New question asked:

Quote:
We are going on a day hike to Whitney this weekend. It is a group of 7, and the permit is on my name and from what I understand now only the group leader has the permit, as opposed to everyone having their own as it was before.(not sure if this is accurate but anyhow.)

I am very optimistic that we will all reach the summit, but in case one or two people get sick and choose to turn around, are they allowed to do so without the permit. (assuming the rest of the group and I continue on.)


In previous years, they gave each member a tag to hang from their backpack. If no tags are given out, you should at least hand each member a slip of paper with the permit number on it, in case they are asked, and they are not with you.

Groups split up all the time. Just DO NOT leave a slower hiker in your group behind you on the descent. That is just plain irresponsible, and the setup for a possible emergency. If they turn around and head back while you are ascending, that is completely different.