Mt Whitney Zone Forums General Discussion Lone Pine Lake

Can we hike up to Lone Pine Lake and camp (spend the night) the day before our permit (hike) for a head start? Meaning, can we spend the night at Lone Pine Lake without a permit?

No, sorry. While you can day hike up that far without a permit, camping overnight there requires the same permit as those spending the night higher on the trail.

But... When you go in with your reservation to pick up your permit, be sure to ask whether there are any overnight permits left for that day. It is always likely that there are some no-shows or cancellations available, and they will give you an overnight permit so you can camp there.

People have said it is a very nice place to camp -- usually nobody else, and very quite and serene.

Thanks Steve......We will give it a try....looking for a head start, but more importantly, a means to acclimate.

Good. What does your schedule look like for the acclimatization?

Not great. I arrive at Vegas very late on the 28th of June....Will be at Mt Whitney Portal on Wednesday early (AM) to pick up Permits.....our permits are for an overnight, starting Thursday the 30th. Not much time at all, and I live basically below sea level. Lone Pine Lake is about 10K, yes? If we don't spend the night before at Lone Pine, it will be over at Horseshoe Meadows....I guess....it will also depend on weather, conditions...etc.

based on your post, I wanted to point out permits are picked up at the visitor center in Lone Pine, not the Portal. Don't want you to be at the wrong place.

Yes, it is almost 10,000'. A hike up there and spending the night would be good. Get into the Visitor Center before 11, and they may give you the insider's advantage: Since you can pick up the permit for the next day that morning, AND they will not have started giving out the current-day's no-shows, you might be able to get it and go.

Since you're not getting much acclimation time, try to get to Lone Pine lake and go no further. Just rest the rest of the day -- resting rather than charging ahead gives your body time to acclimate. Next day, maybe climb only to Consultation Lake -- nice camping there, off trail. And again, take it easy! ...take reading material. You will need it.

On summit day, you should be well rested and fairly well acclimated.

I would definitely take some Diamox along -- get a prescription, try it at home (2 doses, only 125 mg every 12 hours) to make sure you don't have any bad side-effects.

Oh my, I missed that! VERY good point, wazzu.

Thanks, all...Steve and Wazzu. Typing to fast....I knew that as well. And thank for the advise. Looking very much forward to seeing "gods" country again....it's been a long time.