Mt Whitney Zone Forums General Discussion Quick questions about permit

Quick question: I'm looking to pick up 2 permits without reservation. I want to do a day hike, but if the day hike permits run out, may I apply for 2 overnight permits (pay$) but just do a day hike?

Thank you.

Permits are free. The $ are for the reservation of a permit.

Yes, if the day hike permits are not available, you can pick up a overnight permit. More people want the overnight permits, so you should be able to get your day hike permits.

Hi Alex,

I think they frown on using an overnight permit for a day hike, but then if that is all that is available, I'd take it.

Here's the Unused Whitney Permits 2012 page. You can see that almost every day in August and Sept there are a few no-show or unused permits available.