Just spoketo a ranger at TM who said they give up to 16 daily walk-in permits and August is the heaviest month so people start lining up early as 5am. She suggested that those who miss the cut can start from Parker pass and connect to the JMT near 1000 Island lakes. Not my preferred way to get started, but anyone want to comment on this alternative entry point? Is starting at HI any better for permits…am guessing no.
Lastly, are walk-in permits always for the day of or next day only?
mark
I was looking at Parker Pass as part of an alternative route to Red’s Meadow and it looks like it would be about two miles longer to the point where it connects with the JMT at Thousand Island Lake. The downside is you would miss Lyell Canyon and the tarns south of Donohue Pass (two of the nicest areas of the trail) and limited parking at the trailhead. The upside is that it is probably less crowded.
You will have the same problem with Happy Isles as these are the two most popular trailheads in the park.
The walk-in permits can be picked up for the next day. If there are any left on the day you want to hike that is also a possibility.
Snowball