Want to hike Mt. Whitney? In 2021, only 22% of applicants were able to get a permit through the lottery. Here is how to maximize your chances of getting one!
It’s easier to get a permit for a day-hike than a backpacking trip.
Odds of winning the lottery for a day hike
Odds of winning the lottery for a backpacking trip
Hiking Mt. Whitney in a day is possible, but it’s one of the most strenuous hikes out there. Expect to be on the trail for 12 to 14 hours.
Hike to the summit and back down with a day pack
Camp at Trail Camp
Hike to the summit with a day pack
Come down to Trail Camp and hike out
Camp at Trail Camp
Hike to the summit with a day pack
Come down to Trail Camp and camp there
Hike out
You have the best odds of getting a permit for May, June, or October. But the trail can be snow-covered during these months. Therefore, I recommend hiking in September.
If day-hiking, you have the best odds of getting a permit for Wednesdays. Avoid Saturdays. If backpacking, you have the best odds of getting a permit for Tuesdays, or Wednesdays. Avoid Fridays and Saturdays.
It’s far from over, there are other ways to get a permit.
Unclaimed lottery permits are released on April 22, 2023, at 7 AM PT. Permits run out quickly, so make sure to log in to Recreation.gov before 7 AM.
A lot of people cancel their permits. You can rebook canceled permits on Recreation.gov. Use our notification service to receive text messages when we find available permits!
Quota is unlimited between November 2 and April 30. Expect snow and cold temperatures. Only attempt if you have mountaineering skills.
Never miss a permit deadline ever again!
Once a month, receive the list of top permits that are opening up
The data comes from the 2021 lottery results.
Success rates are calculated from first choices only (very few second choices are awarded). They are calculated by dividing the number of awarded permits (up to 100 for day hikes, up to 60 for backpacking) by the number of first-choice applications for that date.
Photo by Ross Stone.