S TA R T Lake Tahoe 8-10 697 days miles FINISH Yosemite INSIDE TIP Before you go, check road conditions, especially in winter and spring, as snow accumulation can limit travel. MOST EPIC M O U N TA I N STO P For all its brawny bigness, Mount Whitney is surprisingly accessible. If you're in decent shape and are comfortable backpacking, plan for a two-day trip (plus time to acclimate to the altitude) to tackle the 10.7-mile trail (one way). Required permits are awarded by lottery, February 1 to March 15. H E AV E N LY M O U N TAIN RE S O RT