Mt Whitney Zone Forums General Discussion Sleeping in your car at Whitney Portal

Now this may be a dumb question. Before I start my day hike in the dark if I sleep in my car for 4/5 hours do I need to put all the food items in the bear box or I can keep it in the car with me?
I don't want to get hassled by a bear. Also, can I get access to a bear box that late in the evening?