Mt. Whitney Portal Store & Hostel Forums General Mt. Whitney Portal Store Message Board Day of entry permit availability

I was thinking of driving up to Lone Pine tomorrow, Thursday, 16 October, to pick up a permit for a Whitney day hike on the following day, Friday. I am assuming there should be no problem securing a permit on a weekday in October.

Are my assumptions correct?

Thanks.

I think your odds are quite good. Just did that yesterday. Have never had a problem getting a walk-in permit, whether for a dayhike or overnight. Have always avoided weekends, however.

Yes, they are correct. You can see what is available here. Permits are available for everything except overnight starting Saturday. But with the snowfall and cold, I'll bet there will be greater than 50% no-show rate even for that day.

Thanks for the replies, and that handy link.

Snow? You mean snow on Saturday? Because NOAA is saying there won't be any snow on Friday.

No, snow on the trail. Read the "Fall Conditions" topic at the top of the list.

You will not have a problem getting a permit. My group and I are grabbing our permits Thursday and leaving early Friday morning so we'll probably see you on the trail. We have a group of 6: 5 guys and 1 gal. Be sure to say hello. Simon, right? --Eric

You'd be throwing your money away to reserve in October. Spend the money on a 12 pack of Alaskan Amber for after the hike.

Didn't realize there is already snow and ice on the trail!

I think I'll do another winter of climbing Baldy before I attempt Whitney in the snow.

Thanks, all.