenuous
Difficulty
About High Sierra Trail
A legendary 72-mile trans-Sierra traverse from the giant sequoias to the summit of Mount Whitney—America's highest peak in the Lower 48.
The High Sierra Trail
- Distance
- 72.2 miles
- Route type
- point-to-point
- High point
- 14,505 ft
- Low point
- 6,729 ft
- Trip length
- 6-8 days
- Difficulty
- strenuous
Entry points: Crescent Meadow, Whitney Portal
Sierra Nevada. Nearest town: Three Rivers
Points along the route
- Crescent MeadowMile 0, 6,729 ft
- Eagle ViewMile 4
- Bearpaw MeadowMile 11.4, 7,737 ft
- Hamilton LakeMile 17, 8,232 ft
- Precipice LakeMile 19, 10,293 ft
- Kaweah GapMile 20.5, 10,700 ft
- Big ArroyoMile 23, 9,568 ft
- Kern Hot SpringsMile 30, 6,893 ft
- Junction MeadowMile 35, 8,035 ft
- Wallace Creek / JMT JunctionMile 46, 10,388 ft
- Guitar LakeMile 61, 11,472 ft
- Trail CrestMile 69.5, 13,600 ft
- Mount Whitney SummitMile 72.2, 14,505 ft
- Whitney PortalMile 83.2, 8,360 ft
High Sierra Trail permit detailsandAll Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks permits
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100+ wilderness permits, extensive backcountry experience
This guide is based on personal experience obtaining wilderness permits and is regularly updated to reflect current policies and strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get a High Sierra Trail permit?
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High Sierra Trail permits require advance reservations. Book online as soon as reservations open for your desired dates.
When is the best time to visit High Sierra Trail?
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Mid-July through September. July may have lingering snow on Whitney's switchbacks. August has the most stable weather but also the most crowded Whitney Zone. September offers solitude and golden light but shorter days.
How long is the High Sierra Trail route?
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The route is 72.2 miles, as a point-to-point. Plan on 6-8 days.
How difficult is the High Sierra Trail route?
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Experienced backpackers comfortable with week-long wilderness expeditions and high-altitude travel.
Where does the High Sierra Trail route start?
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The permit covers 2 entry points: Crescent Meadow, Whitney Portal.
What gear do I need for the High Sierra Trail route?
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Essential gear includes: Bear canister (hard-sided, IGBC-approved), WAG bag for Whitney Zone portion, Water filter (many sources but all require treatment), Warm sleeping bag rated to 20°F or lower, Rain gear and insulating layers for high elevation.
Don't Miss Your High Sierra Trail Permit
Cancellations happen every day. PermitSnag monitors High Sierra Trail availability 24/7 and alerts you the moment a spot opens up.
Get Permit AlertsTrip planning
Articles that plan a trip around this permit.
- Best Backpacking in Sequoia & Kings CanyonNine backpacking trips in Sequoia and Kings Canyon, the wilderness permit each one needs, the daily quota that governs it, and the season it sells in.
- Cancellation Hunting: A Complete GuideEverything you need to know about finding and booking cancelled permits. When to look, what to watch for, and how to act fast.
- Permit Lottery vs First-Come-First-ServedA comprehensive comparison of permit lottery and FCFS systems. Learn the pros and cons of each, which permits use which system, and strategies for both.
