Glenn, good points on the Trail Crest Exit walk-in permits.
On the "related question": Yes, true. They are only required with permits starting in the Inyo National Forest jurisdiction -- anywhere on the east side between Devils Postpile and Horseshoe Meadows. Trips starting in Sequoia, Kings Canyon and Yosemite National Parks (example: JMT hikers starting in Yosemite), AND hikers starting on National Forest trails on the west side are NOT required to have Trail Crest Exit permits.
Mmmmm, not exactly so. You have to have the Whitney/TC exit endorsemnent on your permit even from a non-Inyo entry trailhead such as Yos or SEKI, Sierra NF, etc, , but it is free, unlimited, and not subject to the Inyo quota. Do NOT forget to specify the Whitney exit when you pick up your permit.
