Mt. Whitney Portal Store & Hostel Forums General Mt. Whitney Portal Store Message Board Leaving trail prior to exit date

Oh Whitney wise ones. I have a question for you.
Has anyone suffered repercussions exiting at Whitney Portal a day or two prior to the date on their permit? Is there a Ranger at Trail Crest jct that stops you and says "Whoa buddy,you've got to stay up here two more days according to this here paper"
What if you're out of food, have AMS, a family emergency or just have had enough?
I would think they would be stricter on who is coming up, rather than who is coming down.
As always, Thanks in advance.

You should not have a problem with that.

I've only exited early once: and ever since then wondered what I could have done with that day... :-)

Have a safe trip.

-L

I had my permit checked when hiking down the MT on a Whitney exit permit during a thru hike from Onion Valley. I asked the ranger that question -- what would happen if I was a day early or late due to an emergency. The ranger said that they would understand were that to happen. There is unlikely to be a ranger stationed at Trail Crest itself...you tend to run into them on the trail.

The Rangers I have come across (one at the Trail Crest) were more concerned with me having a WAG bag than an accurate exit date... always a friendly encounter...