Mt. Whitney (Trail Crest Exit)

Reservation Fee: A $6.00 non-refundable reservation fee is required for each permit reservation. Reservation fees are used to finance the online reservation system and software for permit data. Recreation Fee: A per person recreation fee is charged for your group when reserving a wilderness permit for entry on Inyo National Forest trails. The recreation fees are used to finance on-the-ground wilderness programs in Inyo National Forest. A $15.00 per person recreation fee is charged for trips entering the Whitney Zone (Mt. Whitney, North Fork of Lone Pine Creek, and Trail Crest Exit). A $5.00 per person recreation fee is charged for all other areas. There are no discounts for annual passes, military, seniors, or children. All people count for wilderness quotas and fees.

All wilderness permits are reserved online. If you see "NR" it means the 60% of quota released 6 months in advance has already been reserved, and the remaining 40% of quota will be released 2 weeks in advance on the same day of the week at 7am Pacific Time. No Show Deadline: Permit will be canceled unless printed before the deadline, 10am on the entry date. Print at Home as early as one week before the trip. Once you print your permit you do not need to check in at the visitor center. After printing you cannot make changes unless you go to a visitor center for assistance. Link to full Permit Printing Instructions . Check for open hours before you go to the visitor center. In-person service includes the chance to ask questions in person, rent a bear can, or purchase maps along with printing the permit. Checklist Before You Print: Review details and verify final group size before you print permit. View Leave No Trace video ? Print California Campfire Permit (required) to have a campfire or operate a stove. Print rules (required) if traveling in Yosemite or Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks Print trip information to leave with a friend (recommended) ReConn Form Inyo National Forest Safety Information and Search & Rescue Mountain Safety Message. Check weather and trail conditions. Do not rely on cell phone for communication or navigation, most of the forest has no cell service. Come prepared to find your way. Download maps and emergency information before starting your trip. Plan to be self-sufficient. Bring adequate supplies of food, water, and clothing. Learn symptoms of altitude sickness Be Bear Aware Storing food and scented items in containers designed to prevent access by bears is required in areas with a history of conflict between bears and humans. In all other parts of Inyo National Forest Wilderness, store food either by container or by hanging at least 15 feet above the ground and 10 feet horizontally from a tree trunk. Review wilderness rules for specific areas where food storage containers are required . Do not leave food or refuse in your car or tent. Do not leave food unattended. In campgrounds and parking areas with bear proof lockers, all food and scented items must be removed from vehicles and secured in the lockers. Dispose of trash in bear resistant trash cans. Human Waste Disposal There are no restrooms in the wilderness. Visitors to the Mt. Whitney area are expected to pack-out their solid human waste with wag bags. In other areas poop should be buried six to eight inches deep and at least 100 feet or more from water sources, trails, or campsites. Behave Responsibly Every visit to Wilderness has impacts. Do your part to minimize yours by following regulations and Leave No Trace practices. Pack out all your trash, help keep our wilderness areas pristine. Protect water quality, don’t use soap in natural waterways, even biodegradable soap can damage aquatic life. Waste water should be scattered at least 100 feet away from any water source. Don’t cut switchbacks, shortcutting damages the trail and adds to erosion. No drones, they are prohibited in wilderness. No loud audio devices, let the sounds of nature be part of the wilderness experience. Campfires are restricted in many areas, wood growth is very slow at high elevation and what little wood exists helps sustain the natural soil, plant and animal community. Do not camp on vegetation, these fragile areas are easily damaged. Choose a campsite at least 100 feet away from lakes, streams, or trails.

35 nights per trip