counselor wrote: ↑Tue Jun 09, 2020 3:54 pmIt sounds like you may have figured it out. It’s a bit ridiculous it has taken people coming together on a forum instead of, you know, just issuing guidance as to how to get a permit? So much for the entire process going online June 1...BaneSierras wrote: ↑Tue Jun 09, 2020 2:35 pmGGC23 wrote: ↑Tue Jun 09, 2020 9:04 am I've also given up on trying to figure out any sort of logical pattern or rule behind when Inyo NF releases walk-up permits. I've been checking recreation.gov almost every day around 8 am and 2 pm, and based on what I've seen, there is no way to know for sure when permits for a certain trailhead will be released. It seems like you can generally expect that they will be available 10-14 days before your start date, but beyond that window, it's anyone's guess.
Regarding calling to get your permit, I did it for the first time yesterday. All things considered, it was fairly painless. I couldn't get through the first few times I called, so I waited 15 minutes and tried again. Someone picked up that second time, and our conversation lasted all of 2 minutes. 760-873-2483 seems to be the best number to call.
I posted above exactly how walk up permits are being handled. They aren't just released. No matter how often you refresh recreation.gov they aren't going to show up until you call and tell them what TH you are going in and how many you want. And you can do this 14 days in advance or less until there are no more permits left (which from my understanding they won't run out of permits for non quota trails unless a ridiculous number of people go)
I have a running theory that its being left intentionally ambiguous (or at least difficult to figure out) to minimize traffic on the trails while appeasing those that are will do to the work. All while continuing to abide by the principal of public lands being available for all while keeping attendance low enough to not require rangers to be working full schedules.
Just a theory.....
Though, I must say that I was able to to reach someone on multi calls each time at various times throughout the day and even got a returned phone call. Everyone I talked to was extremely helpful.