Permits for Mount Whitney Hiking: How to Guarantee a Place on America’s Highest PeakIn 2022, only 26 percent of applicants obtained their first-choice permit.
It will take planning, strategy, and possibly a little bit of luck to reach the 14,505-foot summit of Mount Whitney in 2025.
What’s New in the Permit System for 2025Let’s clear up the misunderstanding.
Whether you’re planning a day walk or an overnight expedition, Mount Whitney now requires a wilderness permit all year round. What you should know is as follows:Application Period: February 1 – March 1, 2025Permit Cost: $15 per person for the Whitney Zone, plus a $6 reservation feeDaily Quotas: 100 day hikers and 60 backpackers during quota season (May 1-November 1)Pro tip: Don’t count on walk-up permits anymore. Recent changes have eliminated this option, making advance planning crucial.
Safety First: A Reality CheckWhat the slick