Mt Whitney Zone Forums General Discussion I didn't get picked. Now, what?

I cannot speak to the second chance permits. My impression was always that the unclaimed/unconfirmed permits awarded during the lottery were release in small, unannounced batches for several days until gone.

That said, I would strongly encourage you to consider one of the Horseshoe Meadows to Whitney routes. Since you can spend the night before at Horseshoe Meadows, sleeping at 10,000', and then sleep at 8,000' or above each night prior to summiting, it is a hands down the best way to acclimate. Getting back to HM from the Portal is an easy hitch hike, or you can always hire Paul and his team at Eastern Sierra Shuttle to pick you up and take you back. In 2018, my daughter and I camped and left our car at the Portal, and arranged for an early morning ride to HM. That way we just hiked our way back to our car.