22Miles
1–3Days
6,100 ftGain
ThruType
Permits
System
Recreation.gov Mt. Whitney lottery (day and overnight)Apply for several date choices. Leftover dates go on sale after the lottery deadline; cancellations reappear through the season. Midweek dates have better odds. WAG bags are required in the Whitney Zone.Apply or read more
Cost
$15 per person
Bear storage
Required for overnight trips
Season
Best
July – September. Ice axe and crampons are often needed before July.
JFMAMJJASOND
PeakShoulderClosed
On trail
Water
Reliable to Trail Camp (12,000 ft). Carry enough from there to the summit and back.
Resupply
Day hike or overnight; no resupply needed.
Notes
Highest summit in the lower 48 (14,505 ft). 99 switchbacks above Trail Camp. Altitude, not distance, is the hard part.
Elevation
8,360 ftHigh 14,505 ft
Resupply towns
Lone Pine (pre/post trip)
Recommended gear
Permit details checked 2026-10 · fs.usda.gov