I wonder if you would need a reservation to park outside the park and do a quick hike up Mount Dana. Or does this only apply to driving in?
As long as you don't walk right up to the entrance station, you should be fine. I would hike the first 100 yards to the east of the park boundary, just to be sure.
I parked at the parking lot on the side of the road before the entrance station. I walked up to the ranger at the entrance station and
asked if I needed to pay to just hike Mt Dana (I was obviously was not thru-hiking) and he said naw just go at it.
If I was hiking with my dog (was taking a guided course the next day), I would do what Bob said and bypass the entrance station.
