I have a question in regards to parking at the portal. Leaving Carlsbad late Thursday afternoon to start a 1am Friday (1 day) ascent. Will arrive at the portal around 11pm. Will finding a parking spot be a challenge or are there open spots? If I don't find a spot, what are my options?
I hope you have arranged to pick up your permit in the night-pickup box in Lone Pine.
There should be spaces -- maybe right at the trail head, since some people will be coming off the trail late and opening spots. If that's not true, there is the overflow lot just below the trail head. If all are full, (I believe) you can park along the road wherever there is space.
