Here is the latest up-to-date info in the Main Trail closure next week and the following (Tuesday-Friday, Sept 4-7, and Monday-Thursday, Sept 10-13):


for Permits Staff...
  • Do not issue Mt Whitney overnight or Day Use Mt Whitney Zone permits with entry dates during the closure dates. This includes Day use of the North Fork of Lone Pine.
  • OK to issue Mt Whitney overnight permits that begin before the closure. This includes exit dates during the closure.
  • OK to issue overnight permits for the North Fork of Lone Pine.
  • OK to issue overnight permits with Trail Crest Exit during the closure.
  • Visitors with permits starting in the parks will be allowed to exit via Trail Crest.
  • Do not recommend the Mountaineers Route as an alternate route to Mt. Whitney. Visitors who ask about the MR should be told that "the Mountaineers Route is not recommended as an alternative to the Mt. Whitney Trail. It is a class 3 climbing route, not a trail."
  • The National Park Service is posting notices at Rock Creek, Crabtree, Tyndall, Charlotte and Rae Lakes Ranger Stations.



Hiker Information
The following information should be given to all visitors to the Mt Whitney area during the dates September 4-7 and September 10-13:
  • Delays of up to 3 hours should be expected between approximately 8am to 5pm on the section of trail between Trail Crest and Trail Camp.
  • Hikers should bring enough warm clothing and water to stay comfortable while waiting to pass through the work area.
  • Hikers are advised to be especially careful when traveling through the work area, since the trail may be in major disrepair as structures are replaced.
  • STAY ON THE TRAIL! It is not acceptable for hikers to attempt to bypass the trail by any cross country routes in this area. Falling rock could travel great distances and potentially crush hikers.
  • Hikers must follow the direction of the staff on site. When given permission to descend, move all the way through the work area.
  • To avoid long delays, pass the work area near Trail Crest before 7 a.m. or after 5 pm. Hikers descending late in the day may need to either hike out partially in the dark, or spend a night along the Mt Whitney trail. Camping is allowed at Trail Camp and below.