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

Unused dayhike permits become available?
My understanding of the current rules via IAC is:
Overnights become available at 11am
Dayhikes not claimed by noon - become available at 2pm
Does this sound accurate

I can confirm the day hike rule. One afternoon I asked for permits for the next day and the ranger told me they just became available at 2 p.m.

copied from the Permit Options on the left

For a Mount Whitney Zone (main trail or North Fork/MR) day hike permit, show up at the Visitors Center by 11 am the day BEFORE your entry date. Any cancellations that have not been re-reserved will become available then. If unsuccessful, report back to the Visitors Center by 2 pm that afternoon. No-shows for the next day become available at 2 pm.

Thanks - now I understand.

They are free after 11am for the cancels and reservable up until then.

For the no shows(who did not even take the time to call) by noon - window of two hours for logistics(and possible excusabable delayed arrivals) and then free for any who show up. But if you cannot be at the IAC by close of business - you would have to pay the $15. reserve fee to have them left in the overnight drop box.

Thanks to all who responded