How to Hike Mt. Whitney FAQ and Information

Most first-timers hike Mt. Whitney via the Mount Whitney Main Trail (MMWT). It is about 11 miles to the summit, for a total roundtrip distance of 22 miles.

Most hikers attempt Mt. Whitney as a one day trip, completing the hike in 12 – 20 hours. There are many factors that can affect how long it will take you to climb or hike Mt. Whitney, including your fitness level, how well your body adjusts to high altitude, weather and how many other hikers there are on the trail.

Most people hike Mt. Whitney rather than climb it via the Mountaineers Route, which is rated as a class 3 trail.

The Mt. Whitney Main Trail is a well maintained trail, with moderate include of 550 feet per mile. However, it is generally considered a difficult hike due to its length, elevation gain and overall elevation.

Yes, people hike Mt. Whitney as a long day hike, many completing the hike in 12 to 16 hours.

Mount Whitney can be climbed during the winter. Winter ascents require mountaineering equipment and the skills to safely use that equipment.

For PCT hikers, Mt. Whitney is a 16 mile roundtrip detour off of the trail, but many attempt the summit of Mt. Whitney.

There is snow on Mt. Whitney year-round. The snow may have little impact on hiking the MMWT July through September, but it can snow any day of the year.
Mt. Whitney via ‘The Chute’ is a trip report from an early June ascent after a winter with a low snow pack. Crampons, an ice axe and helmet were required to complete this trip safely.

Most people consider Mt. Whitney as a harder hike than Half Dome — it has more mileage, elevation gain and a higher overall elevation.

There are no official statistics, but the common belief is about one-third of the 30,000 issued permits per year result in a successful summit attempt.

Mount Whitney is 14,494 feet or 4,418 metres above sea level.

Mount Whitney is 14,494 feet above sea level and is the tallest peak in the 48 contiguous United States.

Mount Whitney is the highest peak in the lower 48. Alaska has higher peaks.

There are black bears on Mt. Whitney and Whitney Portal (location of the trailhead) is a magnet for hungry bears. Cars have been destroyed due to the owners leaving scented items (food, chapstick, Gatorade, etc) in their vehicles. A few hikers have had their packs stolen by a bear when they’ve left their packs unattended (for example, while using the bathroom).

Permits are required year round. Permits help the forest service keep track of who is on the mountain (in the event of an emergency) as well as limit hikers on the mountain during the quota period.

Yes – there are rangers on the trail checking permits.

Permits are required for Mt. Whitney. If caught without a permit, you willed be cited/fined and potentially escorted off of the mountain.

The quota season runs from May 1 to November 1. During this time, issued permits are limited to 100 hikers per day for day use and 60 hikers per day for overnight.

From November 2 to April 30 there is not a quota, but permits are still required.

Wilderness Permit Office starts accepting applications for the Mount Whitney lottery each year on February 1st. Applications are accepted through March 15th.

Outside of the 10 essentials, gear is a very personal choice. Even when attempting Whitney as a dayhike, I ask those that hike with me to bring enough clothing to survive a night on the trail if necessary. An example of my packing list is here: Mt. Whitney Trip Planning

There is usually water readily available until you reach Trail Camp.

Over the course of a dayhike, I’d expect to drink 6+ liters of water. There are several lakes along the trail, so if you plan accordingly, you should not have to carry more than 2-3 liters of water at a time.

Supplemental oxygen is typically not used by hikers on Whitney. Here is a discussion on the topic: Using Oxygen on Mt. Whitney

There can be snow and ice on the trail at any point during the year. While crampons aren’t typically needed during most of the quota season, be sure to check trail condition and the weather forecast leading up to your hike. The MWMT is usually snow free from July through late September.

Due to the climate and composition of the soil, human waste and toilet paper take a very long time to decompose on Mt. Whitney. Hikers are required to use a wag bag and must not leave their used wag bags on the mountain.

Wag bags are essentially a toilet in a bag — most of these kits include an outer ziplock disposal bag, waste collection bag, toilet paper, hand sanitizer towelette and a gelling powder to prevent spillage and odor.