Hiking in before main group- Permit question?
Posted: Tue Jul 26, 2016 9:09 am
Okay, I should know the answer to this but I don't. A group of us from the SF Bay Area will be backpacking to Treasure Lakes for a few days. But I'll be in the Bishop area a few days before that. I'd like to start my hike earlier the the day (say 9 am) before the main group arrives and starts hiking at 4 pm. The trip leader is with that group and will pick up the permit.
We already asked if I could be put on the permit as a co-group leader, but the Ranger Station said "No". That means I can't pick up the permit before the main group.
What can I do? Can I start my hike at 9 am and if a Ranger on the trail asks for my permit tell them about the main group (who likely would not have picked it up yet)? Should I try for a walk-in permit (though I'd hate to deprive someone else of the opportunity to go backpacking on that trail)? Do I have to wait for the main group to pick up the Permit?
Help!
We already asked if I could be put on the permit as a co-group leader, but the Ranger Station said "No". That means I can't pick up the permit before the main group.
What can I do? Can I start my hike at 9 am and if a Ranger on the trail asks for my permit tell them about the main group (who likely would not have picked it up yet)? Should I try for a walk-in permit (though I'd hate to deprive someone else of the opportunity to go backpacking on that trail)? Do I have to wait for the main group to pick up the Permit?
Help!