Inyo permits "W" - change to permitting process?

[RadiantRiddle]

It signifies that those dates are available for walk-in permits exclusively. Online reservations aren't an option; you must visit the ranger station directly to obtain your permit for those days. Regarding the trailheads marked with both "0s" and "Ws," the "0s" probably represent days when permits can be reserved online in advance. Availability can vary, often based on how popular the trailhead is and how high the permit demand is.

[FrankPS]

It signifies that those dates are available for walk-in permits exclusively. Online reservations aren't an option; you must visit the ranger station directly to obtain your permit for those days. Regarding the trailheads marked with both "0s" and "Ws," the "0s" probably represent days when permits can be reserved online in advance. Availability can vary, often based on how popular the trailhead is and how high the permit demand is.

Walk-in permit reservations are available online for Inyo NF. https://www.fs.usda.gov/main/inyo/passe ... recreation

"40% of quota (traditionally walk up) is being added to the reservation website every day, 2 weeks before the trip."

Walk-in permits reservations are available in-person for SEKI. From the SEKI website:

"Walk-up permits can be obtained starting from 1:00pm the day before your trip begins. Permits are only issued during hours of operation by trailhead rangers who provide important area information. You must arrive at the correct trailhead desk for the trailhead you are hoping to obtain a walk up permit for. Bring your entire party to the orientation."

Issuance of walk-in permits varies depending on the land manager.

[Mr Bob]

Does anyone know why some "walk-in" permits are being released before the 2-week deadline?
It's the morning of 6/28; 2 weeks later is 7/12. But MANY reservations are gone past 7/12.
For example, Cottonwood Pass shows only 1 remainng permit on 7/18 & 7/19.

[John Harper]

Wow, I was just up there this last week (6/23-6/27), the permits for Cottonwood Pass listed 99+, so I assumed no quota. Perhaps they instigated a quota starting this weekend?

John

[Wandering Daisy]

I requested a pick-up permit from Inyo for my last trip because of printer issues. An Inyo ranger put a hold on my permit for late pick-up. I then stopped at the Mammoth Ranger Station, they simply gave me the permit and I signed it. They also provided a fire permit. It is interesting that they retrieve the permit by my phone number, NOT the permit number.

Most people prefer to print their permit at home, but they cannot deny a permit simply because you do not have the capability or desire to do it at home.

[Mtncaddis]

Thanks for sharing that Daisy. I tried the same thing last September in Mammoth only to find out when I arrived they were having printer issues. The staff in Mammoth did all they could to get the printer working and were very kind and apologetic about the situation even though it was beyond their control. I ended up having to drive over to Mono Lake.

[FrankPS]

Does anyone know why some "walk-in" permits are being released before the 2-week deadline?
It's the morning of 6/28; 2 weeks later is 7/12. But MANY reservations are gone past 7/12.
For example, Cottonwood Pass shows only 1 remainng permit on 7/18 & 7/19.

They aren't walk-in permits if it's available greater than two-weeks out. For example, today, they would have released walk-in permits for 7-12. Tomorrow, they will release an equal amount for 7-13 (the amount varies, depending on the specific trailhead quota).

For permits past the two-week period, there will only be any remaining slots from the 6-month advance reservation. Does this make sense? You can reserve permits six months in advance. For popular trailheads, you have to reserve your permit six months in advance, to the day, at 7 AM sharp, when they are released. Or they will be all gone!

Occasionally, someone will cancel a reservation on recreation.gov and they will show up at the trailhead (on recreation.gov) where there were none before.

Your question is a little confusing.

[Mr Bob]

Sorry for the confusion, and thanks for your answer Frank PS.
I was echoing the original q in the thread: why are so many permits "Unavailable" long before the 2-weeks-ahead, last 40% release?
It's not just Devil's Postpile--scroll through August and September and there are quite a few "Unavailable" trailheads, but I guess these all relate to road closures for repairs, therefore no access to the trailheads, as Lumbergh21 explained.