Yes and no. The trail is closed between the Whitney Portal Family Campground, where the trail crosses lone Pine Creek at the cabin (bridge) to the Portal, where the trail exits at the pond. Otherwise, the trail is open from Lone Pine Campground tp the Whitney Portal Family campground.
I must say this, hiking the trail during summer can be grueling. The portion that you are talking about starts at the Lone Pine Campground, there are no trees, hiking in sand and no water until Meyson Creek crossing.
If you search for Lone Pine Campground then click on the map. Click on the Satellite view and zoom in, you can see the trail as it leaves the campground. Just follow it. Just for example, the temperatures in Lone Pine are in the mid 90's. Even at the campsite elevation, it will be in the 80's.
If you decide to do it, once you cross Meyson Creek, the trail goes left, then switches back left. If you go straight, after20 or 30 feet, there is a waterfall.
Paul
