Thanks Bob,
I just pulled out my Mt Whitney map and happened to notice a small square I hadn't seen before labeled "Winter Road Closure" located down before the switchbacks. That would be a long, brutal, road walk.
I assumed the gate up by the trailheads was "the" gate. Makes more sense they'd have a lower gate to keep people off the switchbacks during the snow season.
I'll check out those other options.
Appreciate the reply.
