Mt. Whitney Day Permit: Quota, Dates and Route

Mt. Whitney Day permits are drawn by lottery in Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks. The route covers 21.4 miles.

This guide covers the Mt. Whitney permit.

Mt. Whitney permit alerts All Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks permits

100 people/day, no published rate

Lottery Odds

100

People Per Day

$15

Permit Cost

12-18 hours

Duration

21.4 miles

Distance

About Mt. Whitney Day

Climb the highest peak in the contiguous United States (14,505 ft). The main Whitney Trail is highly competitive.

The Mt. Whitney Day route

Distance: 21.4 miles
Route type: out-and-back
High point: 14,505 ft
Low point: 8,360 ft
Trip length: 12-18 hours
Difficulty: strenuous

Starts at Whitney Portal

Sierra Nevada. Nearest town: Lone Pine

Points along the route

Whitney PortalMile 0, 8,360 ft
Lone Pine LakeMile 2.8, 9,954 ft
Outpost CampMile 3.5, 10,376 ft
Mirror LakeMile 5, 10,667 ft
Trail CampMile 6, 12,017 ft
99 SwitchbacksMile 6.5
Trail CrestMile 8.5, 13,600 ft
The WindowsMile 9.5
SummitMile 10.7, 14,505 ft

Mt. Whitney Day permit detailsandAll Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks permits

Get Mt. Whitney Day Alerts

Be first to know when cancellations happen.

Set Up Alerts

Pro Tips

Apply for multiple dates inside the Feb 1 to Mar 1 window

Watch April 22, when unclaimed dates open for web reservation

Monitor cancellations

Consider 'Whitney-from-the-side' routes via other permits

Submit only one application per group or household — Inyo may reject all of them otherwise

Claim and pay by April 21 or the awarded reservation is cancelled outright

Sleep at altitude in the Lone Pine area first — Inyo's own safety message is to take time to acclimate

Take the pack-out kit at the trailhead and use the disposal box by the restroom on the way out

Written by

PermitSnag Team

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.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How do I get a Mt. Whitney Day permit?

Mt. Whitney Day permits are distributed through a lottery system. Apply during the lottery window, and if you're not selected, check for cancellations as they become available.

When is the best time to visit Mt. Whitney Day?

Mid-July through mid-September offers the most reliable conditions. June may have snow on the 99 Switchbacks requiring ice axe and crampons. Late September can see early season snow. Weekday permits are easier to obtain than weekends.

How long is the Mt. Whitney Day route?

The route is 21.4 miles, as an out-and-back. Plan on 12-18 hours.

How difficult is the Mt. Whitney Day route?

Well-conditioned hikers experienced with high altitude and very long days. Must be comfortable with significant elevation and 12+ hours of continuous hiking.

Where does the Mt. Whitney Day route start?

Whitney Portal.

What if I don't win the Mt. Whitney Day lottery?

Cancellations happen regularly. Use PermitSnag to monitor availability and get alerts when spots open up. You can also check for walk-up permits or consider similar alternatives in the area.