Mt. Whitney Portal Store & Hostel Forums General Mt. Whitney Portal Store Message Board Details of Permit

I'd like to get details on how the Whitney permit system works. I have reservatios for 4. Two of us will be arrivinging several days earlier than the permit dates and will be acclimating at either Portal or Horseshoe Meadows. Two will be coming at the very last minute. Do all four need to be present to pick up permits? Also, we are of differnt skill levels, and we will probably be hiking in two groups. Does each person have their own permit or is it for a group?

Thank you in advance for anyone with experience with this.

Pat

Your permit needs to be picked up by the person who applied for it, or a previously-designated alternate. In the past, a tag was given for each member of the group, to be attached to each person's pack where it is visible. I assume the routine is the same this year. All members of the group do not have to be present at the time the permit is picked up. You can also call a couple days ahead (phone # in the packet you received with your confirmation letter), and have the permit & tags left in the overnight box at the ranger station where they can be picked up after-hours the evening before your climb.
Good luck with your climb! We're both old, and "old-timers" on Whitney (over 60 & still going!). We'll be heading up July 5 for our 14th time. Blaze a nice trail thru all that snow for us!