Mt. Whitney Portal Store & Hostel Forums General Mt. Whitney Portal Store Message Board Long term parking at WP

Hello all,

After not finding anything related to the subject in the search option, I need some advice from those that frequent WP in the summer.
I'm trying to do some logistics from here on the West coast of New England for a trip out in late July. We're planning on a leisurely 6 or 7 day hike from Onion Valley to WP and the question is, is there a spot for long term parking at WP for those SOBO on the JMT, or is it first come, first parked? If so by what time should one arrive to be sure find a parking spot? We drove up from LP two years ago on a different trip and turned back after seeing the cars parked along side the road.
Thanks for your time.

Hi,

The area around the pond is for day use parking only, as the posted signs so designate.

Everywhere else is first come/ first serve. When I arrive at the WP around 0400 or 0430 during the summer, I will almost always be able to park within 50 to 100 yards of the Trail Head.

However, during daylight hours, do not expect such primo spots to be empty and waiting for your arrival. Then, parking is found in the Overflow Lot below the Walk-In Campground or along the Portal Road. (Beware, sometimes the Overflow Lot completely fills.)

If I plan to sleep (inconspicuously) in my car at the WP before a hike, I will arrive after the Portal Store has closed and many of the hikers have returned to the Trail Head and driven away. Again, in this case a primo parking spot is usually easy to find.

Out of courtesy to others, those in the backcountry for extended periods sometimes consider parking in the Overflow Lot or along the road.

Hope this helps.

Jim F

Thanks Jim F, great suggestions. I will plan accordingly.

obi96

There is a long term parking lot at WP but if it is full, you are allowed to park along the road. I did this two summers ago while thru hiking the JMT and had no issues what so ever and I was out for 3 weeks.
Good luck