Mount Whitney Day Hike Permit
Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks
Climb the highest peak in the contiguous United States (14,505 ft). The main Whitney Trail is highly competitive.
“Stand atop the highest point in the lower 48 states at 14,505 feet.”
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Mt. Whitney Day Quick Facts
- Permit Required
- Yes
- Booking Method
- Lottery
- Demand Level
- Extremely High
- Cost
- $15
- Daily Quota
- 100 permits
- Lottery Odds
- ~10-15%
- Season
- May 1 to November 1
- Max Group Size
- 15 people
The Experience
Why It Matters
Mount Whitney is the highest summit in the contiguous United States. Thousands attempt it each year; most succeed. The Whitney Trail climbs 6,100 feet in 11 miles, a test of endurance and altitude tolerance. At the top, you join over a century of climbers who made this pilgrimage. On a clear day, you can see 150 miles in every direction.
The Route
Start at Whitney Portal (8,365 ft) before dawn. The first 3 miles climb through forest to Lone Pine Lake. By mile 6, you're at Trail Camp (12,000 ft), where most overnight hikers camp. From here, 97 switchbacks climb 2,500 feet to Trail Crest (13,777 ft).
The final 2 miles traverse along the Sierra crest to Whitney's summit. The exposure is significant but not technical. Plan 12-15 hours round trip for the day hike. Altitude sickness is common above 12,000 ft.
Key Landmarks
Lone Pine Lake
First major lake. Last tree cover.
Trail Camp
12,000 ft. Water available. Tent sites for overnight permits.
99 Switchbacks
The famous switchback section gaining 2,500 ft.
Trail Crest
13,777 ft. JMT junction. Mind-blowing views.
Summit
14,505 ft. Stone shelter. Register. Do it.
The Feeling
Your lungs burn. Each step takes effort. The air feels thin. Then you round the final switchback and see the summit hut. You've made it. Below stretches the entire Sierra Nevada, a granite sea of peaks and valleys. This is the roof of California.
Key Dates
Permit Details
Pro Tips
- •Apply for multiple dates
- •Weekdays have better odds
- •Monitor cancellations
- •Consider 'Whitney-from-the-side' routes via other permits
When to Go
Conditions
Snow-free. Afternoon thunderstorms common. Busy.
Crowd Level
ExtremeAdvantages
- +Best conditions
- +Longest days
- +No snow gear needed
Challenges
- !Afternoon storms (start very early)
- !Crowded trail
- !Altitude harder in heat
Difficulty Assessment
Fitness and endurance required
Climbing, scrambling, or specialized skills
Steep dropoffs and fall potential
Route finding and trail clarity
Difficulty of bailing out mid-route
Best For
Very fit hikers comfortable at high altitude with 12-15 hour days.
Recommended Experience
Should have hiked 10+ miles at 10,000+ ft. Know your body's altitude response.
Not Recommended For
Those without altitude experience. Those prone to altitude sickness.
How to Get This Permit
Create a Recreation.gov account
Sign up at recreation.gov if you don't have an account. Verify your email and add payment info ahead of time.
Apply during the lottery window
Submit your application between February 1 and March 15. Apply for multiple dates to increase your odds.
If unsuccessful, monitor cancellations
Permits get cancelled daily. Peak cancellation times are 24-48 hours before the trip date.
Set up PermitSnag alerts
Get instant notifications when cancellations happen. We check availability every few minutes, 24/7.
Mt. Whitney Day FAQ
How do I get a Mt. Whitney Day?
Mt. Whitney Day is obtained through a lottery system. The lottery typically opens February 1. Use PermitSnag to track availability and get notified when cancellations occur.
When is the best time to get a Mt. Whitney Day?
The season typically runs May 1 to November 1. Weekdays generally have better availability than weekends.
How competitive is the Mt. Whitney Day?
This permit has a demand score of 10/10, making it extremely competitive. We recommend having backup dates and using PermitSnag's cancellation alerts.
What happens if I can't get a Mt. Whitney Day?
Cancellations happen daily. Set up alerts with PermitSnag to get notified the moment a spot opens up. We check availability every few minutes, 24/7.
Photography Guide
Golden Hour
Sunrise from Trail Crest or the summit.
Best Light
Pre-dawn start means summit photos in morning light.
Beat the Crowds
Weekdays. Early May or late October for fewest people.
Classic Shots
- 📍Summit hut with Sierra backdrop
- 📍Trail Crest knife edge
- 📍Sunrise over Owens Valley
Can't Get a Mt. Whitney Day Permit?
Consider these alternatives if your preferred dates aren't available.
Kearsarge Pass to Whitney via JMT
Similar ExperienceEnter via Onion Valley, connect to JMT, summit Whitney from the backside. 3-4 day trip.
Tradeoffs
Easier permit. More scenic. Requires backpacking gear and skills.
Cottonwood Lakes to New Army Pass
Similar ExperienceEnter from the south, approach Whitney via Crabtree Meadows. 3-4 days.
Tradeoffs
Easier permit. Different perspective. Longer overall route.
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