How to Hike Mt Whitney (2026)

How to hike Mt. Whitney the smart way: directions, pacing, training, and more. *Gear I'm Using Now:* * inReach: https://hkgy.co/inreach * Hiking App: https://hkgy.co/app * Watch: https://hkgy.co/watch * Shoes: https://hkgy.co/shoes * Pack: https://hkgy.co/backpack * Rescue Insurance: https://hkgy.co/insurance *Full Hiking Gear List (What I Use Now - Tested & Not Sponsored):* https://hikingguy.com/gear *More Hiking Content* * Guide: https://hikingguy.com/hikes/mt-whitney/ * Website: https://hikingguy.com * Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/hikingguy * Monthly Hiking News (free): https://www.patreon.com/c/hikingguy/ * Subscribe: https://www.youtube.com/c/Hikingguy Mt Whitney is a 21.7 mile day hike with 6,600 feet of gain, taking most people 12 to 16 hours. I break down the route from Whitney Portal to the summit, covering training progression, permit lottery strategy, pacing, gear you actually need, and altitude sickness management. Most hikers start between midnight and 5 a.m., so you'll be hiking in the dark initially. The guide includes real-world tips on water sources, camping options, snow conditions by season, lightning safety at elevation, and how to use a pace calculator to plan your day. This is doable for fit hikers who prepare correctly. 00:00 The Whitney Challenge 00:18 Trail Route Overview 01:15 Essential Gear List 02:05 How to Train 04:25 Permit Lottery Tips 05:14 Camping & Water 07:05 Snow Conditions 08:17 Altitude Sickness 11:18 Lightning Safety 12:12 Reaching the Summit --- *Disclaimer:* Some of these links are affiliate links where I'll earn a small commission if you make a purchase at no additional cost to you. I only recommend gear I actually use and trust.