High Sierra Topix

My friend and I are planning a backpack trip in the Sierras this summer. We're not sure yet if we're going to Yosemite, Kings Canyon, or to one of the Inyo NF Wilderness areas. My question is that one of us will apply for a wilderness permit on behalf of the two of us. If the person who applied has to cancel his or her trip for whatever reason (e.g., death in family, health issue), can the other person still pick up that permit if he/she still wants to do the trip, or must the person who applied be present? Any way to have two names as "prime"?

Usually it's one leader per permit, and that person has to collect the permit. (You can't get a permit by mail---only a reservation for a permit. You have to pick the permit up in person on the day of your hike, or the day before.)

Seems I can put more than one name for the Inyo NF application form but not for Kings Canyon or Yosemite. Rather inflexible.

I just reserved a permit for the golden trout opener at Cottonwood Lakes. IIRC, there was a spot on the application to put down other names if the lead person cannot pick up the permit. The reservation fee has gone up to $10 from $6, but each person is still only $5. So, twenty bucks for you and your buddy.

John

Inyo NF:

The group leader or alternate leader must check in at our visitor center to pick up the wilderness permit and carry the permit while on the trip. Only the leader or alternate listed when the reservation is made can use the permit, reservations cannot be transferred or sold.

When you make your reservation on rec.gov, type in your friends names into the "alternative leaders" box, so if you do not show up, they can use the permit.

https://www.fs.usda.gov/wps/portal/fsin ... FSE_003756

I've had friends pick up permits in my name a couple of times at Yosemite with no issues. The friend gave my name as the person with the reservation but the actual permit was issued in her name. I had forwarded the confirmation email to her with a note to pick it up if she arrived first but they didn't ask to see the confirmation.

From Yosemite's permit info, "Even with a reservation, you, or another member of your hiking group, must pick up the wilderness permit at any permit station..."


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Ok, doesn't sound if there'll be any problem. Thanks everyone!