Ptown_Climber1 Posted February 28, 2013 Share Posted February 28, 2013 A couple of Portlanders here wanting to get down and climb the Mountaineers Route on Whitney in May.....does anyone know the permit requirements/protocol for that? Is it the same process for the trail ascent? I thought I heard somewhere that it was.... Thanks in advance! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NateF Posted February 28, 2013 Share Posted February 28, 2013 The ranger station in Lone Pine used to issue them and I would imagine they still do, or could tell you what the process is. I'd call them. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ptown_Climber1 Posted February 28, 2013 Author Share Posted February 28, 2013 Thanks....I'll do that! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KaskadskyjKozak Posted February 28, 2013 Share Posted February 28, 2013 I believe you need the lottery permit for a day climb but a different permit for the overnight. The overnight zone there allows 10 people a day. People,not parties. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Buckaroo Posted February 28, 2013 Share Posted February 28, 2013 Just did this 2 years ago, here's the skinny for doing this with overnight camping. The day permit is different and easier. It's sort of like the Alpine Lakes Wilderness permit system. 1/2 of the permits are given out in January. The other 1/2 are given out on a daily basis during the season via lottery. I believe it's 4 persons per day via the daily lottery. The trick is to go in on a weekday, Monday thru Thursday. There's a lot less people then. If you go in on Fri or Sat you don't have a chance, like 40 people, no exaggeration. We went in on Thur and there were 8 people total and only 2 others for the Mountaineer route so there was enough for everyone that wanted to go that route that day, no need to even have a drawing. The very next day Friday, there was 42 people in line for 4 permits. It's the Mount Whitney Ranger Station in Lone Pine, they have a website, the lottery is the same time everyday. http://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/inyo/about-forest/districts/?cid=stelprdb5136221 Wear helmets, the Mountaineers gulley is exposed to rockfall. I also recommend some acclimatization if you are coming from sea level, will make it more enjoyable. We spent 4 days up high before summiting. In May be prepared for snow and ice. http://images.summitpost.org/original/526496.jpg Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ptown_Climber1 Posted February 28, 2013 Author Share Posted February 28, 2013 That is really helpful.....Yeah, we'll be prepared for snow/ice, etc....how's the climb above the notch? Ice screws or anything like that necessary? Seems like everyone has their own different take on it. Love the picture (s)...that's gonna get me through another afternoon at work. The permit situation has me a little worried, but hopefully the MR in May is still not overly populated. Flying from PDX, what's best airport? Ontario looks like it to me unless I'm missing something.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KaskadskyjKozak Posted February 28, 2013 Share Posted February 28, 2013 10 permits a day: 6 by reservation online up to 6 months in advance; 4 as walk-ins I talked to the ranger yesterday by phone. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Buckaroo Posted February 28, 2013 Share Posted February 28, 2013 We took Reno, believe it's the same distance and a lot less traffic. Plus you are starting at 5000' so more acclimatization. Above the notch is where the climbing starts. In Sept it was relatively snow free and a moderate scramble about 45 deg class 4 or 5.0 that sort of wound back and forth. Assuming in May it's still full of ice and snow. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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