Mt. Whitney Portal Store & Hostel Forums General Mt. Whitney Portal Store Message Board 2025

The Quota System doesn't start until May 1...

There kinda is, but yes, online only... If you miss the initial lottery in Feb, there is a 'secondary' lottery where they release the permits that weren't confirmed/paid for. Check the rec.gov site for Whitney permits you will see a tab that says 'important dates'. So next week April 22 is when that happens. You will need to be cued up & ready to pull the trigger right at 0700 PST they will be gone in 10 mins... If you miss that lottery then you will have to check online every day, or around the time you want to go, during permit season to see what might be available. The problem with that is usually whatever they post is the next day or at best only a few days out. I've been pretty lucky getting permits this way...

Doug went up and checked the Culvert area and the paving is ongoing and looks like most of the equipment used for the project has moved out ,so we could be getting close to THAT section opening. The area above the lower parking lot /first closure was still in place several days ago and active road work above and the Hard closure was in place . Expect that to be the case for the next few days.

We may start working on opening of the store and campground next week , will know more Tuesday.

For the Early May permit hikers plan on snow travel above 10,000' snow is clearing as normal and we should see the ( "'500') a week melt as always the south facing areas will clear very quickly shaded areas very slow to clear and above 12,000 trailcamp the trail is on the side of a north facing slope and will hold snow longer also this area will have a different melt cycle as the snow changes from "state to state" , look it up ! a good read and helps explain mountain weather.

Don't forget jackets and snacks !!

Thank you for the update, Doug Sr.

Hopefully know more Tuesday!

If anyone manages to get a glimpse of the final 400 of the mountaineer's route, please share your findings!

Hi, we secured permits in the unclaimed lottery today for October 25th. Wondering if this time of year is drastically different than early May time frame (so right around now).

We went for the summit last May 5th and the conditions were bluebird day, cold weather, snow for 80% of the hike, crampons, and cold weather gear. Wondering if the weather is similar in late October?

We had issues like frozen camelback tubes and filters but were able to get through that and ultimately ran into one person with altitude sickness at the base of the Switchbacks/the chute.

Wondering if we are in for a similar experience?

Thank you to anyone who has details on this!

Road opened today to lower gate you don't need to use detour

Thanks Doug for the info.

After driving the detour a couple weeks ago, I wasn't about to drive it again.

Any word on the lower gate opening date? I'll probably wait to drive up to Lone Pine until Horseshoe Meadows is open, at least to the last gate.

paul

The lower gate is closed and locked Sign posted on the gate says open April 31 ,

The road crew is working on the road .

Hi everyone! I have never posted on a forum before so hopefully I am doing everything right.

Anyways, I am going to attempt this hike for the first time. I had a group that wanted to join but I was the only one to secure a permit. My permit is for June 27th day use. Ideally, I would like to try and join a group if anyone knows anyone please reach out. I am fairly confident in my hiking abilities, but some company would give me some peace of mind undoubtedly. Happy trails y'all!

Hi bobby hill,

Here are a few thoughts:

(1) Many of the truly motivated members of the group that would like to join you for a day hike on June 27 will likely be able to secure a permit during the next two months.

(2) You note, "some company would give me some peace of mind undoubtedly." Maybe. Be careful who you team up with. Is the group really going to work together as a team?

(3) Assuming the conditions on the mountain are OK, you will always be encountering other folks on the trail the entire day (as well as a few rangers, possibly).

(4) Whether in a group or not, do your homework: Train, acclimatize, do a thorough study of the Trail and the Mountain.

(5) Just before you start, do not hesitate to drop in at the Whitney Portal Store at the Trailhead and ask questions. Also, in the parking lot talk to hikers coming off the Mountain.

Do not hesitate to post a conditions update here after your outing. Others can learn from your observations/experience.

Best,

Jim