Mt. Whitney Portal Store & Hostel Forums General Mt. Whitney Portal Store Message Board No Reservations

I believe I have read in this forum that it is often possible to obtain a permit at the visitor center even if one does not have a reservation. However, I can't find the post describing the process. Can anyone help me with advice on this? If a permit is not picked up, is it released at a certain time of day? Does anyone have an idea of the odds for a solo hiker to get an overnight permit without a reservation? Thanks.

You should be able to find the Information here: http://www.fs.usda.gov/main/inyo/passes-permits/recreation

Thanks! That's just what I was looking for. Hope I'll get lucky and get one.

The odds are extremely in your favor. I believe that last year, there were only 10 days of overnites, and 11 days of dayhikes in the 6 month quota season on which you could not have walked in and gotten a permit, including the 4th of july.