Land Acknowledgment: Payahuunadu has been, and continues to be, the homeland of the Paiute (Nuumu), Shoshone (Newe), and Timbisha peoples. This land acknowledgment honors the original inhabitants of the Eastern Sierra and the tribes who remain here today.
If you want to climb Mt. Whitney during the peak season, which runs from May 1st to November 1st, you’ll need a day-use or overnight permit. These permits are primarily issued through the Mt. Whitney Lottery, which opens annually on February 1st via Recreation.gov. To apply, you’ll need to select your preferred dates, pay a small application fee, and wait for the results, which are announced on March 15th. If you’re awarded a permit, an additional per-person fee will be required. Be sure to submit your application by the March 1st deadline to participate in the lottery.
| Dates | Information |
|---|---|
| November 2, 2024 – April 30, 2025 | Permit required – no limit on number of permits issued (non quota season). Reserve a permit up to one week in advance. |
| February 1, 2025 – March 1, 2025 | Apply for 2025 season Mt Whitney Lottery |
| March 15, 2025 | Lottery results published |
| April 21, 2025 | Deadline to confirm awarded lottery reservation and pay $15 per person reservation fees |
| April 22, 2025 | Dates from unclaimed lottery released for web reservation at 7am PST |
| May 1, 2025 – November 1, 2025 | Quota season when number of people per day is limited |
| November 2, 2025 – April 30, 2026 | Permit required – no limit on number of permits issued (non quota season). Reserve a permit up to one week in advance. |
Pro Tips:
- Apply for multiple date ranges to improve your chances in the lottery.
- Be flexible and ready to adjust your plans if your preferred dates are unavailable.
- Check permit availability on recreation.gov frequently if you missed the lottery.
- Permits have to be claimed and paid for by 4/22/24. Unclaimed permits have traditionally been released at 12:00 a.m. the following day, offering a great chance to secure a weekend spot.
- Spring Permits: In a normal snow year, expect snow and ice on the trail. Learn how to use crampons and an ice axe for safe navigation.
- Summer Permits: Be prepared for monsoonal storms, which can develop suddenly in the afternoons.
- Fall Permits: Temperatures drop at higher elevations. Early winter storms may require the use of crampons and an ice axe.
- Consider taking a Winter Skills Course to learn proper techniques for using crampons and ice axes. SWS Guiding, based in Lone Pine.
A message from AWE
In the ’80s, tossing trash out of car windows was commonplace—until the “Don’t Be a Litterbug” campaign came along and changed behavior on a massive scale. At AWE, we believe the same power of messaging can transform how people care for the places we love to travel and explore. Most people are good, and travel is inevitable—every hike, swimming hole, and climbing spot is just a few clicks away. As content creators, we believe we have a responsibility to weave Leave No Trace principles into everything we share, inspiring travelers to recreate responsibly and minimize their impact on the incredible places so many of us cherish.
Your actions matter: where you walk, how you park, how you treat locals, and even how loud you play your music. It all makes a difference. Search “Leave No Trace” to learn more about responsible recreation and how you can help protect the wild spaces we love and share.
AWE Disclaimer
Recreation activities may involve inherent risks, including but not limited to changing weather conditions, challenging terrain, wildlife encounters, and other unforeseen hazards. Visitors should check with local land management agencies or authorities for up-to-date information on trail conditions, access, permits, and regulations before planning their trip.
Always prioritize safety by being prepared, carrying adequate supplies, and following Leave No Trace principles to protect the environment. Respect local rules, private property, and other visitors. This post is for informational purposes only, and participation in any activity is at your own risk.
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