One quick question, I was contemplating doing this again mid-week or so, before I leave. I realized when I got on the trail, that there was probably about a 80% no show rate, I only saw 20-30 people on my three days there.
But if I wanted to do another 2-3 day trip, how would I get overnight permits for that, I mean, how could they issue over-night permits 2-3 days in advance of dates people had reserved. And I in essence would be taking their spot in their absence.
You need an overnight permit ONLY for your ENTRY date. The number of nights you stay does not matter and is not considered. So you go to the
Rec.gov site, and watch for a slot to open where
some very nice and considerate people will cancel their reservation, or release some of their slots. You can reserve one of those slots and you are good to go.
If that doesn't work, you show up at the Visitor Center at 11 AM and try to get a no-show permit from those permits where people who did not cancel or reduce their permit numbers. In the past, it has been fairly easy to get a no-show permit, but with the new system this year, we will see.
When you show up to request a walk-in permit, ask for BOTH a current day entry, and a next day entry. The next day entry would be from last-minute cancellations not available on the web, and from group size reductions from people who have already picked up their permit.
