Mt Whitney Zone Forums General Discussion Options and Questions About Getting an Early Start

Jammer, only the trip leader needs to be at the Visitor Center.

Your comments about camping outside the Whitney Zone: You must still have an overnight wilderness permit to camp even at Lone Pine Lake. Camping at Whitney Portal is the only place a wilderness permit is not required, since that is more a car-camping mode.

Best of luck getting everything worked out! I hope it goes smoothly.