Mt. Whitney Portal Store & Hostel Forums General Mt. Whitney Portal Store Message Board Cold.....

Hi Quick update very cold this morning, pond has ice and wind was strong most of the night , wind is calm in the Portal now but still very cold or a better way to say it we are now in the normal range for this time of the season outside now 8:30 AM 30 degrees in the Portal low last night low 20's This would put trail camp about 10 or lower.

County is working on the road so watch for equipment working, also we have about 15 deer around the area now and they are crossing the road day and night, bears were sighted two nights ago so use the storage boxes, Forest Service and BLM Campgrounds are closed so try Diaz lake or Boulder Creek along 395. Also County Campground at the bottom of the mountain 1/4 mile from town.
Last word on the trail is Permits are required , day hikes outside the Whitney Zone do not require a permit. Your letter is not a Permit. On the Park side all access is closed call 202 395 7254 for latest updates.
Thanks Doug

Thanks for the update Doug! Can't wait for a burger Sunday night .

Does this mean Earlene has gone south for the winter?

Anyone have an idea what the fine/ticket is for being in the zone without a permit?

$100.00 fine.

Does the "Nat'l Closure Order" apply to the facilities at Whitney Portal or the trail itself?

There doesn't appear to any sign or posting at the Whitney or Meysan trailheads indicating they are closed. There may be a Xeroxed sheet of paper on one of the toilets near the trailhead saying that the 'facility' is closed (and it is locked.) On the other hand, the toilets in the overflow parking area are unlocked.

Whitney Portal Road is, I believe, a county road and therefore unaffected by the gov't shutdown.

The only "protection" of public health or property afforded from this shutdown is the politicians' hides. Amazing when they shift to the eastern seabord that they forget they are there to serve us taxpayers, not get re-elected. Since they aren't doing their job, I hereby proclaim that, for the protection of all hikers' public health, all trails are open for use. Enjoy!