72Miles
7–10Days
15,000 ftGain
ThruType
Permits
System
Recreation.gov — Sequoia NP wilderness permitTwo permits needed: Crescent Meadow entry (Sequoia) and Whitney Portal exit (Inyo NF). Both on Recreation.gov. Crescent Meadow releases permits 2 weeks in advance — check daily. Whitney Portal often more available than JMT Whitney entry.Apply or read more
Cost
$15 + $10/night
Bear storage
Required throughout (BV500)
Season
Best
Mid-July – mid-September
JFMAMJJASOND
PeakShoulderClosed
On trail
Water
Excellent — lakes and streams throughout the Sierra. Sawyer or BeFree.
Resupply
Guitar Lake (mule station resupply possible). Most hikers carry all food from Crescent Meadow.
Notes
72 miles from the giant sequoias to the summit of Mt. Whitney (14,505 ft) — the highest point in the contiguous US. Less traveled than the JMT. Spectacular canyon country through the Kern River drainage. Acclimatization is important — most of the trail is above 10,000 ft.
Elevation
7,000 ftHigh 14,505 ft
Resupply towns
Crescent Meadow (start)
Guitar Lake (mule resupply)
Whitney Portal (end)
Recommended gear