Mt Whitney Zone Forums General Discussion North Fork: how far up before permit required?

I'm not one of the lucky ones that can frequently partake of the wonder of Mt Whitney. I'm lucky if I can get there once a year. Still I've managed to get there five of the last six years.

Well another year of trips is in the planning and this time I'm wanting to try something different, the North Fork. I figure I'll hang around the Visitors Center and try out for one of the next-day no-show or walk in permits. An then spend the rest of that day exploring the lower parts of the NF trail so that I'm not route finding the first time with a full pack.

However. . . how far can I go up the NF trail before I need a permit?

ADVthaAnksNCE

I'm not sure, but I think Lower Boy Scout. If you get a permit, it's not too hard to get up to Upper Boy Scout and even up a bit farther to Iceberg. North Fork is truly beautiful. You'll really like it.

Pretty sure LBSL is indeed the limit, although the sign near the beginning of the trail says otherwise.

Looking at a Whitney Zone map, it appears the zone begins between LBSL and UBSL.

LBSL. Click on the link for the picture.
http://i44.tinypic.com/69p7q0.jpg
According to the sign, they can fine you $5k or throw you in jail for 6 months.

Thanks! looks good

That must be the sign I vaguely remember barely seeing thru the bushes from the main trail at the trail junction.

Sounds like I don't need to worry the first day. I'll get the next-day permit and head up for a day hike as far as I can get or LBSL, whichever comes first.
I'm mainly worried about the ledges. I shouldn't have any trouble day hiking past them.

Thanks all!

Joel, here are some Mountaineers Route links. Some of them might help with the E Ledges.

    Mountaineers Route info links within...

And of course, my infamous first time :-)
Such style, such skill...... such, well it was my first time.

First time crossing the E-Ledges

Joel, you SHOULD get to LBSL. It's not far from where the North Fork splits off from the main trail. It's the first suitable camping spot IMO. A guy who has been to Whitney multiple times like yourself shouldn't have a problem. I would personally try to make it to UBSL as the lowest camping spot, if not shoot for Iceberg.



Joe, take the high route next time. You made it more difficult for yourself. I always see people heading down, and ask why. Stay on the slab where you're keeping your left hand. The cairn below doesn't make sense to me.

Took that one on the way down. I didn't even see it heading up as I was just concentrating on where my feet were. The ledge above is much nicer.