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Everything you need to actually go

Each trailhead is one tile — coordinates, parking notes, permit system, all in the same place. No more hopping between agency websites. Updated after every trip.

4 trailheads
Eastern Sierra & White Mountains
All coordinates field-verified
Updated May 2026
Barcroft Gate — White Mountain Rd
White Mountain Peak · White Mountains
◯ Trailhead + Parking
Coordinates37.587°N · 118.237°W
Trailhead elev.~12,000 ft
Road typePaved to dirt · 2WD ok
From Bishop~45 min
Parking feeFree
NoteGate locked seasonally — check WMRS
📄 Permit ✓ No permit
RequiredNot required
AgencyWhite Mountain Research
CostFree
SeasonJune–Oct typical
No permit or quota. Road gated seasonally — check White Mountain Research Station for current access. Typically open June through early November.
Open in Maps ⬇ GPX WMRS road info ↗
Cottonwood Lakes Trailhead
Mount Langley · Southern Sierra
◯ Trailhead + Parking
Coordinates36.476°N · 118.176°W
Trailhead elev.~10,040 ft
Road typePaved · 2WD ok
From Lone Pine~1 hr via Horseshoe Meadow Rd
Parking feeFree · National Forest
NoteRoad opens ~May depending on snow
📄 Permit ✓ No permit
RequiredNot required (day) / self-issue (overnight)
Self-issueAt trailhead register
CostFree
QuotaNone
No quota, no online permit. Free self-issue wilderness permit at the trailhead register if you're camping overnight. Fill it out before you start walking.
Open in Maps ⬇ GPX Inyo NF page ↗
Whitney Portal Trailhead
Mt Whitney · Mt Muir · Mt Russell
◯ Trailhead + Parking
Coordinates36.587°N · 118.239°W
Trailhead elev.8,360 ft
Road typePaved all the way
From Lone Pine~13 miles · ~25 min
Parking fee$15/night · pay station
NoteFills by 3am — arrive night before
📄 Permit Lottery
Systemrecreation.gov
Lottery opensFebruary 1 (annual)
Cost$6/person
Quota100/day (day) · 60/day (overnight)
One of the hardest permits in California. February lottery is your best shot — apply for multiple dates. Walk-up permits (10 overnight / 15 day) released at 6am at the Interagency Visitor Center in Lone Pine.
Open in Maps ⬇ GPX recreation.gov ↗
Shepherd Pass — Symmes Creek TH
Mt Williamson · Mt Tyndall
◯ Trailhead + Parking
Coordinates36.637°N · 118.291°W
Trailhead elev.~5,960 ft
Road typeDirt · high clearance recommended
From Independence~30 min via Foothill Rd
Parking feeFree
NoteSeldom-visited — likely have lot to yourself
📄 Permit Required
Systemrecreation.gov
Lottery opensMarch 1 (annual)
Cost$6/person
Quota25/day — low traffic
Far less competitive than Whitney. Walk-ups often available on weekdays. Pick up at Lone Pine IVC or self-issue at the trailhead.
Open in Maps ⬇ GPX recreation.gov ↗
Showing all 4 trailheads · permit info current as of May 2026
All coordinates verified in the field. Always reconfirm permit info with the relevant agency before your trip.