Since most people start hiking at Oh-Dark-Thirty
in the morning, reserved Day-Use permits must be picked up the day before the date of the hike. I think the deadline is noon the day before, unless you call the wilderness permit number and ask them to hold it, OR confirm online before the pick-up deadline.
However, since there is so much snow, you can probably just show up at the Visitor Center (a mile south of Lone Pine), and ask for your permit (or any no-shows available). It is highly likely that there will be plenty available, due to the heavy snow covering the upper half of the Main Trail.
It would be really helpful if you would ask when you go, just how many no-shows are available at the time you are there, and report back here. (Curious minds want to know.)
