Mt. Whitney Portal Store & Hostel Forums General Mt. Whitney Portal Store Message Board Lone Pine Campground/ Drive time from OC

I just made a reservation for Friday at the Lone Pine Campground and was wondering if they allow late arrivals. ReserveAmerica was not very helpful as they don't know the hours of operation of each campsite.

I will be leaving the Orange County area at 5PM. How long should it take me in average traffic. Do you think I can make it there before 10PM since that may be when they close? (quiet hrs are indicated 10PM-6AM)

If anybody could help I would appreciate it!

Also anyone headed up to Cottonwood Lakes on Saturday night. Thinking of checking out Mt. Langley before my Yosemite and Whitney trip in 2 weeks.
Thanks
-Steve-

5hrs is achievable depending on where you are starting from, but as you know traffic is anything but normal on Fridays. It typically takes me a bit less than 3hrs from LA.

Steve,
I live in Costa Mesa. Without traffic, you can look at around 4.5 hours to get up to Lone Pine. However, with traffic on O.C. and L.A., I'm afraid that you'd be hard pressed to make it to Lone Pine by 10 p.m. If there's any way you can blow out of O.C. closer to 3 p.m. or even 4 p.m., at least you'd have a fighting chance.

Good luck!
L

Thanks everyone. I just confirmed with the ranger station that you can set up camp anytime at the Lone Pine Campground...well just try to be quiet since it may be late.

Tuttle Creek is non reservable for those of you interested in a free campsite along the horseshoe meadows road.

As for the drive, I'm not sure about leaving early, but I've heard it is clear sailing after you hit the 15N towards 395N. Thanks again to all!

I'll post a report when I get back..hopefully some pics of Mt. Whitney from Langley.

You are coming from OC with freeway 5 to FW 14?
FW 14 toward Palmdale and Mohave is mostly cowded
everyday and Friday too. So count with delays.
Or go later.
I just came from Tioga Pass, Mt. Dana, on Saturday and 14 was full from 5 to Palmdale at night too.
Wish you nice weather and hike.

I think this is the route I will take:

5 North to 55N (or 241 from Irvine)
55N to 91E
91 East to 15N
15 North to 395N
395 North to THE MOUNTAINS!!!

Anybody know a better route on a busy traffic day?

I hear the 241 helps but they cahrge $3.50.