High Sierra Topix

I have been checking for permits in September for Inyo. It appears the NR has replaced Walk-in permits and that these are released 2 weeks before preferred dates. Does this mean that there will be no more walk-in permits? And that we must log on and deal with the frantic process of attempting to get permits online? Are none being offered as walk-ins anymore?

Thanks all for the advice and information.

I might be mistaken, but I think that after Labor Day they issue permits to anyone who wants one. Thus NR means no reservations needed...
Can anyone confirm this?

Deliak1 wrote: ↑Sat Jun 29, 2024 7:14 am Does this mean that there will be no more walk-in permits? And that we must log on and deal with the frantic process of attempting to get permits online? Are none being offered as walk-ins anymore?

Going online is a more "frantic process" than driving to a ranger station, standing in line, and hoping for a permit to be available? Or getting stuck in traffic on the way to the RS and missing out entirely? I think I'd rather take my chances doing it online, far less uncertainty.

John

When I clicked on the NR, a message popped up stating: "This permit is not available to be booked today. For permits beginning on 09/12/2024, check back on 08/29/2024 at 10:00 AM EDT." In other words, these NR permits are available 2 weeks in advance, I assume online. This seems new. I scrolled back through the dates and could see no "W" walk-up permits listed at all even in August. They are all either zero, a number, or NR. So, my main question is whether NR has replaced all "W" permits and you have to have a permit procured online no matter what. Are any available at the ranger station anymore?

I am coming from the east coast and have had great luck with walk-up permits as there are typically many available if you get in line early. I was not able to get any permit online this year as all the trailheads I wished to leave from got gobbled up by 10:01 am (7:01 PT). So yes, for me I have had little luck lately getting a permit online.
D.

I think a "reservation" refers to the 40-60% permits that are available 3? months in advance. No reservation would mean that you apply for the permit when the remaining permits are available, usually 2 weeks in advance. Walk-in has in the past referred to the last-minute permits available the day of or day before entry, whether you get them on the spot using your phone, or have a ranger write you a permit. I think Inyo is just trying to get rid of "W" designation because it is confusing with the traditional walk-in definition.

Also, after a certain date, there are no quotas. Self-registration for SEKI starts Sept 29, for Yosemite Oct 15. I do not know how or if Inyo does self-registration.

balzaccom wrote: ↑Sat Jun 29, 2024 7:41 am I might be mistaken, but I think that after Labor Day they issue permits to anyone who wants one. Thus NR means no reservations needed...
Can anyone confirm this?

Per the Inyo web page, quota season is May 1 to Nov 1.
The exception to this would be a few trails (e.g. Cottonwood Pass) whose quota season starts later in June and some trails that are completely non-quota (e.g. Trail Pass).

Also, I’d assume (from how it is being applied, as a replacement for the “W” symbol) that NR stands for “not (yet) released”.

Deliak1, I believe you are correct that there are no more walk-in permits.
I haven't called yet to confirm this, but I suspect if you show up at the ranger station, they'll tell you to get online.
You are also correct that person-to-person requests would correct the problem, whether in-person or on the phone.
The permitting process must change. I was online at 7 this morning and all the permits I wanted were gone before could check out.

It's time for an online petition and new thread: how to deal with rangers when caught in the backcountry with no permit.

Mr Bob wrote:

It's time for an online petition and new thread: how to deal with rangers when caught in the backcountry with no permit.

Petition was already done: viewtopic.php?t=21262&hilit=Petition

You will be escorted out and receive a citation for going into the backcountry without a permit or bear canister for $250. There are 3 possibilities that can occur, Forfeiture of Collateral, Forfeiture of Collateral Schedule, and Excluded Offenses, the max fine a judge can give someone in these cases is 6 months and/or $5000 fine.

I called the Eastern Sierra Interagency Visitor Center yesterday to ask about the "NR" on recreation.gov. The representative told me the NR (Not Yet Released) replaces the "W" (Walk-up). Based on a review of recreation.gov, this appears to be the case when greater than two weeks out, or past the walk-up period.

If within the two week walk-up period, the number of available walk-up permits will show.

The rep told me recreation.gov hasn't gotten around to eliminating the "W," yet.

And there are still walk-up permits you can get without going online. Specifically, SEKI walk-up permits are issued only in person. And I think you can get walk-up permits, in person, in Inyo, although they discourage it.

The petition says:

Petition Closed

Maverick, did Change.org ever inform you that your petition is closed? As one of the 249 "supporters," it would be good to know if we're still where we were 3 years ago. While Cicely Muldoon paid attention to this issue, Lesley Yen, the current Inyo Supervisor, has not.