Mt Whitney Zone
Posted By: Joe Gaffney I didn't get picked. Now, what? - 03/24/19 11:57 PM
My first time in the lottery and I struck out. I'm a solo backpacker, so I thought I'd squeeze in somewhere, but no.

I see where the second chance opens up April 1. How do I get in that? Do I check on Recreation.gov first for availability, or do I just dive in?

What about the Horseshoe Meadows route? If I go in that way, how do I get back to my car? Or, should I just console myself with a hike to Mt. Langley?
Posted By: WanderingJim Re: I didn't get picked. Now, what? - 03/25/19 12:52 AM
Yes, check April 1st and keep checking every week.

One opening will probably pop up at some point, plus being a single hiker, you could get a walk in permit with only minor waiting
Posted By: Goose Re: I didn't get picked. Now, what? - 03/25/19 12:53 AM
I cannot speak to the second chance permits. My impression was always that the unclaimed/unconfirmed permits awarded during the lottery were release in small, unannounced batches for several days until gone.

That said, I would strongly encourage you to consider one of the Horseshoe Meadows to Whitney routes. Since you can spend the night before at Horseshoe Meadows, sleeping at 10,000', and then sleep at 8,000' or above each night prior to summiting, it is a hands down the best way to acclimate. Getting back to HM from the Portal is an easy hitch hike, or you can always hire Paul and his team at Eastern Sierra Shuttle to pick you up and take you back. In 2018, my daughter and I camped and left our car at the Portal, and arranged for an early morning ride to HM. That way we just hiked our way back to our car.
Posted By: Steve C Re: I didn't get picked. Now, what? - 03/25/19 02:43 AM
Only part about descending to the Portal from the summit: that requires a SECOND permit, the Trail Crest Exit permit. There are only 25 available for each day, and most of them will be taken when you show up to get your Horseshoe Meadows permit. Your plan B would need to be to return to your car the same way you hiked in.
Posted By: Joe Gaffney Re: I didn't get picked. Now, what? - 03/25/19 04:07 AM
I can't take that much time off of work. Plus, I don't really feature carrying 8-9 days of food. I'll check the second-chance, or I'll try again next year.

Meanwhile, since I had the time in September blocked out, I might fly up to Seattle and hike in Goat Rocks. My daughter lives in downtown Seattle, so I can get a shower and a beer before I fly home.
Posted By: Steve C Re: I didn't get picked. Now, what? - 03/25/19 04:13 AM
You can try on April 1, and there is another sale later on.

This year, the April 1 "sale" occurs at 7 AM Pacific time. Everything becomes available immediately--it will be a free-for-all. Only the fastest and luckiest will get whatever slots they go after.
Posted By: jaym Re: I didn't get picked. Now, what? - 03/25/19 10:33 PM
I too applied for a singleton permit, but I am now 0 for 2. I too thought being a singleton would help, but not really, as for any specific day, if there is an exact match in the number requested permits (including other singletons) left for a day in any application before you they will fill that last spot.

Anyway, if you just keep checking the reservation site you will likely see a spot open up that you can grab. Last year I grabbed a one-day for Saturday July 7 (way ahead of the date) and a multi-day ("overnight") for a Thursday in September (like the day or two before).
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