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

Is there a point to which you can climb without a permit on the main Whitney trail, or is a permit needed beyond the portal?

There's a sign just passed Lone Pine Lake that lets you know that you need a permit to go any further.

Here is the <a href=http://homepage.mac.com/artomis/.Pictures/Mt.%20Whitney%2006%2028%2003/Mt.-Whitney-Zone-Map.jpg>map</a> of the Mt. Whitney Zone Area. Inside the doted line you will need permit (day or overnight). On the Main Trail, "The Mt. Whitney Zone" is starting just above Lone Pine Lake (like "uscdad" mentioned above). For more images of the Main Trail you can go <a href=http://homepage.mac.com/artomis/PhotoAlbum32.html>here</a> or you can hit search and find more informations.
Happy Hike!