Sierra Nevada
How to Hike Mount Whitney: Permits, Training and Gear
How to hike Mount Whitney: the Recreation.gov permit lottery, day hike or overnight plans, training and altitude, the gear list and a summit day strategy.
By Alex Khachigian · Updated September 2026 · 3 min read
Mount Whitney is 14,505 feet, the tallest peak in the lower 48. The main trail is about 22 miles round trip with over 6,000 feet of gain, mostly above 10,000 feet.
This guide covers the permit lottery, day versus overnight plans, training, altitude and gear.
In This Guide
Mount Whitney Trail Distance, Elevation and Camps
The trail starts at Whitney Portal, 13 miles west of Lone Pine at about 8,300 feet. It passes Lone Pine Lake, Outpost Camp and Trail Camp, climbs 99 switchbacks to Trail Crest at about 13,600 feet, then follows the ridge to the summit.
Day hikers take 12 to 18 hours; backpackers camp at Outpost Camp or Trail Camp.
- Summit: 14,505 feet
- Round trip: about 22 miles
- Elevation gain: about 6,100 feet
- Trailhead: Whitney Portal, about 8,300 feet
- Camps: Outpost Camp (about 10,400 feet) and Trail Camp (about 12,000 feet)
How the Mount Whitney Permit Lottery Works
From May 1 to November 1, you need a permit to go past Lone Pine Lake. The Inyo National Forest lottery on Recreation.gov has opened February 1 and closed March 1, with results in mid-March.
Daily quotas are 100 day hikers and 60 overnight. Winners must confirm by an April deadline; unclaimed dates and cancellations then go up first come, first served.
From November 2 to April 30, permits are unlimited.
Day Hike vs. Overnight on Mount Whitney
Day hikers usually leave the portal between 1 and 3 a.m. to summit by midday, before afternoon storms.
Overnight hikers camp at Trail Camp, about 5 miles from the summit, and go up with a light pack.
- Day hike: lighter pack, little time to acclimatize
- Overnight: bear canister and more gear, easier summit day
- Overnight permits are more competitive: 60 a day versus 100
Training and Acclimatization for Whitney
Start training three months out. Build to 12 to 15-mile days with 4,000 feet of climbing, plus stairs, weighted hikes and leg strength.
Spend one or two nights at elevation first, at Whitney Portal Campground or Horseshoe Meadow, with a day hike to 11,000 or 12,000 feet.
- Camp at Whitney Portal the night before (Recreation.gov)
- Acclimatization hike at Horseshoe Meadow or Onion Valley
- The Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest near Big Pine is an easy day at 10,000 feet
- Hydrate, skip alcohol, eat carbs
- Altitude sickness signs: headache, nausea, dizziness, confusion
Mount Whitney Gear Checklist
The summit can be below freezing before sunrise in July, and afternoon storms bring lightning to the ridge.
- Headlamp and spare batteries
- Base layer, insulated jacket, rain shell, hat and gloves
- Water filter and 2 to 3 liters of capacity
- Sun protection and trekking poles
- Pack-out waste kits, required in the Whitney Zone
- Bear canister for overnight trips, required in the Whitney Zone
- Microspikes early and late season
Summit Day Strategy and Turnaround Times
Set a turnaround time; 1 p.m. is a common latest summit time. Head down right away if clouds build or you hear thunder.
Eat and drink on a schedule.
Where to Stay and Eat in Lone Pine
Lone Pine is the base town. The Dow Villa Motel on Main Street is the classic pick; Whitney Portal and Lone Pine campgrounds are best for acclimatizing.
The Whitney Portal Store serves burgers and pancakes in season. The Eastern Sierra Visitor Center south of town has trail conditions.
Whitney Portal Road closes each winter; check Inyo County road updates.
- From Southern California: my Los Angeles to Mammoth road trip
- For a full week: the Highway 395 itinerary starts in Lone Pine
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you need a permit to hike Mount Whitney?
Yes. From May 1 to November 1 you need a quota permit to go beyond Lone Pine Lake. Permits come from a Recreation.gov lottery, with leftover dates released later.
When is the Mount Whitney lottery?
It has opened February 1 and closed March 1, with results in mid-March. Confirm dates on Recreation.gov.
How hard is it to hike Mount Whitney?
Very strenuous: about 22 miles and over 6,000 feet of gain to 14,505 feet. It is not technical in summer.
How long does it take to hike Mount Whitney in one day?
12 to 18 hours for most. Start between 1 and 3 a.m.
When is the best time to hike Mount Whitney?
July through early October, when the trail is usually snow-free. September has fewer thunderstorms.
