We are currently in Lone Pine and have spoken to forest service firefighters who told us the Whitney Portal road definitely will not open today. They said they are focusing their efforts on the area around the Whitney Portal in order to protect that area. From what is visible to us from the 395, the fire doesn't look that bad, and the active areas are North of Whitney Portal Road. Of course we can't see into the canyons, and there is a lot of activity, helicopters and firetrucks going into the onion valley road area between Lone Pine and Independence. We checked into the inter-agency visitor center and all Whitney permit holders for today have been automatically refunded. They are honoring permit holders within the next 7 days if the road reopens but at this point it doesn't look like it will today or tomorrow. They are very helpful and will look for alternate permits for you that are available so your trip isn't a total wash. There is no additional charge for another permit for a different trail if that's what you want to do. Alternatively, if you have a few days to spare, you can begin the trail in horseshoe meadows and hike about 15 miles to the junction, from there it is 8 miles to the summit of Whitney. You still need a permit for this however, and I believe it is a PCT permit which we were told you can get on line. Unfortunately we don't have time for a 4-5 day trip which is about how long that would take to do round-trip. Good luck to everyone who has plans in the next few days!
