Mt. Whitney

Inyo National Forest, Near Lone Pine, California

Mt. Whitney does not offer reservations through Recreation.gov. Please take a look at the area details below for more information about visiting this location. Enjoy your visit!

Overview

The Mt Whitney Trail starts in Inyo National Forest at Whitney Portal, 8,300 feet above sea level. The trail gains over 6,200 feet of elevation before reaching the summit in Sequoia National Park. The summit of Mt. Whitney is the southern end of the John Muir Trail, which extends from the summit of Mt Whitney more than 200 miles north to reach Happy Isles in Yosemite Valley.  Most day hikers choose the classic Mt. Whitney Trail. The 22-mile round-trip hike will challenge even very fit hikers. Expect to hike 12 to 14 hours to the summit and back . Consider starting before sunrise. Be prepared to hike in the dark. Choose your dates wisely. The Mt. Whitney Trail is a non-technical, but strenuous, route to the summit when it is free of snow. However when snow or ice is on the mountain winter mountaineering skills and equipment are necessary for safe travel. The trail is usually snow-free from July to late September. Any day hikers attempting more technical rock climbing routes should carefully research the difficulty.  For the backpacker attempting to go up and back on the Mt. Whitney Trail, a popular travel plan is to stay one or two nights camping at Lone Pine Lake (10,000ft level), Outpost Camp (10,500ft level), Consultation Lake (11,000ft level) or Trail Camp (12,000ft level). The Mt Whitney Trail overnight permit can also be extended to continue onto the John Muir Trail. If you are a climber planning a multi-day trip that will approach the East Face, East Buttress, Mountaineers Route or routes on Mt Russell you will need the overnight permit for the North Fork of Lone Pine Creek trail found on the page for other Inyo National Forest - Wilderness Permits.   For more information, please call the Inyo National Forest Wilderness Permit Office (760) 873-2483. Trips sponsored by organizations or commercial groups must contact the permit office before applying for a Mt. Whitney permit.Hikes occurring May 1 - November 1 are in the Mt Whitney Lottery. You apply for your preference of dates, group size, and type of trip. List up to 10 alternate trip choices and three alternate leaders on one application. Permit types are Day Use and Mt Whitney Trail Overnight . Overnight trips approaching the mountain by other routes are not in this lottery. Any unfilled dates after the lottery are open for reservations on April 22.  Lottery Terms:   Submit only one application per group or household or all applications may be rejected. Alternate leaders cannot be added or changed. Only the leader or alternate leader listed on the original application can pick up or use the permit. Reservations cannot be resold or transferred. An additional non-refundable fee of $15.00 per person is required to accept and claim an awarded permit.  Trips sponsored by organizations or commercial groups must contact the Inyo National Forest wilderness permit office before applying for a Mt. Whitney permit. There are no discounts or permit exemptions for age, military service, civil service, students or persons with disabilities.  National Interagency Passes are not accepted for wilderness permits. They are accepted for entry fees to Reds Meadow Valley shuttle area, visiting South Tufa at Mono Lake, and the Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest. You are agreeing to the following:  Submit only one lottery application per group or household or all applications may be rejected.   No refunds for Mt Whitney reservations. No credits, rainchecks, or discounts. Permit cannot be sold or transfered. Alternate leader cannot be changed or added. Entry date cannot be changed. Group leader is accepting responsibility that you and your group will follow all of the rules and regulations , including:   No Campfires. Signed permit must be in the group leader’s possession; show to ranger upon request.  Group must start on entry date and location stated on permit.  Group size may not exceed permit. Groups cannot combine to exceed 15 people. People of all ages count for group size, quotas and fees. Only the group leader or alternate listed on the original application can pick up or use the permit. Show photo ID when requested. Reservation receipt is not accepted as proof of a valid permit or reservation.  Mt Whitney Trail overnight permit does not include the North Fork of Lone Pine approach to Mountaineer's Route, East Face / Buttress, Mt. Russell.  Consecutive Mt Whitney Day Use permits are not allowed. Day Use permit cannot be used as part of an overnight trip.   Mt. Whitney hikers are expected pack-out their poop. Pack-out kits are available at the visitor center and trailhead. Disposal box for used kits is near trailhead restroom.   Be Bear Aware! At the trailhead, remove all food items from cars and secure in bear proof lockers. Put trash in bear proof trash cans. Do not leave your backpack or food unattended! Bear cans required for overnight trips.   Safety Is No Accident! tips from Inyo County Search & Rescue   Stay together in case your friends need help.   Do not rely on cell phone service for communication or navigation.  Bring adequate supplies of food, water and clothing.  Learn symptoms of altitude sickness.  Wilderness Permit Print permit before no show deadline or your reservation will be canceled. Permit Printing Instructions  Inyo National Forest Wilderness Regulations In addition to all county, state, and federal laws, the following acts are prohibited in wilderness: - Camping within 100 feet of lakes, streams or trails (terrain permitting) & never within 50 feet of lakes, streams or trails. - Possessing or storing any food or refuse, unless the food or refuse is stored in a container designed to prevent access by bears, or counter-balanced at least 15 feet above the ground and 10 feet horizontally from a tree trunk (where containers are not required). - Washing and/or discharging soap waste within 100 feet of lakes or streams. - Depositing bodily waste within 100 feet of lakes, streams, campsites or trails. - Leaving any debris, garbage or refuse within the wilderness. - Entering or using the wilderness in a group larger than 15 persons or with more than 25 head of pack or saddle stock. - Storing or leaving unattended equipment, personal property, or supplies for more than 24 hours. - Hitching, tethering or tying pack or saddle stock within 100 feet of lakes, streams, trails or campsites except while loading or unloading. - Camping overnight in the John Muir, Ansel Adams, Hoover, or Golden Trout Wildernesses, or entering or being in the Mount Whitney Zone without a valid wilderness permit. - Discharging a firearm, except for emergencies and the taking of game as permitted by California State law. - Possessing or using any wheeled or mechanical device (bicycle, drone, motorcycle, cart, etc.) is prohibited, except for persons requiring a wheelchair may use non-motorized wheelchair. - Shortcutting a switchback on any forest trail. Revised Jan.2018 Additional Regulations - A signed permit must be in the group leader’s possession and must be presented to rangers upon request. - Dogs must be under control (6ft. leash). Food Storage - Areas where Bear Container Use is Required: - Bishop Pass area, includes Treasure Lakes - Cottonwood Lakes & Cottonwood Pass area - Kearsarge Pass area - Little Lakes Valley area, includes to crest of Mono Pass - Mammoth Lakes area, includes Reds Meadow Valley, Rush Creek & John Muir Trail corridor from Yosemite to south of Lake Virginia. Trails affected include Beck, Duck, Fern, Fish, High (PCT), JMT North & South, Minaret, Red Cones, River, Rush Creek, and Shadow Creek. - Mt. Whitney area - Bishop Pass area, includes Treasure Lakes Pack Goats & Sierra Nevada Bighorn Sheep: To prevent disease transmission to Sierra Nevada bighorn sheep you are advised to limit the use of pack goats to areas that are not sheep habitat. - Do not approach wildlife Pack & Saddle Stock: - Stock prohibited: Whitney Portal to Trail Crest. - Grazing prohibited: Pioneer Basin, Hilgard Meadow, east of Shepherd Pass. - Camping prohibited with pack or saddle stock east of Shepherd Pass. - Check for current grazing restrictions. National Park Regulations: When you enter park boundaries park regulations apply. - Pets are not allowed. – Discharge of any firearm or weapon is prohibited, including bear spray. - Smaller group size limits apply for some areas of the park. Refer to the parks minimum impact handout for specific regulations on camping, campfires, food storage, group size, and other regulations. Campfire & Camping Regulations Hoover Wilderness: Campfires prohibited: 20 Lakes Basin north of Saddlebag Lake. Camping prohibited: Crystal Lake, and all of the Hall Natural Area (includes Conness Lakes, Wasco, Alpine, Green Treble, Maul, Spuller, Big Horn, and Fantail Lakes). Swimming or wading prohibited: Crystal Lake. Ansel Adams Wilderness: Campfires prohibited: for all areas above 10,000 ft. in elevation. Additional areas are closed to campfires below 10,000 ft. near: Badger Lakes, Clark Lakes, Lower Davis Lake, Ediza Lake, Emerald Lake, Garnet Lake, Gem Lake (north side) Iceberg Lake, King Creek (includes Ashley, Anona, Beck, Fern, Holcomb and Noname Lakes), Minaret Lakes, Parker Lake, Ruby Lake, Rush Forks, Lower Sardine Lake, Shadow Lake & Creek, Sulivan Lake, Thousand Island Lake, Waugh Lake, Weber Lake. Camping prohibited: At Shadow Lake, between Shadow Creek and the trail & the south & east side of Ediza; within 1/4 mile of the outlet of Garnet Lake; within 1/4 mile of the outlet of Thousand Island Lake. John Muir Wilderness: Campfires prohibited: for all areas above 10,000 ft. north of Mt Emerson/ Glacier Divide; and above 10,400 ft. south of the divide. Additional areas in lower elevations are closed to campfires near: Big Pine Creek (North and South forks), Coldwater Canyon, Duck Creek, Hilton Lakes & Creek, Lower Horton Lake, Kearsarge Pass/ Onion Valley (includes Golden Trout Lakes and Robinson Lake), McGee Canyon, Meysan Canyon, Mildred Lake, Mt Whitney Zone, Pine Creek, Purple Creek, Sabrina, Shepherd Pass (within 1,000 ft. of Anvil Camp), Taboose Creek, and Tyee Lakes. Camping prohibited: Within 300 ft. of the outlet of Duck Lake and Purple Lake; at Mirror Lake and Trailside Meadow on the Mt. Whitney Trail; within 500 feet of Lower Golden Trout Lake (Piute Pass area). Golden Trout Wilderness: Campfires prohibited: Chicken Spring Lake and Rocky Basin Lakes. USDA Forest Service Please return permit with actual itinerary completed, mail to: Inyo National Forest Wilderness Permit Office 351 Pacu Lane, Suite 200, Bishop, CA, 93514Mt Whitney permits are reserved online through the lottery. Lottery results will be posted on your recreation.gov account on March 15th. April 21st is the deadline to claim an awarded reservation from the lottery. You must complete the reservation details and pay the $15 per person fee or your reservation will be canceled . After the lottery any unclaimed dates will open for reservations on April 22nd.   No refunds for Mt Whitney reservations. Fees cannot be transferred to other dates, no rain checks or credits.   One week before the trip you can print or request the permit . No Show / Print Permit Instructions    Permit will be canceled as a No Show unless permit is printed before the No Show deadline: Noon one day before entry date for Whitney Day Use 10am on entry date for Overnight Mt Whitney Trail The signed permit must be in the group leader’s possession during the trip and must be presented to rangers upon request. The group leader signing the permit is accepting responsibility that everyone in the group will follow the rules and regulations on the permit.    Be Bear Aware!   Be alert when arriving at night. There is a high level of bear activity at Whitney Portal. Do not leave food or refuse in your car or tent. Do not leave food or your pack unattended.  At Whitney Portal: All food and scented items must be removed from vehicles and secured in bear proof lockers located in parking areas. Dispose of trash in bear resistant trash cans.  On the trail: Day hikers, keep your pack with you at all times. Overnight hikers, bear resistant containers are required for food and trash storage.   Human Waste Disposal   There are no restrooms along the trail. Mt. Whitney visitors are expected to pack-out their solid human waste (poop and paper). Pack-out kits are available at the visitor center and at the trailhead. Dispose of pack-out kits in the waste disposal box located near the restrooms at Whitney Portal Trailhead.    Behave Responsibly Every visit to Wilderness has impacts. Do your part to minimize yours by following regulations and Leave No Trace practices.   Pack out all your trash, help keep our wilderness areas pristine.  Protect water quality, don’t use soap in natural waterways, even biodegradable soap can damage aquatic life. Waste water should be scattered at least 100 feet away from any water source.  Don’t cut switchbacks, shortcutting damages the trail and adds to erosion.  No drones, they are prohibited in wilderness.  No loud audio devices, let the sounds of nature be part of the wilderness experience.  Campfires are restricted in many areas, wood growth is very slow at high elevation and what little wood exists helps sustain the natural soil, plant and animal community.  Do not camp on vegetation, these fragile areas are easily damaged. Choose a campsite at least 100 feet away from lakes, streams, or trails.    Safety Is No Accident! Tips from Inyo County Search & Rescue   Prepare for your trip by getting in shape. Take time to acclimate to the effects of high altitude. Stay together in case your friends need help.  Leave trip information with a friend with instructions of when to report you overdue, ReCon Trip Record Form   Plan a turnaround time to allow a safe descent down the mountain.  Be prepared to find your way, download maps in advance. Don't rely on cell phone for communication or navigation; most of trail has no cell service.  Bring adequate supplies of food, water and clothing.  Learn symptoms of altitude sickness.  Check weather and trail conditions.    Entry Date & Exit Date   Entry Date is the day you will begin on the trail. Exit Date is the day you will come off the trail.  For Day Use entry and exit date are the same; the day you are hiking on the trail.  Permit is only valid to start on the entry date stated.  Do not include days that are not part of the backpacking trip like campgrounds or motels the night before or after the trip. Whitney Portal Campground is not in the wilderness.  Follow Highway 395 to Lone Pine, CA 93545. The Eastern Sierra Interagency Visitor Center is located on the corner of Highway 395 and State Route 136 , 2 miles south of Lone Pine. In person service may be limited during the 2022 season. Check for hours of opperation on the Forest Service webpage. To reach the trailhead from the visitor center, go north on Highway 395 to the only traffic signal in Lone Pine. At the signal, turn left onto Whitney Portal Road. Trailhead parking is at the end of the road, approximately 13 miles from Lone Pine.  Please carpool; parking is limited. To prevent damage to your vehicle remove all food and trash and place in bear-proof lockers or trash cans.Our permit system is based on quotas for entry trailhead by date (during summer season). This helps us manage use to protect natural conditions and opportunities for solitude. Day use and overnight permits have separate quota.   Day use permit is valid for one day (midnight to midnight)  Overnight permit can extend for multiple nights   Quota for Mt Whitney is in effect from May 1 - November 1   100 people per entry day for Mt Whitney Zone Day Use permits  60 people per entry day for Mt Whitney Trail Overnight permits  Overnight trips that start on other trails are limited by different quotas  No age limit; children count in group size limits and quotas   Group Size   Maximum group size of 15 people  Group size limits apply year round, including day use  Yosemite, Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks have smaller group size limits in some areas  Groups on separate permits cannot combine if they will exceed the group size limit  Reservations cannot be sold or transferred. Only the group leader or alternate listed on the original reservation can pick up or use the permit. Leader or alternate leader names cannot be changed or added.  Changes you can make online:   Reducing group size. There is no refund for reduction in group size.  To change entry date or permit type, cancel and re-book a new reservation for the desired trip. You will pay new fees. There is no refund or credit for the canceled trip.  Changing exit date for overnight trips can be done online or when the permit is issued.   Log onto your account at Recreation.gov to make changes or call the wilderness permit office for Inyo National Forest for reservation assistance (760) 873-2483.For the 2024 summer season access to Red's Meadow area trails will be COMPLETELY CLOSED TO BOTH ENTRY AND EXIT Mondays through Thursdays. Please read this press release for more details.   View our Leave No Trace video before the trip PRINT YOUR PERMIT Signed permit (paper copy) must be in the group leader’s possession during the trip and must be presented to rangers upon request. Leader is responsible to ensure everyone in the group understands the rules and will obey the terms of permit.    Print before the No-Show deadline or your permit will be canceled. Day Use deadline is noon, one day before the entry date.  Overnight permit deadline is 10:30 a.m. on the entry date.   One week before the trip you may print your permit at home . Leader signature validates the permit, no additional check in required. After printing you cannot make changes unless you contact the wilderness permit office or go into the visitor center during open hours.  Permit Printing Assistance For assistance with permit changes and printing, questions, bear can rentals, map purchases, go to the Eastern Sierra Visitor Center. Search & Rescue Mountain Safety Message   Hike as a team, stay together in case your friends need help. Plan a turnaround time to allow a safe return down the mountain Check weather & trail conditions. Leave trip information with a friend [ReConn Trip Record Form] with instructions of when to report you overdue.  Come prepared to find your way. Don't rely on cell phones for communication or navigation, most of trail has no cell service. Be self-sufficient, bring adequate food, water & clothing. Learn symptoms of altitude sickness.  Be Bear Aware!   Be alert when arriving at night. Whitney Portal has very active bear Do not leave food in car Keep pack with you All Mt. Whitney hikers are expected to pack-out their poop.   Pack-out kits are provided at the trail head Disposal box for used kits is by trailhead restroom A wilderness permit is required year-round to visit Mt. Whitney.   Day Use Permit: Choose the route appropriate for your group: Mt. Whitney Trail or climbing routes like the Mountaineers Route. Permit is required to day hike anywhere within the Whitney Zone, see Map   Valid for one day only, midnight to midnight. Consecutive day use permits are not allowed. Day Use Permit cannot be combined with other permits to pass through or exit Mt Whitney.    Overnight – Mt Whitney Trail: This permit is for multi day trips starting on the classic Mt Whitney Trail, including camping at Lone Pine Lake Permit can stay for multiple nights and may exit at other locations, like John Muir Trail to Yosemite National Park.  This permit does not include trips up North Fork of Lone Pine Creek trail to approach climbing routes like Mountaineers Route, East Face, East Buttress, or Mt Russell.   Trips sponsored by organizations or commercial groups must contact the permit office, a special use permit may be needed.Your reservation will be canceled and your space forfeited unless you print your permit at home or check in at the Eastern Sierra Visitor Center before the no show deadline. Deadline for No Show:   Day Use Mt Whitney Zone permit deadline is noon, one day before the entry date.  Overnight Mt Whitney Trail permit deadline is 10 a.m. on the entry date.    Mt. Whitney- Inyo National Forest Wilderness Backcountry Activities like backpacking, hiking, skiing, and mountaineering are allowed in the Mt. Whitney area. Motorized or mechanical activities like drones or bicycles are not allowed in wilderness. Groups are limited to 15 people or less, in order to preserve the solitude and tranquility of the backcountry. There are maintained trails through the area to hike on, but no developed campground facilities. Once you start on the trail, there are no water faucets and no restrooms. Visitors are expected to carry out their solid human waste. Behave Responsibly Respect other visitor’s desire for quiet and solitude. Help protect this natural resource and leave it unmarked for future visitors. Familiarize yourself with the seven Leave No Trace principles and review wilderness rules with all group members. Don’t feed animals. Overnight visitors must store food in a bear resistant food storage container. Don’t cut switchbacks; shortcutting switchbacks damages the trail and adds to erosion. No drones; they are prohibited in wilderness. No bicycles, carts, strollers or wheeled devices, except for persons requiring a wheelchair may use non-motorized wheelchair. No loud audio devices, let the sounds of nature be part of your wilderness experience. Help keep our wilderness areas pristine. Pack out your trash. Dispose of human waste kits in the box near the trailhead restrooms. Pack out all gear when you leave. No caching equipment, personal property, or supplies. Protect water quality , don’t use soap in natural waterways; even biodegradable soap can damage aquatic life. Scatter waste water at least 100 feet away from any water source. Crossing Park Boundaries The Mt. Whitney Trail enters Sequoia National Park at Trail Crest (13,600ft level) approximately two miles from the summit; pets are prohibited in the park. If you wish to extend your overnight Mt Whitney Trail permit to continue onto the John Muir Trail, provide the exit location, exit date and itinerary information to indicate your full travel plan. One permit is valid for continuous wilderness travel, including traveling through adjacent parks and forests. You must follow the local rules while you are in each park or forest. Check regulations for each area you will visit regarding pets, food storage, camping and campfire restrictions, stay limits, smaller group size limits for off trail routes. Wilderness permit rules and regulations for this area are on the Inyo National Forest webpage . Wilderness regulations are enforceable with maximum penalties of $5,000 and/or six months in jail. Violation of permit terms or regulations may result in a citation with group required to exit immediately.All people count for wilderness quotas and fees. Prices are not different for military, seniors or children.  Reservation Fee:   A $6.00 non-refundable reservation fee is required for each permit reservation. The reservation fees are used to finance the on-line reservation system.  Recreation Fee:   A $15.00 per person fee is charged for trips entering the Whitney Zone (Mt. Whitney, North Fork of Lone Pine Creek, and Trail Crest Exit). These fees are used to finance on-the-ground wilderness programs in Inyo National Forest.  There are no refunds for Mt. Whitney permits.   Recreation fees cannot be transferred to alternate dates. No rain checks or credits.

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