All About Wilderness Permits
No matter how long you have been a part of the hiking community if you want to venture out into the wilderness, there is a strong chance you will need to obtain a wilderness permit. If you even lurk in the hiker social media groups, you will see all of the controversy surrounding these little pieces of paper. Some seasoned members of the extended community are suspicious of the intentions behind the permits, and those breaking into the world of outdoor can be confused by the whole topic, so today we will try to clear some of the confusion surrounding this subject.
The core of the wilderness permit conversation, like many conversations, tends to center on the theme of money with people concerned about the cost of purchasing a permit and where that money ultimately goes. In general, when one begins the process of obtaining their wilderness permit, there will be a reservation fee (or entry fee if there is a lottery) of around $10 and then additional charges of around $5 per person per day in the wilderness plus any other campground fees or fees for additional permits required for activities on the trip. Of course, however, there are some day hiking areas that will still require one to obtain a free permit at the time of beginning the trail and some long-distance trips will alter the fees and purchasing process of wilderness permits. But where does this money go?
The money that is gained from the selling of wilderness permits goes directly back into the upkeep and maintenance of the trail system. This money ensures that the trails will remain useable for many generations to come and keeps the wilderness wild. Maintaining trails is not free and a lot of effort goes into keeping trails clear and in good condition while protecting the ecosystems that host them. By purchasing a wilderness permit, a hiker is not only following the rules but also contributing to the preservation of nature.
The importance of wilderness permits does not end, however at the financial support to the trail system. They help to regulate the number of people in any one area at one time which reduces the overall impact on the environment and the stress on the wilderness. They also help to keep hikers safe in the event of an emergency breaking out in the wilderness because they outline the intended itinerary for those trips. If there is a reason to evacuate a trail park rangers, and emergency responders will have at least an idea of how many people are in the area and need to be sent to safety, which keeps the hiking community as a whole safe.
The process of obtaining a wilderness permit differs from trail to trail based on which agency manages the trail and is in charge of issuing the permits. In many cases, permits can be reserved online and picked up at a specified wilderness center either the morning you set out on the trail or the day prior, but in some cases, you can print the permit at home directly from an account on a site like recreation.gov. Of course, there are some cases where permits are only available at wilderness centers or the specific trailhead, so it is important to research prior to heading out on a trip.
While doing the research for your trip, you should also check for any other permits you may need while in the backcountry, for instance, you may need a campfire permit if you are planning on cooking with a stove that has an open flame. The research should also help you identify the busy season for your trip and the days with the best odds for obtaining a permit for your chosen trailhead if there is a limited number of permits available. There will still be some confusion on longer trips because of certain trails passing through multiple management jurisdictions and different interpretations of rules, but if you have armed yourself with the appropriate research you should be able to navigate fairly easily.
All in all, wilderness permits are a small price to pay to keep the hiking community safe and the wilderness healthy for many more generations to explore. A couple of hours of research and planning will make the process of obtaining the necessary permits for any trip much easier for even the most novice of adventurer. Next time you head out on the trail, show you care and are a responsible member of the outdoor community by ensuring that you have a valid wilderness permit for your adventure into the wilderness.
References:
https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/sierra/passes-permits/?cid=fsbdev7_018115
https://www.sierrawild.gov/resources/permits/
