How to Get a Mount Whitney Hiking Permit in 2025

Hiking details for the Half Dome hike can be found by clicking here.

Mount Whitney, standing at 14,505 feet as the highest peak in the contiguous United States, is a crown jewel for California hikers. Whether you’re aiming for a strenuous day hike or an overnight adventure starting from Whitney Portal in Inyo National Forest, you’ll need a permit to tackle this iconic trail. The permit process can feel daunting, but with the right know-how, you’ll be ready to conquer the summit. Here’s a detailed guide to securing your Mount Whitney permit for 2025, straight from the latest Inyo National Forest info.

Why a Permit Is Required

The Mount Whitney Trail, stretching 22 miles round-trip with over 6,200 feet of elevation gain, sees heavy traffic due to its fame and accessibility. To protect the wilderness, manage crowds, and ensure safety, Inyo National Forest requires permits for all trips entering the Whitney Zone—covering day hikes and overnight stays—year-round when quotas are in effect (May 1 to November 1). Only 100 day-use and 60 overnight permits are issued daily during this period, making planning essential.

When to Hike

The classic Mount Whitney Trail is typically snow-free from July to late September, ideal for non-technical hiking. Outside this window, snow or ice demands winter mountaineering skills and gear. The quota season runs May 1 to November 1, when permits are strictly limited. Off-season (November 2 to April 30), permits are still required but available without quota restrictions via self-issue at visitor centers.

Step-by-Step: How to Get Your Mount Whitney Permit

All Whitney permits are managed through Recreation.gov, with options varying by trip type and timing. Here’s the breakdown:

1. Mount Whitney Lottery (Plan Early)

When: Apply from February 1 to February 28th, 2025, for trips between May 1 and November 1.
How to Apply: Visit Recreation.gov, search “Mt. Whitney,” and choose “Day Use - Mt. Whitney Zone” or “Overnight - Mt. Whitney Trail.” Submit one application (multiple entries get rejected) with up to 10 alternate date preferences and your group size (max 15).
Cost: A $6 non-refundable reservation fee per application, plus $15 per person if awarded (no refunds for Whitney permits).
Results: Notifications roll out by March 24, with additional reservations opening April 22 for any remaining spots.
Availability: 100% of the 100 day-use and 60 overnight permits are lottery-based—no walk-ups are saved.

Pro Tip: Pick midweek dates to boost your odds—weekends are fiercely competitive.

2. Advance Reservations (Outside Lottery)

When: For non-lottery trails or off-season trips, 60% of quota space opens six months in advance, and 40% releases two weeks prior (same day of the week as your entry).
How to Apply: On Recreation.gov, search “Inyo National Forest - Wilderness Permits” for overnight trips beyond the Whitney Trail (e.g., North Fork of Lone Pine Creek for climbing routes). Add Whitney to your itinerary if summiting.
Cost: $6 reservation fee plus $15 per person for Whitney Zone entry, or $5 per person for other areas.

3. Picking Up Your Permit

Print at Home: Issue and print your permit on Recreation.gov up to seven days before your trip—required by noon the day before for day use, or 10 AM on entry day for overnight.
In Person: Visit an Inyo National Forest Visitor Center (e.g., Eastern Sierra Visitor Center in Lone Pine) if you can’t print. Unclaimed permits revert to availability at 10 AM on the entry date.
Who: Only the group leader or a listed alternate (named during reservation) can claim it with a photo ID. Permits are non-transferable.

Special Cases

Climbing Routes: For the Mountaineers Route or East Face, reserve a “North Fork of Lone Pine Creek” overnight permit via “Inyo National Forest - Wilderness Permits.” The Whitney Trail permit doesn’t cover these.
Backpacking Beyond Whitney: Extend your trip (e.g., onto the John Muir Trail) by selecting “Overnight Exiting Mt Whitney” to include the Trail Crest exit quota.
Off-Season: From November 2 to April 30, self-issue permits at visitor centers—no lottery or fees, but still mandatory.

Key Rules and Tips

Group Size: Max 15 people (including kids—no age discounts). Verify your final count online a week before to avoid cancellation.
No Changes: Leader/alternate names can’t be swapped later—choose wisely upfront.
Gear Up: Gloves for handholds, 3–4 liters of water, and sturdy boots are musts. Free waste disposal kits come with Whitney permits.
Conditions Check: Snow can linger into June or hit early in October. Call (760) 873-2483 or email SM.FS.WildPmt_Inyo@usda.gov for updates.

What If You Miss Out?

If the lottery or reservations don’t pan out, monitor Recreation.gov post-lottery for cancellations. Alternately, explore nearby trails like Cottonwood Lakes—no Whitney permit needed!

Final Thoughts

Securing a Mount Whitney permit takes strategy and persistence, but the payoff—sweeping Sierra views from California’s rooftop—is unmatched. Mark February 1, 2025, to kick off your lottery bid, and prep for a hike that’ll test your grit and reward your soul. Happy trails!