High Sierra Trail Permit: Quota and Route

High Sierra Trail permits are booked by advance reservation in Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks. The route covers 72.2 miles.

This guide covers the High Sierra Trail permit.

High Sierra Trail permit alerts All Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks permits

People Per Day

$15 + $5/person

Permit Cost

6-8 days

Duration

72.2 miles

Distance

strenuous

Difficulty

About High Sierra Trail

A legendary 72-mile trans-Sierra traverse from the giant sequoias to the summit of Mount Whitney, America's highest peak in the Lower 48.

The High Sierra Trail

Distance: 72.2 miles
Route type: point-to-point
High point: 14,505 ft
Low point: 6,729 ft
Trip length: 6-8 days
Difficulty: strenuous

Entry points: Crescent Meadow, Whitney Portal

Sierra Nevada. Nearest town: Three Rivers

Points along the route

Crescent MeadowMile 0, 6,729 ft
Eagle ViewMile 4
Bearpaw MeadowMile 11.4, 7,737 ft
Hamilton LakeMile 16.6, 8,232 ft
Precipice LakeMile 19, 10,293 ft
Kaweah GapMile 20, 10,700 ft
Big ArroyoMile 22.5, 9,568 ft
Kern Hot SpringsMile 36.8, 6,893 ft
Junction MeadowMile 44.2, 8,035 ft
Wallace Creek / JMT JunctionMile 48.9, 10,388 ft
Guitar LakeMile 56.6, 11,472 ft
Trail CrestMile 59.1, 13,600 ft
Mount Whitney SummitMile 61.5, 14,505 ft
Whitney PortalMile 72.2, 8,360 ft

High Sierra Trail permit detailsandAll Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks permits

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Pro Tips

There is no lottery here, so set a calendar reminder for six months before your entry date and book on the rolling window

Reserve the High Sierra Trail entry point specifically; an Alta Trail permit is void between Seven Mile Hill and Kaweah Gap and the entry point cannot be changed later

Camp at Nine Mile Creek on night one instead of Bearpaw Meadow to get out of phase with the standard itinerary

Fill up at Guitar Lake; there is no reliable water between there and Trail Camp on the east side

Arrange a hold with the wilderness office if you cannot reach Lodgepole by 10 am on your entry date

Sort the shuttle before the permit: the two ends are 72 miles apart across a mountain range

Request an alternate parking area through the reservation comment box at least 7 days ahead if Crescent Meadow does not suit

Written by

PermitSnag Team

100+ wilderness permits, extensive backcountry experience

This guide is based on personal experience obtaining wilderness permits and is regularly updated to reflect current policies and strategies.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How do I get a High Sierra Trail permit?

High Sierra Trail permits require advance reservations. Book online as soon as reservations open for your desired dates.

When is the best time to visit High Sierra Trail?

Mid-July through September. July may have lingering snow on Whitney's switchbacks. August has the most stable weather but also the most crowded Whitney Zone. September offers solitude and golden light but shorter days.

How long is the High Sierra Trail route?

The route is 72.2 miles, as a point-to-point. Plan on 6-8 days.

How difficult is the High Sierra Trail route?

Experienced backpackers comfortable with week-long wilderness expeditions and high-altitude travel.

Where does the High Sierra Trail route start?

The permit covers 2 entry points: Crescent Meadow, Whitney Portal.

What gear do I need for the High Sierra Trail route?

Essential gear includes: Bear canister (hard-sided, IGBC-approved), WAG bag for Whitney Zone portion, Water filter (many sources but all require treatment), Warm sleeping bag rated to 20°F or lower, Rain gear and insulating layers for high elevation.