Mt. Whitney Portal Store & Hostel Forums General Mt. Whitney Portal Store Message Board Best time to go

Hello everyone! I tried searching on this topic, but nothing came up. I plan to come from NC to hike Whitney this summer. So, I want to maximize my chances of getting to the top. I plan on acclamating at Horseshoe Meadows (since I don't do well at altitudes) and will camp at Trail Camp on the way up. The question is, what time limits should I put on my permit application? I was thinking July 15 through the end of September. Does this make sense, or do you think I should change this date range? I am worried about ice, weather, and odds of getting a permit.

I'll focus on your final sentence - "I am worried about ice, weather, and odds of getting a permit." Your odds of getting a permit are maximized by applying for dates past Labor Day. Permits for summer dates go to the lucky - we've been shut out for two years in a row for the "traditional" summer days, but we got a permit last year for Sept 6-9th. There are fewer people on the trail once Labor Day is over, and less/no ice and better weather.

Here's my other comment: Yes, there will be no reserved permits available from mid-June to Labor Day once the lottery is run. However, if you fail at the lottery, you will still have a good chance of getting a permit for mid-week days by showing up to the Interagency Center in Lone Pine. A significant # of people have their days reserved and permits paid for well in advance, but cancel their trips or don't bother to show. It's worth the risk, but I understand if you have anxiety because you don't live close by.

I would move the range earlier to the beginning of July.

If you are a single hiker, and you ask for an overnight permit starting any day between July 1 and Sept. 30, you are very likely to get a permit. I would give them a preferred range, and then the full 7/1 to 9/30 as a second preference.

But like enf said above, you are practically guaranteed a permit if you show up in the morning of your hike at the Visitor Center. If you didn't get one, you could do some more acclimating and come back the next morning. The odds of NOT getting one two days in a row are almost nil.

I'm a bit more conservative than some of the other regulars here, especially with someone coming from the east.

If your plan is day hike, just pick exact dates. If your plan is to backpack the MMWT, I'd go from 8/1 until 9/21.

Your worries are...

ice...it may still be there in mid July, if we have heavy and late winter and a cool spring.

weather...during the period you suggest requesting is the middle of monsoon season. By the end of September, there can be measurable snow on the trail...unlikely but it can happen.

Odds of getting a permit...There are 540 prime backpacking permits, weekends between the 4th and Labor Day. Get one is a crapshot at best. Getting a mid-week permit mid be easier if you permit request was structure that way. Day hike permits are not an issue, you will get one if you apply, with the possible exception of a few weekends in Whitney Prime Time.

Press the Orientation notes for Whitney first timers in the Featured Topics Section...lot'sa good stuff there.