Mt. Whitney Portal Store & Hostel Forums General Mt. Whitney Portal Store Message Board Mount Whitney Closure In the News

This just popped up on the radar a few minutes ago. Doug, any thoughts on this? I'd rather get the inside scoop than trust the news at this point. I figure this is the least likely place to go off the rails turning into a political argument.

Forest Service employees who spoke with the publication noted that the funding freeze could significantly impact essential services, including human waste removal, trail maintenance, and search-and-rescue operations. Mount Whitney, known for frequent rescues and fatalities, may be particularly affected.

KTLA Article regarding closures amid federal budget freeze

A lot of click bait there EH.

I agree. I’d like to see the county step in and help out if it becomes an issue. They are getting a lot of people to visit the area due to Mount Whitney and I think they could shift some resources to help with maintenance to keep it open.

Inyo County does do a fair amount given their meager budgets. SAR is a countywide operation supported by volunteers and fundraisers, the Inyo Sheriff's office provides some support, and the maintenance of the road to the Portal and most of the other roads to popular trailheads is carried out primarily by Inyo County road crews.

Not an Rver, but this guy does a lot of camping news that is balanced in its presentation...