Their calendar was updated on Friday. It shows all the overnight slots are full. So calling and asking would not help. You see, people don't cancel until maybe a few days before the hike. And many people NEVER call and cancel. Instead, they just never show up to pick up their permits.
So if you start calling several times a day just a week before you want to go, THEN you might be able to reserve a cancelled slot. Those cost $15, by the way. Walk-ins are free!
But even if you don't call and try to get a cancellation, if you just walk in at that 11 a.m. time, you are likely to get one of the many no-shows that is made available. Remember, my Unused Permits numbers are AFTER all the walk-ins were given away.
Yes, driving up is necessary for the no-shows.
