Mt Whitney Zone Forums General Discussion Possible solo attempt in late september....

Let's say your dayhike is Friday the 30th. My advice would be to drive to the Horseshoe Meadows immediately after work on Wednesday. You now have one full night of sleep at near 10,000 ft. Next day, head down to get a walk in permit. I've never had a problem, and I doubt you will late in September. I've gotten one on a Labor Day weekend before. So far this year, I've walked in three times and received it three times without a problem.

Anyhow, drive up to the Portal after you get the permit and do a mini hike, something to get the blood flowing, but nothing to make you sore the next day. Grab a bite to eat at Doug's store and get some zeeeees. You now have a two nights and day at altitude. Combine that with some Diamox and the issues with AMS should be bearable, minimal, or non-existent.

Set a steady pace and stay hydrated, and you training should take care of the rest.