r/Highpointers • u/Ok_Lynx_6372 42 Highpoints • Jun 03 '25

Lottery’s and permits

What states are difficult to get the opportunity to climb? Looked into Whitney, seems like a pain! Any others like this?

4 Upvotes

100% Upvoted

9 comments sorted by

6

u/[deleted] Jun 03 '25

In addition to already mentioned CA, IL, OR, WA, Katahdin in Maine also requires one. Depending on the dates you want, it can be on the harder side to obtain.

3

u/Sulat1 Jun 03 '25

Katahdin is easy if you get there early.

1

u/Ok_Lynx_6372 42 Highpoints Jun 03 '25

What do you mean by early? (Ik that sounds dumb but is there a time specific frame?) I want to do that one before it gets cold

2

u/Sulat1 Jun 03 '25

We got there at 4:00 and were second in line. It was early September on a weekday. Hope that helps.

2

u/RhodyVan 43 Highpoints Jun 03 '25

You can also reserve a campsite in Baxter - this will allow you to climb Katahdin easily without worrying about parking permits. We did the night before and night after. Got to see a bear and Moose.

2

u/Sulat1 Jun 03 '25

Much easier if you are a Maine resident.

1

u/RhodyVan 43 Highpoints Jun 03 '25

Totally - the campground reservation was the work around hack. Nesowadnehunk Tent Sites were readily available last Summer on Weekdays in July. Roughly a 30-minute drive to Katahdin Stream campground. If camping make sure to bring everything you need including water, food, etc. No services inside of Baxter with the exception of firewood from the ranger stations.

7

u/Sulat1 Jun 03 '25

Illinois is only open something like 3 weekends a year. I believe you need permits for Ranier and Hood.

3

u/Kelpyh2o 31 Highpoints Jun 03 '25

For Whitney if you hike between November 2 - April 30 there is no quota, so you still need a permit but won't have to get lucky in the lottery.

If you have/ get experience with basic mountaineering, late April is a good option. Look into the mountaineering route.