High Sierra Trail: Crescent Meadow to Whitney Portal
Itinerary
High Sierra Trailhead
10.9 mi • 2,600 ft gain
Bearpaw Meadow
13 mi • 4,600 ft gain
Big Arroyo Junction
14.4 mi • 1,300 ft gain
Kern Hot Spring
16.4 mi • 4,300 ft gain
Crabtree Ranger Station
12 mi • 4,900 ft gain
Trail Camp
6.1 mi • 0 ft gain
Whitney Portal Trailhead
How to get a permit
This trip requires a Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks Wilderness Permit. Reservations depend on your start date:
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
May 24 – Sep 28
Limited number of permits available.2 options
A
Online reservations
| Opens | 6 months ahead | 7 AM PT |
|---|---|---|
| Closes | 1 week ahead | 11:59 PM PDT |
Passed Advance release: 6 months ahead at 7 AM PT
B
In-person reservations
| Opens | 1 day ahead | 1 PM PDT |
|---|---|---|
| Closes | Day of | 3:30 PM PDT |
Permit details
Here is how to fill out the Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks Wilderness Permit application:
| Entry Point | High Sierra Trail |
|---|---|
| Exit Point | Mt. Whitney (Trail Crest Exit) |