How many days should you plan for a Lodgepole High Sierra Trail permit itinerary?

Most parties take 6 to 8 days for the 72 miles from Crescent Meadow to Whitney's summit, plus the 11-mile, 6,000-foot descent to Whitney Portal at the end. Total elevation gain runs about 15,500 feet, and the terrain divides naturally into thirds.

Days one and two cover the western traverse: Crescent Meadow at 7,030 feet through forest with canyon views, past Bearpaw Meadow at mile 11.4, where the High Sierra Camp offers tent cabins and hot meals for those who reserved, to Hamilton Lake at mile 17, the spot many hikers call the most beautiful on the trail. Day three crosses Kaweah Gap at 10,700 feet through the Great Western Divide and drops into Big Arroyo.

The middle third descends into the Kern trench, the deepest and most remote canyon in the Sierra, with Kern Hot Springs at mile 30 providing a natural riverside soak that is worth scheduling a short day around. The final third joins the JMT at Wallace Creek, mile 46, climbs to the last camp at Guitar Lake, 11,500 feet at mile 61, and summits Whitney at 14,505 feet on the final morning.

A 6-day trip means back-to-back big days with a heavy food carry and no real cushion. Eight days lets you soak at the springs, camp at Hamilton Lake, and hit Guitar Lake rested for the summit push. Water is frequent except the long dry climbs to Kaweah Gap and Trail Crest, so tank up before both.