Who will be required to have a special permit to hike to the summit of Mount Whitney?
Everyone entering this area between May 22 and October 15. Backpackers must still obtain a wilderness permit. Entry into this zone will require a visa type stamp added to that permit. The big change is that day hikers enroute to the summit of Mt. Whitney will be required to have a permit. Day use around Whitney Portal and up to Lone Pine Lake, 2.5 mile (4 km) beyond the Whitney Portal trailhead, will not require a permit.