Peaks · California

Mt. Whitney, 14,505 feet

The tallest peak in the lower 48. Here's what it takes to stand on top, from the trail to the permit lottery, and how to get the summit photo worth keeping.

Turn your Mt. Whitney summit photo into a charm

A hiker on the summit of Mt. Whitney holding the MT. WHITNEY 14,505 sign overhead, Sierra peaks behind him — **Real Summit.** On top of Mt. Whitney, the full photo as taken.

Mt. Whitney at a glance

Summit elevation: 14,505 feet (4,421 meters)¹
Standing: Tallest peak in the contiguous United States¹
Where: On the boundary of Sequoia National Park and Inyo National Forest. The Mt. Whitney Trail starts in Inyo National Forest at Whitney Portal and reaches the summit in Sequoia National Park.^1,2
The trail: About 22 miles round trip from Whitney Portal (about 8,300 feet), gaining over 6,200 feet. Most day hikers take 12 to 14 hours.^2,3
Permits: Required year-round for everyone entering the Mt. Whitney Zone, day hikers included. From May 1 to November 1 the quota is 100 day hikers and 60 overnight hikers a day, awarded by a lottery each February.^1,2,3
On the trail: There are no restrooms on the trail. Hikers pack out their solid waste in kits handed out at the visitor center and trailhead.²

The summit sign

In our Real Summit photo the hiker is holding a cut-metal MT. WHITNEY 14,505 sign overhead, with the Sierra dropping away behind him. Whatever sign or marker you pose with on top, your charm keeps it in, readable, right beside you.

Getting the summit photo

Get your whole body in, head to boots.
Keep the sign you're holding, or the summit marker you're standing by, close to you and readable.
Ask the next hiker up to take it. Everyone on top is doing the same.

Mt. Whitney questions

Do you need a permit to hike Mt. Whitney?

Yes. Everyone entering the Mt. Whitney Zone needs a permit year-round, day hikers included. From May 1 to November 1 permits are limited and awarded by a lottery each February on Recreation.gov.

How long is the Mt. Whitney hike?

About 22 miles round trip from Whitney Portal, gaining over 6,200 feet. Most day hikers take 12 to 14 hours.

How tall is Mt. Whitney?

14,505 feet (4,421 meters), the tallest peak in the contiguous United States.

A Mt. Whitney Summit Charm clipped to a Salomon hydration vest — The first Summit Charm, from this Whitney summit, on the vest it hikes with.

Carry your Mt. Whitney summit

Months of training, a permit lottery, a 22-mile day and thin air at 14,505 feet. The photo you took on top is proof of all of it. We cut it to your outline with the sign kept in, so you can clip that moment to the pack that got you there... a badge for every hike after.

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Launching soon · $29 with free US shipping · Made right, or made again

Proud of someone who just made the top? Use the photo they sent you and give them their summit to carry. How gifting works

Sources

National Park Service, Sequoia & Kings Canyon, Mt. Whitney.
Recreation.gov, Mt. Whitney permits.
USDA Forest Service, Inyo National Forest, Mount Whitney.

Permit rules change. Check Recreation.gov for the current season before you plan a climb. Facts checked October 2026.