Comments on: 11 Famous Hiking Trails with the Hardest Permits to Get in the US

By: Esther JuLee

Esther JuLee — Thu, 22 Nov 2018 16:54:15 +0000

In reply to Hannah Klausman. Thanks so much for the update, Hannah! :)

By: Hannah Klausman

Hannah Klausman — Thu, 22 Nov 2018 14:42:18 +0000

My husband and I just came back from Havasupai. The website reservation system works wonderfully and is still running, however almost all of the permits sell out within ten minutes of the website reservation system opening on February first. It helps to be flexible as it is kind of a grab and go situation. The campground closes at the end of November, and when we were there I would say it was about half full, which was perfect.

By: Justin

Justin — Fri, 02 Nov 2018 20:55:10 +0000

In reply to Judy. Just came back from Half Dome in October, I did not win the lottery and there were no walk up permits due to changeover in recreation.gov and it was the last week for the cables. Tip for 2019, if you hike to the sub dome where the ranger is checking permits and get there early enough, maybe 8-9AM, you can wait for a group that has an extra permit and they will let you join that group and group leader. Keep in mind you need the group leader and once that permitted is checked it is void so don't waste your time asking everyone you pass by on the way down if they have an extra permit, it won't work, I know from experience and had to hike up to subdome again the next morning from the valley. Hope this helps someone, cables and views from Half Dome is worth it!!

By: Local Adventurer

Local Adventurer — Tue, 14 Aug 2018 02:06:56 +0000

In reply to Judy. Thanks, Judy! Those are a few of our favorites!

By: Esther JuLee

Esther JuLee — Fri, 20 Jul 2018 16:27:55 +0000

In reply to Stephan Stockwell. Coming up soon. Hope you have an amazing hike!

By: Stephan Stockwell

Stephan Stockwell — Fri, 20 Jul 2018 16:15:19 +0000

In reply to Esther JuLee. We leave this Monday July 23rd flying out to Reno and we will be on trail the 25th.

By: Esther JuLee

Esther JuLee — Fri, 20 Jul 2018 16:13:21 +0000

In reply to Stephan Stockwell. Thanks, Stephan! :) Will add your tips to the post. When are you doing it?

By: Stephan Stockwell

Stephan Stockwell — Fri, 20 Jul 2018 14:00:04 +0000

We are doing the JMT this year and a popular work around for the lottery that is starting in Yosemite or Whitney Portal is to start further south in Horseshoe Meadows. It adds about 20 miles to the trip (not something I am upset about in the least) but those permits are wide open and guarantee you a Half Dome permit.

By: Judy

Judy — Fri, 06 Apr 2018 14:07:41 +0000

So lucky to have done 3 on my bucketlist last year… The Wave, Havasupai and Whitney! Still waiting for the Halfdome result on a April 12. Keeping my fingers crossed! Love your blog!

By: Esther JuLee

Esther JuLee — Wed, 24 Jan 2018 19:18:17 +0000

In reply to Emily.

Which one are you trying to do next? Havasupai is so tricky. The time to call is starting up soon – the beginning of Feb. The good thing is even if you can’t get them on the phone, there are plenty of people that reserve for more people than they need. You might be able to have your group tag along. When we used disqus tons of people were leaving comments to put together groups on this post: http://localadventurer.com/havasupai-falls-reservations-permits-tips/ I think it might be starting up again!