Hi folks:

First post on this site for me! Is it accurate that in order to have a chance at unused permits for jm35 (overnight) the lotto takes place the *day of* the departure from the lone pine office?

I got day hikers passes on july 6th but realize we really need to break journey for a day at outpost camp/ trail camp to help with the climb. This is for july 5th. Looking for 2 wilderness permits and have been checking recreation.gov; is it possible to come on the 2nd or 3rd and still be eligible for lotto?

best
maskedmuffin

No-shows come available at 11 AM *Day Of* the hike, but during the day before, as people come in and pick up their reserved permits, they drop off excess slots, and those become available immediately. So you should go in and try for those. There are often quite a few, so you have pretty good chances of getting what you want.

Those would be free permits, too. However, no parking pass.

But now we know -- you will be able to park along Whitney Portal Road until Monday, July 11, so you can do that and not worry.

If you watch the online, here's the window you need, and find two slots, you should immediately call the Wilderness Permit office (760-873-2483 ) and see if they can swap (for free) the reserved permits you have for the overnight permits. I don't think you can swap your permits on-line, but not sure.

Thanks so much for the advice!
Best
maskedmuffin

You could get permits for the 4th if you'll be down there and then just do a 2 night stay. Stay one night at Lone Pine Lake, Outpost Camp, or Consultation Lake the first night and then go Trail Camp the next night.

I just snagged two for the 4th myself.

Good luck!