Mt Whitney Zone Forums General Discussion Help with info to 2 foreigners to visit Whitney

My husband and me are planning to visit for first time US and we are arriving to Las vegas on August, and he´s so excited about the idea of climbing mount Whitney. But we don´t have a clue on how to get tickets, and to book correctly using https://www.recreation.gov/. It seems to us the main route to go it´s not available for the week we are there. We arrive on August 11, 2024.

Could someone tell us how we can find an alternative to get to the peak? we want to spend one night and do the whole route in 2 days, if not possible, how can we get an option of 1 day?

Please I'm getting crazy trying to understand the booking system in US. And we are travelling from Costa Rica.

I believe that you mean "permits" when you say "tickets." The number of permits are limited for both overnight and day hikes (60 and 100). At this time, all available permits for the month of August are fully subscribed. You can check the recreation.gov website periodically to see if any permits are turned in. I would not count on this happening. A lottery is conducted during the month of February to assign permits.

Consider alternate hikes. For example, the trail to Meysan Lake is near the Whitney Trail. It travels through beautiful country passing several small lakes to arrive at a high mountain lake. The nearby Horseshoe Meadows area offers a variety of hikes all through beautiful areas.

If you want to try a 14 thousand foot peak besides Whitney do Mt. Langley out of Horseshoe Meadows. 4000 feet of gain over 9 miles and trailhead starts at 10000 feet. Better views than Whitney and no permit required for a day hike.

Look at the options for hikes other than Mt Whitney, but there is a chance you could get a "Day Use" or Overnight permit in August, if you keep trying. Cancellations show up at random times, so the more often you check, the better your chances. And cancellations will more likely show up within a few days, or up to two weeks before the week you want to go. So keep checking. Here's the website link that you need:

Mt Whitney Availability

That website requires you to enter the number of hikers before it will show you what is available. If you look at the week ahead, you will see available permits. They won't be nearly as plentiful in August, since the trail will be free of snow by then, so everyone will be trying to go.