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North Fork: how far up before permit required?
#22287 03/26/12 12:18 AM
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I'm not one of the lucky ones that can frequently partake of the wonder of Mt Whitney. I'm lucky if I can get there once a year. Still I've managed to get there five of the last six years.

Well another year of trips is in the planning and this time I'm wanting to try something different, the North Fork. I figure I'll hang around the Visitors Center and try out for one of the next-day no-show or walk in permits. An then spend the rest of that day exploring the lower parts of the NF trail so that I'm not route finding the first time with a full pack.

However. . . how far can I go up the NF trail before I need a permit?

ADVthaAnksNCE

Re: North Fork: how far up before permit required?
Joel M. Baldwin #22288 03/26/12 12:55 AM
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I'm not sure, but I think Lower Boy Scout. If you get a permit, it's not too hard to get up to Upper Boy Scout and even up a bit farther to Iceberg. North Fork is truly beautiful. You'll really like it.


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Re: North Fork: how far up before permit required?
Joel M. Baldwin #22296 03/26/12 07:52 AM
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Pretty sure LBSL is indeed the limit, although the sign near the beginning of the trail says otherwise.

Re: North Fork: how far up before permit required?
#22297 03/26/12 08:00 AM
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Looking at a Whitney Zone map, it appears the zone begins between LBSL and UBSL.

Re: North Fork: how far up before permit required?
Joel M. Baldwin #22329 03/26/12 09:47 PM
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LBSL. Click on the link for the picture.
http://i44.tinypic.com/69p7q0.jpg
According to the sign, they can fine you $5k or throw you in jail for 6 months.

Last edited by 2600fromatari; 03/26/12 09:48 PM.
Re: North Fork: how far up before permit required?
Anonymous1 #22332 03/26/12 11:21 PM
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Originally Posted By: 2600fromatari
LBSL. Click on the link for the picture.
http://i44.tinypic.com/69p7q0.jpg
According to the sign, they can fine you $5k or throw you in jail for 6 months.

Thanks! looks good

That must be the sign I vaguely remember barely seeing thru the bushes from the main trail at the trail junction.

Sounds like I don't need to worry the first day. I'll get the next-day permit and head up for a day hike as far as I can get or LBSL, whichever comes first.
I'm mainly worried about the ledges. I shouldn't have any trouble day hiking past them.

Thanks all!

Re: North Fork: how far up before permit required?
Joel M. Baldwin #22334 03/26/12 11:43 PM
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Joel, here are some Mountaineers Route links. Some of them might help with the E Ledges.

    Mountaineers Route info links within...

Re: North Fork: how far up before permit required?
Steve C #22335 03/27/12 12:00 AM
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And of course, my infamous first time :-)
Such style, such skill...... such, well it was my first time.

First time crossing the E-Ledges


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Re: North Fork: how far up before permit required?
Joel M. Baldwin #22341 03/27/12 11:46 AM
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Originally Posted By: Joel M. Baldwin
Originally Posted By: 2600fromatari
LBSL. Click on the link for the picture.
http://i44.tinypic.com/69p7q0.jpg
According to the sign, they can fine you $5k or throw you in jail for 6 months.

Thanks! looks good

That must be the sign I vaguely remember barely seeing thru the bushes from the main trail at the trail junction.

Sounds like I don't need to worry the first day. I'll get the next-day permit and head up for a day hike as far as I can get or LBSL, whichever comes first.
I'm mainly worried about the ledges. I shouldn't have any trouble day hiking past them.

Thanks all!


Joel, you SHOULD get to LBSL. It's not far from where the North Fork splits off from the main trail. It's the first suitable camping spot IMO. A guy who has been to Whitney multiple times like yourself shouldn't have a problem. I would personally try to make it to UBSL as the lowest camping spot, if not shoot for Iceberg.

Originally Posted By: quillansculpture
And of course, my infamous first time :-)
Such style, such skill...... such, well it was my first time.

First time crossing the E-Ledges


Joe, take the high route next time. You made it more difficult for yourself. I always see people heading down, and ask why. Stay on the slab where you're keeping your left hand. The cairn below doesn't make sense to me.

Re: North Fork: how far up before permit required?
Anonymous1 #22363 03/27/12 10:23 PM
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Took that one on the way down. I didn't even see it heading up as I was just concentrating on where my feet were. The ledge above is much nicer.


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