High Sierra Topix

I have a general question about recreation.gov permits. I successfully reserved a permit exactly 6 months before the departure date, but not at my preferred trailhead. I see my preferred trailhead will open up again in August. If I attempt to secure that permit, will the system allow me to reserve it, or do I need to release my original permit since it's on the same date? And, if I do release the original permit and don't gain a replacement permit, do I run the risk of having no permit at all?

Interesting question. I don't know the answer. I would call Recreation.gov and ask them.

You can test it out now by trying to book a different permit for the same date as the one you already have. When I tried this a couple of years ago (for a permit in Canyonlands), I recall the system said I couldn't do it because I already had a permit for that date. As such, I would've had to release the permit, but I didn't do so because of the risk you're worried about. In addition to bald's advice to call rec.gov, you could call the ranger office.

I was in the same situation both last year and the year before. When the two week window opened up for the preferred trailhead, I reserved that trailhead. There was no problem with it being the same date as the already reserved permit. I then cancelled the other reserved permit to open up that trailhead for someone else. You do still have to pay the cancellation fee.

I can confirm that you're allowed to reserve a permit on the same date of a separate reservation. And yes, try to remember to cancel your initial reservation, so that it becomes available to others.

Seems I tried this before and the system stopped me, so I tried it right now and it appears the system may let you have duplicate reservations. I didn't actually buy it, but I added it to the cart and stopped short of actually transacting. This is indeed encouraging. If successful, I will cancel the unneeded one.

I did this two years ago. Had to changing plans last minute after the refund cut off. I was allowed to double book. I tried to cancel the other (not to be used) permit. It was an in-demand ticket during high season and would have opened up a spot for a walk ups. The system would not let me cancel, even w/o refund.

I think when they become available you should just be able to go to your reservation and under trip itinerary, you can change entry trailheads if you keep the same dates. Then you won't have to give the folks running rec.gov another $6 for the additional reservation.

Sir isaacr is correct but it depends upon the park. Check your reservation on rec.gov, click the Modify button, then Change entry details. I often change my Inyo and SEKI trailheads. You can't change the entry date, just the location. I seem to recall YNP wouldn't let you change trailheads, but it seems you can now. No fees required.