A Question About Kings Canyon Permits

[David and Karen]

I know what it says on the official website - but I wanted the opinion of the locals.

My understanding is that each trailhead has a daily quota - 2/3 of the permits are reserved in advance from reservation.gov. - I haven't confirmed this myself but a friend told me all those are gone already.

The remaining third you get from a ranger station at 1pm the day before the hike.

I was told by a friend that its harder to get permits for West side trailheads (Road's End, Mineral King) and its harder to get permits on the weekend. However mid-week at East side trailheads (Onion Valley, South Lake) shouldn't be a problem.

Is this accurate?

Thanks

[jfelectron]

KCNP is not issuing permits through recreation.gov. Inyo NF just started this year. For trailheads to the East, you can get a permit from Inyo on recreation.gov. Permits for trailheads within KCNP are issued by faxing or mailing a form. They keep a list of the dates that are full for reservations:

http://www.nps.gov/seki/planyourvisit/r ... bility.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;



Information regarding how to obtain a permit can be found here:

http://www.nps.gov/seki/planyourvisit/w ... ermits.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[David and Karen]

Thanks - those links really helped a lot.

OK moments away from booking permits - one last question I have is what happens if you can't pick up the permit the day before the hike?

We are booking a flight to Reno that lands at noon. The closest Ranger station is in Lee Vining which is 3 hours away and it closes at 5pm. If the flight is delayed or there is construction etc - can we call ahead or do anything at all to prevent those permits from being given away?

Thanks

[oldranger]

Yes, you can call ahead. I have picked up my permit afterhours at the Mono Lake visitor center. You also will need to specifically request that is where you want to pick it up, even if the TH is way south.

Mike

[Mike M.]

Be sure to call ahead and ask. FYI, the ranger station in Bishop does not allow after-hour pickups any longer -- you must pick your permit up in person during business hours. This was a change in policy that took effect several years ago. Hopefully for you, the Lee Vining ranger station will have a different policy.

Mike