The wilderness permit reservation system within Yosemite National Park is operated by the good folks at the Yosemite Conservancy. They have been working hard to migrate to the internet the way hikers request permits, but I have it on good authority that, at least through the winter, the old fax system will remain in place. That means that it is likely that all 2016 John Muir Trail hikers, who begin in Yosemite, will get their permits the old way.
Last year the park service implemented changes to the wilderness permitting rules that made a huge difference to John Muir Trail hikers – particularly those who begin at Happy Isles. Among those changes were an exit quota over Donohue Pass and the complete elimination of walk-up permits for JMT hikers who want to begin at Happy Isles and exit the park. (Technically, you could still get a walk-up permit if someone cancels a reservation.)
I’ve been told that great progress has been made towards getting the reservation system online, but that the test site was just not working up to the standard they wanted. One can hardly fault them for wanting to do it right.
Sigh. We’ll wait patiently.
Thanks for the heads up! We’re going to do the northern half S/N end of August. Only have two weeks to do it next year and want to do some serious fishing along the way.
Cheers, jc
Looking to get back into fly-fishing when I retire (in 354 days). What a beautiful place to do it! Thanks for the comment, Jack.
Hi
Im planning a trip in August, travelling from Norway. Tried to find out as much as I can about the trail and permits. But think I just have to call the permitoffice and just let them tell me what to apply for.
Its just not that simple 🙂
It can get complicated, Vegard, but I hope to have a pretty thorough explanation of the alternatives in the second edition of my book, due out in January. Thanks for the comment!
Looking forward to your update on the permit system. Put me down for a copy. I am coming from Australia so am wondering if one had plenty of time on their hands if the walk up permit from the valley is still worth the risk. You know us Aussies we love a gamble!
Getting a walk-up permit in the valley with a Donohue Pass exit quota will be a long shot. All of those permits are eligible for reservations. The only way to get one is if somebody cancels or fails to show up. Good luck!
Well, in a way, it’s simpler than it used to be. You have many fewer trailheads to choose from. It’s tougher to get a permit sobo now though if you’re wanting to do the whole trail.I got lucky last year.
As to the topic of the new system, I can’t blame them for wanting the website to function well. It’s going to get some very high traffic.
Great point! They do need to get it right or things will get unpleasant!