No time to waste...Last day to confirm your Whitney Permit

If you were one of the lucky winner to get a permit for Whitney, today is the last to pay and confirm your application.

Go to Recreation.gov and log in.  Go to your 'Applications' and pay for your permit.  $15 per person.  Otherwise you forfeit your permit.  ouch!

While you are in there...if you plan to camp at The Portal, be sure to reserve your camp site.  They go fast.

Now the fun begins!!
chi

You got the Mt. Whitney permit...now what? Critical Planning Steps

On March 24th, hundreds of soon to be hikers, got the good or bad news of getting a Mt. Whitney permit.

If you got one, Congratulations for securing a permit for Whitney!!!  There are thousands, tens of thousands, of applications that go into the lottery each year and only 100 permits are given for each day.  You are a lucky winner!!!  

If this is your first (or second) attempt for Whitney, there is some initial and critical first steps before you get started on your training.  Get your calendar out and you wallet and do this right away!!!  If you are doing this summit with a friend or friends, be sure they are also ready with their calendars and wallets.  You may have some friends change their mind.  Don't worry, you are going to have a great time.

Figure out if you are camping the night before or staying at the local motels down in Lone Pine.   There are benefits to both but any advantage of getting at altitude is more valuable then clean sheets.  just saying...
Campsites are going fast and may all be gone.  To get a campsite at the Whitney Portal visit the website for federal parks and search "Whitney Portal".  The portal also has a dozen or so, 'first come first serve' campsites.  Cross your fingers.  There always seems to be campsites available but maybe i've been lucky.

The next thing to secure is where you are sleeping the night after your hike.  Clean sheets wins here!!  I always go to the Dow Villa Motel in Lone Pine.  They are near many restaurants, have a pool & jacuzzi, and rooms are always clean. They also have AAA discount.  

The final prep work you need to line up is your training schedule.  2-3 months is a great way to prepare for Whitney.  Give yourself a month of medium hikes about 5-12 miles in length with ample elevation.  Spend the final 1-2 months, with 12-20 miles hikes at altitude.  Mark your calendar and follow your plan.  Depending on your location and which hikes you are doing, you will need to secure a permit prior.  Gorgonio requires a permit and they do check!!  San Jacinto needs a permit and you will need to request one if you are climbing via Humber Park.  

DO NOT PROCRASTINATE. This planning will save you many headaches.

Shoes are next...
Chi

Mt. Whitney - Time to start Training

Securing a permit is the first part of the Mt. Whitney planning.  This year, permits go thru an online lottery - a first for the US forest service.  I'm excited to say that this year, I will be taking two trips up Whitney during Labor Day weekend.  The first is for a private group but the second is open for anyone willing, wanting, and able to commit for a four-month training (begins in May) and a one-day summit.

The permit is for September 3rd.  

If you are interested in training, please click on the "SERVICES & ACTIVITIES" tab for more information on costs, training, and dates.  Training hikes begin in May with an eight-mile hike.

Time to rally!  Who's in?

Chi 

climbing Mt. Whitney - step one: get your permit

If climbing Mt. Whitney is something you want to do this summer, now is the time to get your permit. You have until march 15 to be entered into the lottery.

In order to get a permit, you have to complete an application which is entered into a lottery and each day they grab more applications from a "really big box" (that's what the website says).

You will find out in the beginning of April if your application is accepted. Actually I noticed it on my bank statement first and then later got the permit.

1. Call up your buddies and get a headcount. they will all be excited but don't be surprised if some drop out. you will need to commit to training and spending time at altitude to successfully reach the peak. there is a maximum of 15 people per permit.


2. Agree on the length you want to be on the trail : one-day trip, overnight, or backpacking trip.


3. Note the dates you want to summit and then think of alternatives. The weekends go fast, so be sure to put some weekdays in the alternate days. The more alternate days, the more chances of getting a permit. I submitted three applications last year (all with alternate days) and only one application got accepted.


4. Complete the application and mail it in (postmarked by March 15th). Then wait patiently.

Important Links -

• 2011 Whitney Permit Application
• Permit Process - more information on dates, contact info, etc.

Time for me to submit my application - hopefully I will take a group up in a day & possibly a backpacking trip.

More training information to come - places to train and little tips to keep your training fun.

climb on!

chi