Mt Whitney Zone Forums General Discussion Backup Plan

Hello:
My 17-year-old son and I are planning a trip out on the first or second week in August to see if we can by some chance secure a "walk-up" permit for the North Fork/Mountaineers Route.

Since we are flying in from Florida we obviously need a back-up plan if we can't get a permit. If we can't get a permit for the Mountaineers route, any suggestions for a scenic/classic trip (with easy to obtain permit), that we could take that starts somewhere in the general vicinity? We will most likely be flying into and out of Vegas and obviously driving to Lone Pine for permits. We would be interested in a backpacking trip with or without a summit. I used to climb a lot, but don't think we are looking for real technical ground on this trip.

This will be both of our first trips to the area and I just want to make sure he has a good time.

Also any thoughts as to what are chances are in securing the walk-up permits for the North Fork/Mountaineers route?
Thanks!

Welcome, Trail runner. Are you planning an overnight on the Mountaineers Route, or a day hike?

A day hike requires a Mt Whitney Main Trail day hike permit. While not ensured of getting one, your chances are pretty good if you plan on a mid-week hike. Those walk-in day hike permits become available at 2 PM the day before the hike.

If you are planning on an overnight hike, then you need a North Fork Lone Pine Creek wilderness permit. The quota is 10 per day, six available in advance, and four available at 11 AM the day before the hike. (Call to make sure of this!)

Since you have never hiked there before, I'd recommend the overnight, so you can pack in at a leisurely pace and camp; then next day complete the climb.

And be sure to acclimate!!! I can't stress this enough. You should get to altitude and stay immediately after you get your permits. Let us know more about your plans, and we can recommend some details.

For starters, read the "Wilderness Permit Options" link above on the left. And visit the Orientation Notes for first timers to read up on acclimatization, and find the Mountaineers Route link near the top.

Steve:

Thanks for the reply. Our plan would be to ideally spend one night at UBSL then try to summit and hike out on day two. I have already planned to car camp on the night of our arrival at Horseshoe Meadows or Whitney Portal for acclimatization purposes. I would certainly consider the day hike option. I believe we are both fit enough for the long hard day, but don't know how bad the attitude will beat us down. I also share your concern about trying the day hike option on my first trip out as route finding in the dark for a first timer who is trying to move fast might be a bit of a challenge.

I did read the Permit and Orientation notes before I posted, so I apologize if my first post came across totally clueless.

Thanks again.

Upper Boyscout is the ideal place to overnight, IMO. Some people will try to pack all the way to Iceberg, but that gets them high enough that sometimes AMS symptoms will hit while they sleep.

I really like your idea of heading directly to Horseshoe Meadows for the first night. If you could do that, then come back down to Lone Pine to try for the 11 AM walk-in permits for the "J34 NF Lone Pine Creek Overnight", it would be perfect.

If you don't get two of the four available walk-ins, you should ask about the no-shows for that route. I think they become available something like 10 AM the day OF the hike. (So you could also get lucky and get no-shows for that very day.) That time may be 10 AM. Call to find out for sure.

And if you DO get the walk-ins for the next day, you might head north to Independence, and go up the road to Onion Valley. A day hike to Kearsarge pass would give you a 2000 foot gain and fantastic views. Or go farther up to Toms Place by Crowley Lk, then up to Rock Creek road's end and hike in that area. Both options would add to your acclimation.

If you don't get walk-ins or no-shows the first day, plan on a second try. I can't imagine your being unlucky two days in a row.

I didn't mean to imply anything by pointing out the Orientaton notes. Many people miss them, that's all. And I hope you found the Mountaineer's Route info links within...