Mt Whitney Zone Forums General Discussion July 4th Wilderness Permits

I am looking to get out for the first time this year on probably the busiest weekend of the year. Work has been crazy and I'm pretty limited on time I can currently take off.

Anyway, I plan to be up there July 3rd and at the permit office July 4th when they open. I am hoping to get walk in permits for Kearsage, Cottonwood, Shepherd, or any other trail you guys recommend.

My question is... What are the odds i am able to snag a permit or two for one of these trails?

As always. Thanks for the help!

With the enthusiasm, passion and flexibility you express, I would put your chances at snagging permits you will be happy with at 99 44/100%! Go for it. Call the permit office (IAVC) ahead, go in on the 3d when you get there (even if its a little after closing: you never know). Keep checking here, at the Hostel and the Portal. You will find a great hike. Welcome.

Something to be aware of:

While a PERMIT is required, there is no QUOTA for Trail Pass, and it is a nice two day trip to go up there, hike along the PCT 7 miles to Chickenspring Lake to camp, then out over Cottonwood Pass about 4 miles the next day.

You have some additional options: so south about 1 mile past Mulkey Pass and camp at "Dutch Meadow", (should have water), and climb Muah Mountain.

Climb Trail Peak.
Climb Trailmaster Peak.
Climb Cirque Peak.

Swing around from Chickenspring lake, then go up and over New/Old Army Pass. that trailhead is only a short walk to your car.

You'll probably still be seeing some PCT'ers, and you won't be alone at Chickenspring.

Or, climb over Trail Pass and keep going southwest down to Golden Trout Creek. Climb back over Cottonwood. You will see no one west of the passes.

Or, follow the PCT and accessory trails into Miter Basin.

Lots of choices, depending upon your time.

For the trails that DO have quotas, and that show online that they are fully booked, the noshow permits become available at 11 AM for same-day starts.

And ALL the trails with full quotas, except the Mt Whitney permits (both day use and overnight), 40% of the slots are held back for NEXT-day entry, and they become available at 11 AM also.

So not much sense getting there when the permit office opens, if you want one of those.

Thanks guys. Looks like I better get there on the 3rd by 11AM. However, trail pass sounds like a good backup plan. I know the area north of there pretty well so should be able to get some good hiking days in.

Thanks again