I have a permit that requires me to go no further than Little Yosemite Valley on my first day. That is only 4.4 miles and I wanted to do a few more miles the first day.
If I cannot get a walk-up permit for that day that is pass-thru - what are the odds that I will be stopped on the trail or in camp and asked to show my permit that will not be valid?
OregonBeerMan
Unfortunately, in Yosemite, you are more likley to encounter backcountry rangers then anywhere else in the Sierras. And Little Yosemite Valley (and Merced Lake) are 2 of the most likley places to encounter one. When you get out of the Yosemite Valley to Tuolumne Mdws corrider, you are far less likely to see one.
Since you already have a permit, you just need to get them to modify your existing permit which is easier then applying for a new permit since you already have the starting trailhead reservation. This should be easy since you have the campsite most people request(Little Yosemite Valley) so taking a less desirable campsite further on shouldn’t be an issue with the ranger at the wilderness permit office. I personally, would keep your existing permit and spend half the day on top of Half Dome and call it your adapting to high altitude day.
Miner
Along the same lines, I have a permit issued by the PCTA allowing me to hike from I-10 to Tuolumne Mdws. Are the Yosemite Rangers going to accept this as a valid permit?
Jeff
The PCTA is allowed to issue permits for trips along the PCT if the trip length is 500 miles or longer. This permit is accepted by all agencies along the PCT corridor.
Miner
Oregan Beer Man,
I’m curious what kind of overnight permit only allows you to hike a certain amount of miles per day? Most overnight permits in Yosemite ask you for the entry and exit points. I wasn’t aware of a JMT permit that limits you on your first day.
Anyway, have a great JMT hike!
SierraShade
SierraShade
Hey there cool sunshade man!
My understanding of the new permit system is that you are limited on your first day from Yosemite Valley. I guess the idea is too limit the number of folks camped in LYV and Sunrise. After that - you are free to do whatever.
As I mentioned - my permit is not a pass thru (that means I cannot go beyond LYV the first day). Kinda bummer since 4.4 miles is not all that much (when you look at another 200+ to go…).
-martin
OregonBeerMan
That’s the same kind of walk-up permit we got too. It turned out (unplanned) really well. The night before starting you can get a hotel someplace cheaper and/or nicer than Yosemite Valley, eat well, sleep well. Then you can drive into the valley, do a little look-see at the falls and El Capitan, and still have plenty of time to get to LYV. It’s a fair amount of elevation gain even though it’s so short. Then you are acclimating to the elevation more gradually your first night on the trail, plus you get a real toilet for the first night, plus you have a shot at beating the crowds to Half Dome if you so choose. (Or even get up there for the sunrise.) The big mile days will be plenty later.
Sooooo…what KIND of Oregon beer? I have a soft spot for Bridgeport IPA. :cheers
markv