Trail Trooper
02-10-2008, 14:11
What is the best way to get a permit for the John Muir Trail
Show up at the Yosemite Valley Ranger at 7:30 am and ask for one the next morning, then enjoy the day of exploring Yosemite Valley by foot and free local bus. You will be able to stay that night free at the backpackers' campsite.
They hold something like 40% of their permits for walk-ins. It was very easy to get the permit for the entire trail this way this past summer. You can also call ahead and get your permit something 120 or 180 days in advance, but this is kind of a pain. Just show when the office opens and get one.
The internet option didn't work at all for me. I ended up calling. (I think you can start trying 24 weeks before the date you want.) I had to try a bunch of times before the call went through.
I did run into people who had gotten walk-in permits. For me, though, since I was flying out, I didn't want to risk it. I wanted to have a for-sure permit on a certain date before I bought plane tickets.
Did exactly what Bearpaw is rcommending in mid June 07 for my JMT thru hike. I had no problem getting a permit for the next day. U can also do a full resupply, get a mail drop(Yosemite PO), check current trail conditions, get a shower, have a drink, eat a burger, explore Yosemite history, stroll thru the gear shop, sightsee the amazing Yosemite NP before U set off on the JMT, and, yes, stay at the back packer's CG(cost me $5/day, limit 2 day stay or at least that's what they originally told me, recommended). How are U getting there?