Mt Whitney Zone Forums General Discussion Inyo NF Partial Reopening, Wilderness still closed)

Hi guys, I am seeing some available day hiking permits for October and November from recreation.gov site for Whitney. I don't know why it would show up as available if the trail is closed. Do you think it's OK to go ahead and purchase these? Has anyone tried to get permits this way recently?

Thanks,

Just for reference, there is no permit quota for the Main or North Folk trails from 1 Nov thru 30 April. Just do a self issue permit at the Visitor Center. Of course the weather is usually not great.

And you don't need a permit if you're dayhiking.

Dale B. Dalrymple

Thank you for showing me the error in my thinking. Perhaps someday I will have the good fortune of meeting you in the Sierra Nevada, so I can observe in person your superior wisdom and ability to explain for me the motivation of my own questions. Based on how insightful your message board posts are, I am sure it would be a life changing event.

So, can I drive up to Onion Valley this week and day hike to Kearsarge Pass? How about Horseshoe Meadows or day hike to Cottonwood Pass , New Army Pass?

How about doing Cirque Peak?

Just thought I would ask before I call the Forest Service.

If okay, smoke from the fires would be my only deterrent.

Thanks

Paul

“The Inyo portions of the South Sierra, Golden Trout, John Muir, Ansel Adams, Owens River Headwaters, and Hoover Wilderness Areas remain closed through December 1, 2020.” You can drive to Onion Valley or Horseshoe Meadow and hike to the wilderness boundary. That is about two thirds of a mile from Onion Valley and less than a quarter of a mile from Horseshow Meadow trailheads. You cannot hike to any of the destinations you mentioned.

Thanks Bob.......

So I can probably just do the NRT from Lone Pine Campground to the Portal and back for exercise. about 6 miles round trip?

paul