Hello,
My question is can you do this with a dayhike permit (ie: hike to LPL the previous afternoon, set up camp and sleep until 3-4am. Then wake up and leave the tent and sleeping bags and everything except a daypack there, and hike to the summit and back that day. Is this a legal/feasible option? Do I need to worry about people stealing gear from the campsite? etc. Thanks for all the help! I've been reading this board and the Whitney Portal Store board and all the advice has been so helpful with my preparation.
Unfortunately, you need an overnight permit to camp at Lone Pine Lake, even though it is just before the Whitney Zone. However, at this time of year, you can probably get one as a walk-in.
I haven't camped at Lone Pine Lake (though I have often thought of doing so because it is one of the most beautiful places on the trail) so I cannot vouch for safety from theft. However, I have never had any problems with theft of gear at any other campsites (I have camped at both Outpost and Trail Camp). Of course, Lone Pine Lake is more accessible to day hikers. If it were me, I'd probably go for it (i.e., leave basic gear there).
If you do this, after you set up your camp, you might think of doing a little day hike to perhaps a quarter mile or so just past Mirror Lake to see the terrain. That's where people have been saying the trail may get a little confusing this year. That way, when you go back in the morning when it is dark, it will be familiar, plus you'll have the benefit of an acclimatizing hike to slightly higher elevation. Plus, you'll get a great view if you climb up the section past Mirror Lake.
