[pct-l] JMT permits

[Bob Bankhead]

I must disagree with you about rangers, Josh. Yosemite is by far the most anal about regulations. In 4 trips through Tuolumne Meadows, I have never encountered a ranger at any trailhead, but I have always been checked for permit, bear can, and camping fee receipt at the TM backpackers' campground, usually about dusk. I have also been checked for permit and bear can by a ranger stationed along the JMT in Lyell Canyon. Each time it was one of the armed NPS law enforcement rangers rather than the standard unarmed park rangers. Despite having a ranger station at Little Yosemite Valley, we were not visited at the campground or along the trail.

I also ran into two USFS rangers near Thousand Island Lake last summer. They asked about, but did not want to see, my permit and bear can.

I am told by those I trust that there is a female ranger patrolling from Reds Meadow south to (but not including) Tulley Hole each season. Reportedly, this lady has historically exhibited an overtly aggressive and nasty attitude toward hikers.

>From Reds Meadow to Cottonwood Pass I have not hiked, but also have not heard of anyone being unduely hassled by rangers. I suspect that as long as you don't camp where you're not supposed to, or draw attention to yourself by being unruly, they'll pretty much leave you alone. I would expect to find rangers along the most popular weekender and fishermen sections, like from Reds Meadow north to Thousand Island Lake, from Reds south to at least Lake Virginia, the Rae Lakes area, and of course Crabtree Meadow, Mt Whitney summit, and Trail Pass.



----- Original Message ----- 
  From: Josh 
  To: 'Ann Marie' 
  Cc: pct-l at backcountry.net 
  Sent: Saturday, June 27, 2009 9:29 PM
  Subject: Re: [pct-l] JMT permits


  2 things:
  1) If U got to Yosemite the night b4 & are 1st in line @ the Wilderness
  Office @ Yosemite Village, UR be 100% sure to get a permit.  So that's
  really the way to go.
  2) NO, there's no Ranger checking Permits @ the Trailheads or anything like
  that...I've hiked for days and even weeks at a time and not seen a ranger at
  all...another possible option, is to get a permit to stay in one of the HSC
  btwn Happy Isles & Tuolumne and try to get one from there at opening.

  I too would be interested in knowing what type of fine or punishment there
  is for NOT having a permit.

  One reminder, make sure U have an Approved Bear Canister with U because they
  will NOT issue U a same day without one.

  Josh