Mt Whitney Zone Forums General Discussion Any Whitney permits burning in your pockets?

Arrrgh I missed the May 1st drop, and would love to get overnight permits for me and my parents at any point between July 15th and 22nd. My folks are coming over from Norway, are experienced hikers, but not climbers. Want to take them on the Whitney Trail to show them one of my favorite areas in the U.S. Any suggestions on how to get permits once they're all gone? Or -- any similar hikes to suggest in the area? Where permits are less coveted? Doesn't have to be multi-day, just enough to hit a peak and enjoy the scenery.

Any advice welcome!

If you walk into the Lone Pine Visitor center on a mid-week day, there will be permits available.  Look up the Unused Whitney Permits pages, and see for yourself.

Also, start watching Mt Whitney Trail Overnight availability two weeks before you want to hike.  A few people will log in and cancel their reservations, so if you check often (bookmark that link), you may be able to reserve some permits.

You should plan on getting permits! Have fun!!

Hi i have 2 extra permits for June 17-June 18 overnight.
Just got 2 cancellations. Let me know

I have one (1) overnight permit available for June 16. Ideally would like to trade for August/September. Open to selling though.

Mike

When you pick up a permit, they ask for your I.D., and only give the permit to the person listed as the trip leader or alternate leader.

This prevents scalpers from offering permits to the highest bidder.

I'm pretty sure I can change the name or add an alternate. Not looking to make money, just cost or ideally a straight trade for a later date.

Only the leader or alternate leader on the original permit application may pick up the permit. Permits may not be transferred or sold.

Forest Service Mt Whitney Permit Rules

If anyone has a overnight permit for July 8th for 2 people I’m willing to pay a good amount! I have multiple day use permits but really wanted a overnight permit on my birthday!

Jess, see the note above:

And this:
I don't think Mike G will report back how that worked out.

I saw someone on the Whitney fb page that you can request to leave the permits in the "overnight box"
Is that true??
I've never done Whitney so know nothing

Thanks Steve, I must of missed that in the responses! Well if anyone hiking on July 8th (overnight) has some extra space in their group please let me know, I’d be will to offer a very good amount for two spots! Thanks!! Otherwise I’ll use one of the day permits I have a different date! Hoping the Switchbacks open up in the next few days!

Twee, I'm not sure how it is handled. I do know you must call the Wilderness Permit number and arrange this. It has been available for people wanting to start super-early, yet arriving in Lone Pine the evening before, too late to pick up the permit at the Visitor Center. I am sure they will do what they can to ensure you are the person who reserved the permit. I am not sure if they include wag bags with the permit or not.

I do know that if you are heading out on an overnight trip that includes travel into Sequoia National Park, the N.P. requires them to do a face-to-face orientation, so no night-box. That delayed my last backpack trip, and caused a bunch of missed goals due to the late start it caused me.

Anyone have an extra permit for Thursday, Aug 16? I have a buddy who really, really wants to join my already full group of 4.

Climb415: Take your buddy along. You can add a permit when you pick up your others. Other groups always drop off a few, so there will be some available.

If you want to check for an available permit, set up a link close to the hike date, and watch for cancellations online. A few people will logon and cancel,and you can then have a confirmed reservation.

Yes, I am canceling 3 permits for June 22nd this Friday. Also you can request your permits to be put in a night drop box for pick up if you arrive late. I was able to do that.

I just had to cancel two permits for day use on Monday, June 25th, so watch for them to appear on recreation.gov if that works for anyone. Fortunately, I am able to go with another friend later this summer hiking in from Cottonwood.

A friend and I are looking to join any group that has extra day use permits for either June 30, or July 15-17.
Willing to pay a fair price to join.

Group of 2 here desperately looking to join an overnight group for Wed, July 11th specifically