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

We saw three openings for the MWT and decided to try to go on those days. By the time we had everyone nailed down the permits were snatched up. Do we still have a good chance of getting no-show permits on the 9th (Monday) of July?? If so what is a good time to get to the office?? We were thinking of leaving Sunday the 8th at midnight, getting there at around 3-4am, to be the first ones in line for no-show permits.
If we cant secure those, what are the chances of going on another trail?? Can Meysan Lakes be done in 2 days?? Or how bouts the MR?? We are fit and experienced enough to give it a go. But are there quotas on these trails as well? We just dont want to be screwed when we get there. Any input would be greatly appreciated!!! Thank you....

Your best bet would be to call the FS for current info on permit availability and when the show up for a no-show opening. Walk-in permits are available starting at 11:00 am the day before entry.

It's not clear what you mean by doing Meysan Lakes in 2 days. Any of the peaks in the Meysan Lakes drainage can be done in one day, or an easy overnight. If your question was about doing Whitney from Meysan Lakes, then no, it's not really a two-day affair.

Both the Meysan Lakes and NF trails are quota trails. The Meysan Lakes quota usually doesn't fill up, the NF often does.

Wilderness permit options Step 6



If people do not pick up or confirm their day hike permits by noon the day BEFORE their hike, the space is reissued at 2 PM. I don't know why you would want to leave super early in the morning, unless you are trying to get any no-show space that was left over from the previous afternoon (and was not reissued by closing). Aren't you planning to acclimate at someplace like the Portal/Horseshoe Meadow before you begin your hike?