This year, I got denied at Mount Rainier.
Then I got denied again at North Cascades.
But somehow… I still landed a Yosemite permit.
That didn’t make sense.
In this episode of Sierra Rec Now, I break down what’s really happening with wilderness permits across the West—and why it’s not about how popular a park is, but how each park manages access.
If you’ve ever struggled to get a backpacking permit, or felt like the system is getting harder to navigate, this episode will give you a clearer way to think about it—and a better way to plan your trips moving forward.
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Why Mount Rainier only issues around 4,000 backpacking permits each year
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Why North Cascades had over 13,000 applicants for roughly 2,000 lottery spots
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Why Yosemite still offers more opportunity despite high demand
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The real difference between fixed camp systems and trailhead quota systems
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How flexibility can completely change your chances
After 10+ years of backpacking in the Sierra, I’m realizing something:
It’s not the miles that are getting harder…
It’s getting permission to take them.
🎙️ Sierra Rec Now Podcast
🌄 SierraRecMagazine.com
In this episode:
Have you been denied a permit this year? Send me a message or comment—I’d love to hear your experience.
