Take a look at the Inyo National Forest website, which has info on the Mt. Whitney and White Mountain districts. There are other trails besides Mt. Whitney, believe it or not! Bishop Creek, Big Pine Creek, and Little Lakes Valley (Rock Creek), among others.
Most other trails allow same day permit applications. I often apply for overnight permits in Bishop, at the White Mountain Ranger District office. Go in early in the morning (@ 8 AM), apply for a permit for where you want to backpack, then return at 11 AM for the permit. No guarantees, but there are usually openings. The rule is that if a pre-reserved permit is not picked up by 11 AM on the scheduled day of departure, it is freed-up for other people.
Last edited by Bob West; 04/15/11 04:43 AM.
