Mt Whitney Zone Forums General Discussion walk up wilderness permits, my first time

I've narrowed my hike options down to three choices for July 4th weekend in King/Sequoia. In the past, all of my other hikes/backpacking trips I've reserved permits months in advance and never had to bother with walk up permits.

I'll plan to get to the Ash Ranger Station at the southside of SEKI friday morning by 730. I can start my hike that morning or on the 2 or 3rd. It will probably be a two nighter if I have the time and conditions cooperate. I think this 3 day start window will give me a better chance of getting a permit. According to the permit office on friday the trails I'm interested are not in high demand and should have "plenty of open spaces". I have 1 trail in mind (Middle Fork) and two others for 2nd options.

What should I expect on friday morning at the ranger station? A line 1/2 mile long down the road? Do people camp out the night before, sell permits in the streets? I know this is probably one of the worst weekends to try, but I'm running out of options.

ps-I'm very interested in any updates on the Bishop Pass trail. That was my original trip for the weekend.

I have never heard reports about the lines for permits in Sequoia. If they have told you to expect "plenty of open spaces", then I'd trust that.

Most trails on the west side, except in Yosemite, are not impacted.

impacted by what? July 4th weekend?

By impacted, I meant that the quotas don't fill up early.

But now that I think about it, trails out of Sequoia and Mineral King do in fact fill up and people can be turned away. It just isn't as bad as in Inyo N.F. where reservations fill in the first few days they become available.