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US-03 Whitney Pop
Overview
Mount Whitney is the highest point in the contiguous United States — a 14,505-foot summit that stands like a granite citadel above the Sierra Nevada. The Main Trail, one of the most popular California hikes, is a pilgrimage: long, demanding, and iconic. It represents the closest thing America has to a “national epic” that you can complete in a single day, making it a must for outdoor adventures and a top choice among day hikes.
Quick Stats
• Base Town: Lone Pine, California
• Distance: 22 miles
• Elevation Gain: 6,700 ft
• Estimated Time: 12–18 hours
• Route Type: Out-and-Back
When to Hike
The best time for outdoor adventures on the hiking trail to Mount Whitney is from mid-July through mid-September, when the route is typically snow-free and the weather is at its most stable. Outside this window, snow and ice can turn this popular California hike into a technical climb, making it less suitable for day hikes.
Permit Required
Mount Whitney utilizes a permit lottery system to effectively manage the significant demand for both day hikes and overnight trips in California. Applications for this popular hiking trail open on February 1, with results announced on March 15 each year. Winners are selected at random, so it doesn’t matter when you apply within that timeframe. All permits for these outdoor adventures are processed through Recreation.gov, where you can easily submit your lottery entry and check the results.
Apply here: https://www.recreation.gov/permits/445860
