Mt Whitney Zone Forums General Discussion permit pick up question (first timer)

I'm a first-timer with an overnight permit for 10/1. Planning to stay in Olancha the night before (9/30) and pick up permit the next morning before heading up to the portal.

I know the office starts issuing permits at 8am, but how long should I expect this process to take? Do you recommend trying to arrange for the night box pick up instead? Though our group will need to rent the bear canister, get WAG bags etc. Just afraid if the process of getting the permits at the office takes too long, we'll be short on time getting to Trail Camp.

Many thanks

People with reservations are sent in first, the others draw numbers out of a bucket to determine processing order. However, all the reservation holders have to use a single desk/clerk, so if you aren't first, you have to wait. I stood second in line waiting over 10 minutes for the one person in front of me to get his multi-night permit (he was traveling into Sequoia N.P. so multiple nights locations, etc etc.) Then they have to verbally go over all the regulations and restrictions. (Do I sound annoyed? Well, I am.) Why they can't put all that written info on a page that people can print out and sign ahead of time, and carry on their hike, I do not know.

I wanted to use the night-drop box for my trip from Horseshoe into Sequoia, but Seki rules are that the permit MUST be picked up in person. So no night drop, stand in line... listen to someone tell me what I COULD HAVE read in advance, bla bla bla. Not to mention the extra hour and a half driving down from Horseshoe Meadows and then back up. All for their precious face-to-face time.

...but I digress...

They give you the wag bags along with the permit. I think the canisters are available right there, too. So it all shouldn't take you more than 20 minutes.

You should have plenty of time to pack into Trail Camp.

Thanks, this helps a bunch!

I picked my overnight permit up the day before, and the ranger gave me a parking permit for the trailhead that included that day as well as my permit and hiking days. So I spent the night before at the trailhead for some acclimatization time, worked out great.

Olancha is not so far from Lone Pine: if timing is right you can pick up permit day before.

Since I can't get to Lone Pine until after the office closes, is it worth doing the night box pickup so we don't have a delayed start the next day?

We're first timers, so not sure how crucial it is to actually talk to a rep when picking up the permits.

Also, are there other area places to rent the bear canister and grab the WAG bags?

Many thanks

You can call the Wilderness Permit number and ask about using the night box pickup. 760-873-2483 See if they would put a bear can and wag bags out with your permits.

But seriously, you won't need a super early start to get to Trail Camp by the end of the day, unless you are really slow hikers.

Bear canister rentals should be available in your area. Call REI and A16.