Mount Whitney Overnight Permit wilderness permit area in Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks - backcountry hiking destination
LotteryOvernightVery High Demand

Mount Whitney Overnight Permit

Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks

Multi-day permits for Mount Whitney, popular for acclimatization.

“One of America's most sought-after wilderness permits.”

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Be notified instantly when Mt. Whitney Overnight permits become available.

Demand
Extremely High
9/10
Method
Lottery
Season
May 1 - November 1
Lottery Opens
February 1

Mt. Whitney Overnight Quick Facts

Permit RequiredYes
Booking MethodLottery
Demand LevelExtremely High9/10
SeasonMay 1 - November 1

Key Information

Key Dates

Lottery OpensFebruary 1
Lottery ClosesMarch 15
SeasonMay 1 - November 1

Permit Details

TypeOvernight
Booking MethodLottery
Demand Level9/10
LocationCA

How to Get This Permit

1

Create a Recreation.gov account

Sign up at recreation.gov if you don't have an account. Verify your email and add payment info ahead of time.

2

Apply during the lottery window

Submit your application between February 1 and March 15. Apply for multiple dates to increase your odds.

3

If unsuccessful, monitor cancellations

Permits get cancelled daily. Peak cancellation times are 24-48 hours before the trip date.

4

Set up PermitSnag alerts

Get instant notifications when cancellations happen. We check availability every few minutes, 24/7.

Apply at Recreation.gov

When to Go

Peak: May 1Shoulder: Spring and Fall

Conditions

Season typically runs May 1 to November 1.

Crowd Level

Moderate

Advantages

  • +Longest days
  • +Warmest temperatures
  • +Reliable trail conditions

Challenges

  • !Peak demand for permits
  • !Book accommodations early
  • !Weather varies

Difficulty Assessment

Physical Demand1/5

Fitness and endurance required

Technical Skill1/5

Climbing, scrambling, or specialized skills

Exposure Risk1/5

Steep dropoffs and fall potential

Navigation1/5

Route finding and trail clarity

Commitment3/5

Difficulty of bailing out mid-route

Best For

Hikers of moderate fitness willing to put in the effort.

Recommended Experience

Basic hiking experience. Start with shorter trails if new to hiking.

The Experience

Why It Matters

Mt. Whitney Overnight is among the most competitive permits in SEKI. Thousands attempt to get permits each season, and success requires planning, persistence, and often a bit of luck. The permit system exists because this destination is genuinely special.

Lottery Statistics

Competitive

estimated success rate

Get detailed lottery statistics and tips in the PermitSnag app.

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Safety & Planning

🚨

Emergency Info

Download the PermitSnag app for offline access to emergency contacts, ranger station locations, and satellite communicator tips for Mt. Whitney Overnight.

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🐻

Food Storage

Check bear canister requirements, approved container lists, and rental locations in the PermitSnag app.

Want to check food storage requirements?Get the app →

Mt. Whitney Overnight FAQ

How do I get a Mt. Whitney Overnight permit?

Mt. Whitney Overnight permits are obtained through a lottery system. The lottery typically opens February 1. Use PermitSnag to track availability and get notified when cancellations occur.

When is the best time to visit Mt. Whitney Overnight?

The season typically runs May 1 to November 1. Weekdays generally have better availability than weekends.

How competitive is the Mt. Whitney Overnight permit?

This permit has a demand score of 9/10, making it extremely competitive. We recommend having backup dates and using PermitSnag's cancellation alerts.

What if I can't get a Mt. Whitney Overnight permit?

Cancellations happen daily. Set up alerts with PermitSnag to get notified the moment a spot opens up. We check availability every few minutes, 24/7.

Photography Guide

Golden Hour

Golden hour at Mt. Whitney Overnight offers the best photography conditions with warm, directional light.

Best Light

Early morning typically provides the clearest conditions and best light quality.

Beat the Crowds

Weekdays and early mornings see fewer visitors for cleaner compositions.

Classic Shots

  • 📍Classic view of Mt. Whitney Overnight
  • 📍SEKI scenery
  • 📍Trail or route documentation

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