Lottery10/10
Mt. Whitney Day
Climb the highest peak in the contiguous United States (14,505 ft). The main Whi...
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LotteryOvernightVery High Demand
Mount Whitney Overnight Permit
Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks
Multi-day permits for Mount Whitney, popular for acclimatization.
“One of America's most sought-after wilderness permits.”
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Be notified instantly when Mt. Whitney Overnight permits become available due to cancellations.
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Be notified instantly when Mt. Whitney Overnight permits become available.
Mt. Whitney Overnight Quick Facts
Permit RequiredYes
Booking MethodLottery
Demand LevelExtremely High9/10
SeasonMay 1 - November 1
Key Information
Key Dates
Lottery OpensFebruary 1
Lottery ClosesMarch 15
SeasonMay 1 - November 1
Permit Details
TypeOvernight
Booking MethodLottery
Demand Level9/10
LocationCA
How to Get This Permit
1
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.
2
Apply during the lottery window
Submit your application between February 1 and March 15. Apply for multiple dates to increase your odds.
3
If unsuccessful, monitor cancellations
Permits get cancelled daily. Peak cancellation times are 24-48 hours before the trip date.
4
Set up PermitSnag alerts
Get instant notifications when cancellations happen. We check availability every 2-3 minutes, 24/7.
When to Go
Peak: May 1Shoulder: Spring and Fall
Conditions
Season typically runs May 1 to November 1.
Crowd Level
ModerateAdvantages
- +Longest days
- +Warmest temperatures
- +Reliable trail conditions
Challenges
- !Peak demand for permits
- !Book accommodations early
- !Weather varies
Difficulty Assessment
Physical Demand1/5
Fitness and endurance required
Technical Skill1/5
Climbing, scrambling, or specialized skills
Exposure Risk1/5
Steep dropoffs and fall potential
Navigation1/5
Route finding and trail clarity
Commitment3/5
Difficulty of bailing out mid-route
Best For
Hikers of moderate fitness willing to put in the effort.
Recommended Experience
Basic hiking experience. Start with shorter trails if new to hiking.
The Experience
Why It Matters
Mt. Whitney Overnight is among the most competitive permits in SEKI. Thousands attempt to get permits each season, and success requires planning, persistence, and often a bit of luck. The permit system exists because this destination is genuinely special.
Plan Your Trip
🎒
Gear Checklist
Required and recommended gear for Mt. Whitney Overnight
🚐
Shuttle Services
Trailhead transportation options
Browse all shuttles🧭
Guide Services
Experienced wilderness guides
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Lottery Statistics
Competitive
estimated success rate
Get detailed lottery statistics and tips. Sign up to track this permit.
Boost Your Chances
Team Up to Win
More people = better odds
Your Odds by Group Size
Solo
5%
2 people
10%
4 people
19%
8 people
34%
* Assumes each person submits an independent application
- Everyone submits their own lottery entry
- Winner invites the whole group
- Reminders so no one misses the deadline
Safety & Planning
12,453 permits and 8,294 campsites secured by PermitSnag users
Mt. Whitney Overnight FAQ
How do I get a Mt. Whitney Overnight permit?
Mt. Whitney Overnight permits are 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 visit Mt. Whitney Overnight?
The season typically runs May 1 to November 1. Weekdays generally have better availability than weekends.
How competitive is the Mt. Whitney Overnight permit?
This permit has a demand score of 9/10, making it extremely competitive. We recommend having backup dates and using PermitSnag's cancellation alerts.
What if I can't get a Mt. Whitney Overnight permit?
Cancellations happen daily. Set up alerts with PermitSnag to get notified the moment a spot opens up. We check availability every 2-3 minutes, 24/7.
👥Community
Trail Conditions
Questions
Trip Reports
Write ReportPhotography Guide
Golden Hour
Golden hour at Mt. Whitney Overnight offers the best photography conditions with warm, directional light.
Best Light
Early morning typically provides the clearest conditions and best light quality.
Beat the Crowds
Weekdays and early mornings see fewer visitors for cleaner compositions.
Classic Shots
- 📍Classic view of Mt. Whitney Overnight
- 📍SEKI scenery
- 📍Trail or route documentation
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