Mt. Whitney Overnight Lottery Odds
The Mt. Whitney lottery awards roughly 22% of applications overall. Midweek dates in May, June, and October succeed at close to 30%, while Friday and Saturday requests drop near 10%.
Figures from official agency statistics, last verified July 5, 2026.
Success rates by year
| Year | Lottery | Applications | Awarded | Success rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | Annual lottery (February)100 day-use and 60 overnight spots per day | 15,675 | 3,425 | ~22% |
Sources: Inyo National Forest — Mount Whitney · Recreation.gov Mt. Whitney lottery
How to improve your Mt. Whitney Overnight odds
- 1
Request Tuesdays or Wednesdays. First-choice success on those days runs close to 30%, versus about 10% for Fridays and Saturdays.
- 2
Target May, June, or October. Peak July-August dates draw the most applications.
- 3
List date ranges instead of a single date. Range applicants historically outperform single-date applicants.
- 4
Unclaimed and cancelled dates return to the reservation pool after the lottery. Tracking the Whitney trail catches those releases.
The backup plan: cancellation alerts
About 22% odds means most applicants lose. But lottery winners cancel all season, and those dates quietly return to the booking system. PermitSnag watches Mt. Whitney Overnight continuously and alerts you within seconds when dates open, which is how most people who lose the lottery still get on the trail.
Mt. Whitney Overnight lottery questions
What are the odds of winning the Mt. Whitney Overnight lottery?
The Mt. Whitney lottery awards roughly 22% of applications overall. Midweek dates in May, June, and October succeed at close to 30%, while Friday and Saturday requests drop near 10%.
How can I improve my Mt. Whitney Overnight lottery odds?
Request Tuesdays or Wednesdays. First-choice success on those days runs close to 30%, versus about 10% for Fridays and Saturdays. Target May, June, or October. Peak July-August dates draw the most applications. List date ranges instead of a single date. Range applicants historically outperform single-date applicants. Unclaimed and cancelled dates return to the reservation pool after the lottery. Tracking the Whitney trail catches those releases.
What if I lose the Mt. Whitney Overnight lottery?
Cancellations. Lottery winners cancel or miss payment deadlines, and those dates return to the booking system throughout the season. Tracking Mt. Whitney Overnight with availability alerts is the standard post-lottery fallback.