Mt Whitney Zone Forums General Discussion Wilderness Permit - Bishop Pass - July 25th

Here is the procedure at White Mountain Ranger Station in Bishop:

If you can, get there when they open a 8 AM, the day before your departure day.

Put your name and approximate destination on a slip of paper they provide. This puts you at the head of the line for the 11 AM 40% permit issuing.

Then, be there a 11 AM and wait for them to call your name, at which time the permit will be issued to you. This is strictly first come first served.

I've used their procedure for years, and have never been denied a permit.

Another tip: the Bishop Pass trailhead parking is limited. A mid-week departure will help to ensure that you get to park at the trailhead; otherwise, you'll have to leave your car along the road below Parcher's Resort at the overflow parking area, one mile down the road from the trailhead.

Recent beta on bear activity on the South Fork of Bishop Creek: Not many reports of bear activity up the trails above the parking lot, but a very large male, about 600 pounds, has been hanging near the campgrounds, Parcher's, Rainbow Pack Station, and Bishop Creek Lodge. It raided Parcher's Resort last night. There is also second large specimen on the South Fork of Bishop Creek. DO NOT LEAVE FOOD IN YOUR VEHICLES AT THE TRAILHEAD.